The key to beautiful skin all summer long lies not in accumulating products, but in intelligently adapting your routine to the three essential phases of the season: preparation before exposure, adjustment during the summer, and repair in the fall.
This guide will accompany you from the beginning to the end of summer with actionable advice for each step. You'll discover how to prepare your skin for an even and long-lasting tan, how to simplify your routine while effectively protecting your skin, how to address specific summer skin concerns (acne, shine, sunburn, etc.), and finally, how to repair accumulated damage to regain radiant skin by the time you return to work or school.
PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR THE SUN
WE EXFOLIATE OUR SKIN
Exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and prepares your skin for the sun. With your skin free of dead cells, you'll tan more evenly and for longer. Body scrubs boost your skin's radiance and allow oils and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Your skin will be soft, smooth, and revitalized.
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR SKIN
Once your skin is exfoliated, it's important to moisturize it well to promote regeneration and rebuild a protective barrier that will shield you from UV rays. Unlike scrubs, you can moisturize your skin daily. For better absorption of the active ingredients, we recommend applying your treatment to damp skin, right after showering.
To firm your skin, you can also, in addition to a sporting activity, use Holi (Oil) Body - AGENT NATEUR to firm, sculpt and strengthen the skin from within.
WE ENHANCE HER SKIN
Finally, to enhance your skin and tan, you can use a natural treatment like the SPF30 Radiance Serum - SuperNatural Radiance - RMS BEAUTY , a tinted moisturizing serum that corrects complexion imperfections, illuminates the skin and offers daily sun protection.
THE IDEAL SUMMER ROUTINE
A LIGHT CREAM
Replace your rich, nourishing winter moisturizer with a light, water-based cream or gel:
A REFRESHING TONIC
The heat is here, so think about refreshing toners and mists. Ideal for hydrating your skin during hot summer days:
A TREATMENT BASED ON ANTIOXIDANTS
For radiant skin and to combat free radicals (UV rays, pollution, etc.), opt for skincare products based on antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E:
- Holi C - NATURAL AGENT
- Sea Vitamin C - MARA
- Liquid Courage - Gentleman
- Brightening Serum - Vitamin C & E + Hyaluronic Acid - ODACITÉ
AN ENZYMATIC CLEANSER
We maintain the double cleansing method, and opt for active formulas containing enzymes and AHAs to deeply remove sweat, sunscreen and makeup residue, and free radicals:
A SUNSCREEN SPF
Apply SPF sunscreen daily and reapply if exposed to the sun:
A SOOTHING BALM
Apply soothing treatments in case of sunburn:
TIP: Store your winter favorites in the refrigerator so you can enjoy them again at the end of summer!
THE POST-SUMMER ROUTINE
STEP 1: EXFOLIATION
The key step to radiant, smooth skin! The end of summer is the perfect time for a deep skin cleansing. Pores clogged by sweat, sebum, and sunscreen can cause blemishes. They can also lose their elasticity and remain enlarged, so it's essential to unclog them. Furthermore, dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface can give a dull and uneven appearance. You can start with an absorbent, exfoliating mask to remove impurities and absorb excess sebum.
- Volcanic Sea Clay Detox Mask - MARA
- Rose Face Mask - ANIMA MUNDI
- Dirty Pretty Thing Mask - GRESSA SKIN
Also use a gentle exfoliating cleanser three times a week as the second step in your double cleansing routine to help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin every day. Exfoliation should be done in moderation to avoid over-stimulating the skin.
See our dossier: EXFOLIATION… TOO MUCH IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD
STEP 2: THE REPAIR
Hydration and Protection! After exfoliating, it's essential to repair and protect your skin. Hydration is key to restoring the natural balance of sun-damaged skin. As always, the star ingredient is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a structural molecule found throughout the body that acts as a natural humectant, meaning it attracts water. In addition to hydration, you can nourish and repair your skin with a balm rich in restorative ingredients.
Don't forget to protect your skin daily from UV rays, even after summer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to prevent future damage.
STEP 3: THE CORRECTION
HYPERPIGMENTATION
After spending a lot of time in the sun, you may be experiencing pigmentation. Pigmentation is a natural defense against UV rays. Melanin is the pigment in the skin that gives us our tan and skin color. These cells are responsible for producing melanin and are located in the outermost layer of the skin. Melanin travels to the surface of the skin, where it accumulates to create pigmentation. These cells may accumulate unevenly, resulting in spots. Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your morning routine to combat these spots. You can also use an even more potent brightening treatment.
- Sea Vitamin C Serum - MARA
- Radiance + - VIDA GLOW
- Brightening Serum - Vitamin C & E + Hyaluronic Acid - ODACITE
ACNE
Heat and perspiration impact your skin's microbiome. They create a microenvironment that promotes the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Furthermore, the sun dries out the skin, which in turn produces more sebum, eventually clogging pores. In addition to exfoliation and repair, you can use active ingredients that soothe inflammation and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
See our feature: THE BEST ANTI-BLEMISH TREATMENTS
7 Skin Problems You May Experience in Summer
1. ACNE
The causes of acne can be numerous: weakened immunity, compromised skin barrier, hormones… But in summer, breakouts are generally linked to a natural increase in sebum production due to the heat, which makes us sweat and clogs pores. This makes us want to over-exfoliate to remove the sebum, but this isn't the right solution and can further stimulate the sebaceous glands. The solution is to opt for gentle cleansers with anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating ingredients.
2. THE STAINS
Sunscreen is the best defense against the formation of dark spots. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide blocks UV rays that trigger the discoloration of melanocytes in the skin and, unlike conventional sunscreens, does not generate heat in the skin.
Consider incorporating an antioxidant into your morning routine. Topical antioxidants like vitamin C are especially helpful in blocking the key enzyme responsible for excessive pigment production. A vitamin C serum will also boost your sun protection while shielding against free radical damage. Vitamin C's multitasking benefits include promoting collagen production and brightening your complexion.
3. GLOWING SKIN
Skin tends to be shiny in summer due to the heat and humidity, which increase sebum production. Be sure to simplify your routine and use mattifying products.
4. ITCHY SCALP
Increased sebum production can worsen scalp problems such as dandruff, redness, and flaking. Wash your scalp with a gentle, slightly exfoliating shampoo to remove residue.
5. Dry or pimply skin on the body
Summer heat and air conditioning can dry out the skin, leaving it dull and uncomfortable. To combat this, opt for moisturizing products that should be applied all over the body after each shower while the skin is still slightly damp. A gentle exfoliating treatment can help fight minor blemishes.
6. SUNBURN
Sunburn is not only painful, but it can also lead to premature skin aging. To prevent this, generously apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 minimum). The amount needed for adequate protection is 1/2 teaspoon. If you do get sunburned, you can apply a soothing balm.
7. Excessive Sweating
In summer, we need to be able to rely on an effective deodorant that will protect us throughout the day.