Why You Should Start Your Summer Skincare Routine Now 🌞
Have you started thinking about your summer skincare yet?
With longer, sunnier days finally on the horizon (hello British summer!), now is the perfect time to switch up your routine and prep your skin for the season ahead. Just like we change our wardrobe in summer- lighter layers, sunnier shades- our skin benefits from a seasonal shift too. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Why does your skin need a summer routine?
As the temperature rises and humidity increases, you might notice changes in your skin. Oilier T-zones, makeup sliding off, more breakouts? Totally normal. Sun exposure also becomes a major factor, and without the right products, this can speed up premature ageing, exacerbate pigmentation and flare inflammatory skin conditions such as Acne and Rosacea.
Many of my patients report their skin feels more congested or reactive in summer, and with good reason. Hot weather, sweat, SPF and pollution can all mix together and clog pores. The key is to simplify and protect.
1. Lighten up your moisturiser
If your winter moisturiser feels too heavy, you’re not imagining it. Summer calls for lighter, gel-based or hydrating lotions.
💧 Try: Obagi Hydrate or Hydrate Light – perfect post-treatment or for soothing summer skin without adding oil.
2. Double down on your SPF
I know, I say this all the time—but it’s that important. UV damage is the leading cause of premature skin ageing. SPF should be the non-negotiable step in everyone’s morning routine, all year round, but especially in summer. And no, the SPF in your makeup doesn’t count.
🧴 Try: Obagi Sunshield Tints- available in cool or warm tint depending on your skin tone.
ZO Sunscreen + Powder SPF 30- perfect for on-the-go reapplication.
3. Cleanse smart, not harsh
I always advocate for gentle cleansers and summer time is no exception. Sweat and SPF can clog pores—cleanse gently but thoroughly.
🫧 Try: Obagi Gentle or Foaming Cleanser- ideal morning and night. Will clean without stripping your skin’s natural barrier and doesn’t feature any harsh actives. Choose the Gentle Cleanser for dryer and more sensitive skin types and the Foaming Cleanser for oilier more congestion prone skin types.
4. Incorporate antioxidants
Sun exposure increases the number of free radicals on your skin, which in turn cause oxidative stress leading to dullness, pigmentation, and fine lines. A powerful antioxidant serum in the morning, like Vitamin C, can help neutralise these free radicals and boost your SPF’s effectiveness.
That’s right, Vitamin C and SPF are a power couple. (You can read more about that in my “Powerhouse Combinations” blog.)
🍊 Try: Obagi Professional C 10% + SPF in the morning for unbeatable defence against UV radiation.
5. Manage pigmentation
If you notice that your pigmentation improves during the winter months, you are not imagining it. With summer comes more UV radiation, and pigmentation will want to rear its ugly head again. Any pigmentation will have to be managed in the summer months, so now is not the time to put your Tretinoin away. I usually advise my patients to maintain Tretinoin use, increase SPF protection, exfoliate a couple of times a week, and to use a tyrosinase inhibitor such as Hydroquinone or Alpha-Arbutin to inhibit melanin production.
🌞 Try: Obagi Clarifying Serum or Obagi Clear once daily in the morning to keep pigmentation at bay.
6. Book your summer skin treatment now
Skip the medium to deep peels for now—but don’t skip the glow!
✨ My summer-safe favourites:
• Profhilo- for hydration and plump dewy skin.
• Polynucleotides- for skin rejuvenation, antioxidant benefits and improved hydration.
Need help creating your personalised summer skincare plan?
📅 Book a consultation today and let’s tailor something perfect for your skin type, routine, and summer goals.
