Discover a selection of summer skincare heroes you’ll be reaching for this season to keep your skin protected, hydrated and in check
Summer is just around the corner and for a lot of us, this means spending more time outdoors in the sun. So whether you’re staycationing close to home, venturing on an exotic holiday, running in the park or having a day out at the beach, you’ll need to account for sun exposure.
Not only do the warmer months bring higher temperatures, they also bring higher humidity levels and increased dehydration – so you might want to switch out your regular winter skincare routine if you want healthy summer skin.
The beginnings of summer are a great time to re-assess your skincare arsenal and make sure you have everything you need to ensure your skin stays protected, hydrated and healthy through the warmer weather.
Here are some skin must-haves that you might want to consider adding to your sunny-season stash. From UV protection for the whole family to best-loved skincare that works well under make-up, you can have fun in the sun without any worries.
Best for sensitive skin
Try: Soltan Sensitive & Sun Allergy Protect Lotion SPF50+
• Size: 200ml
• Suitable for sensitive & eczema-prone skin
• Vegan-friendly*
Sensitive skin usually needs a little extra support – especially if you’re going to be spending time in the sun. This pick from Soltan is specially designed for sensitive skin, including those with eczema. Formulated with vitamin C and E, it also protects the skin from short-term and long-term damage from UV rays with its 5-star UVA protection.
Best for SPF with no white cast
Try: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for dry skin
A K-Beauty fan favourite, this chemical suncream from Beauty of Joseon also contains ingredients that contribute to skin calming and brightening, so you can achieve complexion protection and perfection. The SPF50+ PA ++++ will protect you from damaging UV rays, while the 30% rice extract and probiotic grain complex soothe the skin and help to maintain a healthy skin barrier without any sticky residue or white cast.
Best for sunscreen re-application
Try: Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder™ SPF 30
• Size: 4.25g
This might just be your sunscreen re-application saviour! We know how tricky it is to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day – especially if you’re wearing make-up and don’t want to smudge the look you put so much time into creating. This innovative mineral re-setting powder helps mattify shine and re-set your makeup, while allowing you to top up your sun protection as and when you need to. The built-in brush makes application on-the-go a breeze so your skin stays protected and your make-up perfected all day long.
Best for protecting the pout!
Try: Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lip Balm Coconut SPF 30 UVA/UVB
• Size: 2.45g
• Vegan* & cruelty-free
You might have the best skincare routine for summer, but it’s easy to forget about the lips! The skin on your lips is thinner and contains less melanin, making them more vulnerable to UV damage – so never skip out on protecting that pout! This smooth SPF30 lip balm contains aloe and vitamin E for all-day kissable lips, while the coconut flavour is irresistible and will transport you to a desert island with every swipe!
Best for that post-sun glow
Try: Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating After Sun Lotion
• Size: 180ml
• Vegan*
Summer skincare doesn’t end with suncream – especially if you want to maintain hydrated, healthy-looking skin after the sun goes down. Indulge in some post-sun pampering and preserve your tan with this lightweight, nourishing aftersun lotion that offers 24-hour moisturisation benefits. It’s packed with island-inspired botanicals like mango, papaya, plumeria, guava and passionfruit and has the iconic Hawaiian Tropic scent that’ll have you obsessed and wanting to lather it all over your body.
Best for a simplified skincare routine
Try: Bulldog Anytime Daily Moisturiser SPF 30
• Size: 75ml
For those not wanting to add another product into their daily skincare routine, this Bulldog moisturiser also doubles up as a broad-spectrum sunscreen with hydrating benefits. The light, non-greasy formula is broad-spectrum SPF30 and protects against environmental stressors, thanks to the added vitamin C.
Best for kids sun protection
Try: Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Suncare Roll On SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologically tested
Let the good times roll with this sun protection solution for little ones. This roll-on product provides very high UVA protection for children’s delicate skin with extra water resistance, making it perfect for days at the beach. The roll-on applicator glides easily over the skin for quick application to those hard-to-reach and sometimes-forgotten areas, so your little ones can enjoy safe fun in the sun all summer long.
Best for anti-ageing
Try: No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50
• 50ml
• No white cast
With 80% of premature skin ageing caused by the sun, wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable – even if it looks cloudy outside. This pick contains innovative age-defying peptide technology to protect skin from visible damage caused by UV rays, which shows up as dryness, fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone. So, whether you’re applying it under make-up or as the final step in your beauty routine, don’t skip out on skincare with SPF benefits to make the most out of your routine.
Now you’re armed with the knowledge of the summer skin essentials you need to keep your skin healthy and protected all summer long, it’s time to get out there and enjoy the good weather – responsibly of course!
