The blazing sun and suffocating humidity—summer is truly here! While exciting summer vacations are great, our skin is currently in a state of emergency. Worried about makeup melting from sweat and sebum, and dark spots and wrinkles forming from strong UV rays? Don't worry too much. If you just know a few key principles of summer skincare, you can get through this season more healthily than anyone. 😊
The Alpha and Omega of Summer Skincare: 'Sun Protection' ☀️
If someone were to ask for the single most important thing in summer skincare, I would answer 'sun protection' without hesitation. It's not just about preventing a tan; it's the most fundamental step in protecting your skin from UV rays that cause skin aging and skin cancer.
In the summer, the UV index is very high, so it's important to choose a product with SPF30/PA++ or higher and apply a generous amount (about the size of a large coin) 30 minutes before going out. And the most crucial thing is the habit of reapplying every 2-3 hours. Sunscreen is easily wiped away by sweat and sebum, so reapplication is a must, not an option.
If reapplying sunscreen is difficult because of makeup, try using a 'sun stick' or 'sun cushion.' You can easily reapply by patting it over your makeup without smudging. For your body, a sun spray can conveniently cover hard-to-reach areas.
The 'Empty and Fill' Strategy for Cleansing & Hydration 💧
The second key to summer skincare is 'emptying' and 'filling.' With increased sebum and sweat production, pores can easily get clogged and cause trouble if not emptied properly. Thoroughly wash away impurities in your pores using a gentle cleanser. 'Double cleansing' is recommended if you've worn makeup or sunscreen.
Once you've cleansed, it's time to fill up with moisture. Many people skip moisturizing because their skin feels oily, but this leads to a vicious cycle where internal dehydration causes the skin to produce even more sebum. In summer, choose lightweight products that are low in oil but high in moisture.
Skipping moisturizer makes the skin feel dry, causing it to produce more oil to protect itself. Use an oil-free gel-type moisturizer or a hydrating essence to replenish moisture inside while keeping the surface fresh.
'After-Sun & Cooling' Care for Heated Skin 🌿
After long exposure to strong sunlight, your skin is in a state similar to having an invisible burn. The most important thing at this point is 'after-sun care' to immediately lower the skin's temperature and soothe the irritated area.
It's best to use products containing soothing ingredients like aloe, cica (centella asiatica), or green tea. Soaking cotton pads with a soothing toner and chilling them in the fridge for a quick mask, or applying a thick layer of aloe soothing gel, can greatly help lower skin temperature and reduce redness.
Summer Skincare Core Summary
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
With just a little bit of care, you can maintain "honey skin" even in the summer. Let's balance our skin's oil and moisture levels and perfectly protect it from UV rays with the tips from today! I hope you have a healthy and enjoyable summer.
If you have your own special summer skincare secrets, please share them in the comments~ 😊
