Not just sunscreen: your skincare routine needs to change in summer

The skin is a living organ, and like any organ in the body, it is part of a complete biological system. It is constantly affected by the environment in which we live and, to the same extent, by the processes that occur within the body. Therefore, proper maintenance of skin health relies on the connection between what we do for it from the outside and the conditions we create for it from within. The better these two conditions work together, the better the skin is able to cope with the changes that each season brings.

Winter or summer: skin protection starts with sunscreen

In the summer months, protection from the sun becomes especially important, so sunscreen should be a permanent part of your routine every morning. In Israel, where the intensity of radiation is high for most months of the year, it is recommended to choose sunscreen with SPF 50. However, there is no reason for the protection factor to become yet another layer that weighs down the skin. When you add, above and below it, a moisturizer, primer, and foundation, the feeling may become heavy and sticky, especially on hot and humid days. Today, there are sunscreens that allow you to skip some of these steps. Along with sun protection, they include active ingredients that support skin hydration and provide broader protection also from other environmental factors such as blue light radiation. There are also formulas that can replace primer or provide delicate coverage (tint), so there is no need to overload the skin with additional layers of makeup. The result is a simpler morning routine, with fewer products on the skin and without compromising on protection.

Match the textures to the weather

Makeup products that feel great in winter do not always behave the same way on the skin when the weather is hot and humid. Heat and moisture affect how makeup sets, so throughout the day it may look less even and feel heavier. Powder, for example, tends to absorb sweat and oil, accumulate in different areas of the face, and emphasize the skin’s texture. Therefore, we will prefer lighter textures, such as liquid foundation, blush, and stick eyeshadow, or moisture-based formulas that provide natural coverage and blend better with weather conditions. The result is a more natural and fresh look, and skin that feels pleasant and light even after hours outside the home.

Even your products should be kept cool in summer

Storage conditions for skincare products are important no less than the way you use them. Some products can even become more pleasant and effective when stored at a low temperature. Eye gel, soothing masks, and moisturizing sprays, for example, provide a significantly greater sense of freshness when taken out of the refrigerator. A moisturizing spray containing hyaluronic acid and antioxidant ingredients can provide the skin with a “shot” of freshness during the day, and when it is cold it also helps reduce the feeling of heat and gives an immediate cooling effect.

On the other hand, not every product needs to go into the refrigerator. Sunscreen is recommended to be stored in a shaded, cool place and not under direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may damage the stability of the formula and reduce the effectiveness of protection, so it is important to pay attention to how it is stored as well, especially during the summer months.

Hair and the scalp skin also suffer from the heat

When talking about sun damage, most attention is directed to the skin of the face, but the scalp and hair are also exposed every day to sunlight and the summer heat load. Cumulative exposure can cause dryness, damage the hair fiber, and even cause burns to the scalp, especially in areas where the hair is thinner. Therefore, it is worth including in your summer routine hair products that help maintain moisture and provide protection against heat damage, while simultaneously reducing as much as possible the use of hair styling devices that operate at high temperatures. For men, and especially in cases of thinning hair or baldness, it is important to protect the scalp as well with a dedicated sunscreen and to wear a hat during prolonged exposure to the sun.

Drinking water is essential for hydrating skin from within

Even the best skincare routine cannot make up for a lack of fluids, so it is important to stick to drinking water. We are used to thinking about skin health in terms of creams, serums, and sunscreens, but one of the most influential factors on the skin’s appearance and its function is actually the body’s hydration level. In hot days, the body loses more fluids through sweating, and when it does not receive enough water, it becomes harder for the skin to maintain its natural hydration and cope with the heat load. Therefore, it is important to drink throughout the day, even if the feeling of thirst has not yet appeared. It is also important to avoid sweet drinks: their negative effects on the skin. And if we still want to add flavor to water, we can do so with a slice of lemon, orange peel, or mint leaves. Skin that receives the right conditions from within manages to maintain its balance better, so adequate drinking is an integral part of a skincare routine, just like any product you apply from the outside.

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Chava Zingboim is the founder and head of the Innovation and Clinical Development department of the Longevity Skin-Tech brand HAVA ZINGBOIM