How to tweak your skincare routine to survive the hot summer

I think it's safe to say that everybody has been feeling the heat. We’re all looking for some respite, whether by hitting the beach, going up to Baguio, lounging by the pool, or even just collapsing on our beds with the fan at full blast. You may even have updated your wardrobe to consist of light, airy, and perhaps skin-baring pieces to keep from getting hot and bundled up. Just as we adjust our clothes to be more weather-appropriate, it’s a good idea to do the same for our skincare regimen. Like it or not, our environment has an effect on our skin and this causes our skin’s condition and needs to change. If you haven’t done it yet, here’s some quick guidelines on how to transition your routine and make it more summer-ready. 

Do some spring cleaning

Many beauty brands release special collections for the summer season, so if you’re looking to add some new pieces, it’s a good idea to clear out your vanity and beauty storage. You may already know when to toss your makeup but are you familiar with skincare expiration dates as well? With the heat at full blast, products that aren’t properly stored can degrade at a faster rate. It may be tempting to still use it, especially when there's no funky smell or it change in appearance but considering that you apply it directly on your skin and expect to reap benefits, stop to consider if you should take the risk.

Make sure to store your products in a cool part of the room, away from direct sunlight, and possibly in a sealed container to avoid gathering of dust and ensure product freshness. Transparent organizers are a good investment as storage for your skincare and makeup, particularly if you’re a hoarder like me!

Switch to lighter moisturizers

Cleaning out your stash may have led you to unearth products that you’ve quite forgotten about. Hydration is still key no matter what weather is like, so this is the best time to trade in your rich creams for a lighter formula. Water-based and gel type moisturizers offer your skin good hydration without weighing it down or causing a sticky sensation. It can take time for skin to adjust to a new product, so if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with alternating between the established product and the new one every other day. You may increase it to daily application by the following week.

We recommend the Celeteque Dermoscience Hydration Facial Moisturizer (P139 for 50ml at the beauty department), The Face Shop Moisture Blending Formula Cream (P2,195 at The Face Shop stores), and Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (P245 at Nature Republic stores) 

Go easy on exfoliation

Should you exfoliate more or less during the summer season? It’s certainly tempting to scrub away with all that sweat, oil and grime forming a layer on your skin, the dirt and grime more often but you might want to hold off on using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) as these can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Once a week or less is ideal, particularly if you will be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, or if you are not so diligent with your sun protection. I was once advised by my dermatologist to stop using my chemical exfoliant at least five days prior to a beach trip and only start using it again three days after.

Keep your cool

While it feels nice to splash some ice-cold water on hot skin, why not use products give that refreshing effect while giving you some skin care benefits as well? Himalaya Naturals Refreshing and Clarifying Toner (P129 at Watsons) contains natural ingredients that cleanse and provide a cooling effect to the skin. The Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX (P2,150 at Laneige stores) is a light gel moisturizer that lowers the skin’s temperature with Hydro Ion Mineral Water. Some clay masks are difficult to use on summery days because they do tend to heat up but Banila Co’s The Blacks Cooling Clay Mask (Ice) (P695 at BeautyMNL) cools the skin with peppermint extract while giving some serious pore-cleaning action. If your retouch at midday leaves you feeling too matte, a refreshing facial mist would be a good addition to your routine.

The ubiquitous Evian Facial Spray (P199 for 50ml at Watsons) is a favorite even among makeup artists. I also spray on MAC’s Prep + Prime Fix+ (P1,200 in MAC stores) when it gets especially hot; amazingly, it always feels cool and soothing.

Never go without sun protection

With less cloud cover and higher temps, it’s even more important to be mindful of your sun protection during summer. The daily application of sunscreen is non-negotiable so choose one with adequate sun protection and is not too greasy so as to lead to makeup meltdown. Always use sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF of at least 30 to protect not just against sunburn but also from skin cancer and premature aging. 

We recommend: Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (P3,850 at House of Obagi), Belo Sun Expert Ultra Gentle Sheer Spray, Armada Face Cover 30 (P875 at department stores), Celeteque Sun Care SPF 50 Face and Body Cream (P449 at department stores)

Have you transitioned to more summer-friendly products? What are your go-tos and how did it earn its HG status? Let us know if you have more tips by commenting below!