HYDRATING SUMMER
SKINCARE ROUTINE
SKINCARE ROUTINE
Dry skin on the face can feel uncomfortable and is often characterised by scaling, itching and cracking. While some people are naturally prone to dryness, it can also be triggered by external factors like the weather, and summer brings its own challenges, from UV exposure to air conditioning. The good news is that it can be effectively managed with the right summer skincare routine and ingredients. Read on to discover our advice on how to get rid of dry skin on the face, whatever the season.
Managing Dry Skin: Key Takeaways
- Dry skin lacks oil while dehydrated skin lacks water, but both can be worsened by summer triggers like sun exposure and air conditioning.
- Build a summer skincare routine for dry skin by starting with a gentle cleanser and layering lightweight, hydrating products.
- Look for water-binding ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Squalane to effectively hydrate without feeling heavy or greasy in the heat.
- Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect your compromised skin barrier from UV-related damage, even on cloudy days.
- Replenish lost moisture after a day in the sun by treating yourself to a hydrating face mask or lightweight facial oil.
Why Does Your Skin Feel Dry in Summer?
Dry skin (or xerosis) is a skin type, just like oily, combination and normal skin. It's caused by a lack of oil in the skin, which can be genetic. When the skin doesn't produce enough sebum (oil), it's unable to maintain moisture and the skin barrier can become compromised. This can lead to a dry, flaky and sometimes itchy-feeling complexion. Dry skin can also be triggered or made worse by environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, sun exposure, and harsh soaps.
In summer, prolonged sun exposure, air conditioning and chlorinated water can strip moisture from the skin even further, making a targeted seasonal routine essential. That's why applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily is one of the most important steps in any summer skincare routine, helping to protect the skin barrier from UV-related damage.
Your Summer Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
The best summer skincare routine for dry skin starts with gentle cleansing and builds through hydrating layers that protect and replenish moisture without feeling heavy. If you have a dry skin type, you can help to support your skin barrier and relieve feelings of discomfort with a targeted approach. In the warmer months, adjusting your products to suit the season makes all the difference. Follow our simple 7-step routine for dry skin below.
Ultra Facial Cleanser
Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cleanser
A gentle, hydrating cleanser is typically essential for those with dry skin. In summer, it's especially important for removing sweat, sunscreen residue and excess oil without over-stripping the skin. Look for a formula that effectively cleanses dirt and impurities while preserving your skin's natural oils. We recommend our Ultra Facial Cleanser, a mild formula with a gentle foam that dissolves excess oil, dirt and debris. It's pH-balanced to maintain the skin's natural balance and is suitable for all skin types. If your skin is also prone to sensitivity, try our Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, a soothing, sulfate-free formula that gently lifts away impurities while leaving skin feeling comforted and refreshed.
Step 2: Tone and Refresh
After cleansing, use a toner to help soothe and hydrate the skin. Our Ultra Facial Toner is a great option for dry skin as it helps to remove surface debris while hydrating and comforting the skin. The non-drying, alcohol-free formula is pH-balanced for optimal comfort.
Ultra Facial Toner
Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
Step 3: Boost Hydration with a Serum
A hydrating serum can provide the skin with a much-needed boost of moisture. Our Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate is formulated with 15% Glycerin and Epidermal Hydration Filler to encourage the skin's natural production of Hyaluronic Acid. This hydrating serum helps to improve the appearance of dehydrated skin and dullness for a smooth, plump look. If you're looking to brighten and protect your complexion during the sunnier months, a Vitamin C serum or antioxidant treatment can also be a brilliant addition to your routine.
Step 4: Choose a Lightweight Moisturiser
A daily moisturiser is typically an essential step in most skincare routines, but it's especially important for those with dry skin. In summer, we recommend opting for a lightweight moisturiser that hydrates without feeling heavy. Our #1 moisturiser, the Ultra Facial Cream, provides 24-hour hydration for soft, smooth and healthy-looking skin. The unique formula has a lightweight texture that's perfect for warmer weather and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.
Ultra Facial Cream
Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen
Step 5: Protect with SPF
Daily sun protection is essential for dry skin, especially during summer when UV exposure can further compromise your skin barrier. Our Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. Enriched with Collagen Peptide and Vitamin E, this innovative serum not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also helps to maintain hydration throughout the day. Apply generously as the final step of your morning routine, and reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.
Step 6: Nourish with a Face Oil (Evening)
In the evening, after your day is done, a facial oil can help to replenish the skin overnight. Our beloved Midnight Recovery Concentrate is enriched with Lavender Essential Oil and Evening Primrose Oil. The formula helps to restore the skin overnight, so you wake up to a radiant, younger-looking complexion by morning. If you're worried that a face oil might feel too heavy in summer, rest assured that this concentrate has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that works beautifully in warmer months too.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream
Step 7: Treat Yourself to a Hydrating Mask (Evening)
After a day in the sun, a hydrating face mask or intensive recovery cream can help to replenish lost moisture and soothe sun-stressed skin. We recommend incorporating one into your evening routine 2-3 times a week for an extra boost of hydration. Our Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream is specially created for sensitive, sensitised and stressed skin, melting in to deeply replenish and repair the skin barrier. For a targeted moisture boost, try our Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream. This rich and creamy balm can be applied in a thicker layer to relieve dryness, leaving skin feeling nourished, soft and supple.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: What's the Difference?
The key difference is that dry skin is typically a skin type that lacks oil, while dehydrated skin is generally a temporary condition caused by a lack of water, and both may worsen in summer. Dry and dehydrated skin are often spoken about interchangeably, but they are two different concerns. Dry skin is a skin type, whereas dehydration is a skin condition. This means that even oily and combination skin types may experience dehydration.
How to Tell If Your Skin Is Dry or Dehydrated
Not sure if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Here are some of the key characteristics of each:
- Dry skin may often feel rough, dry and flaky.
- Dehydrated skin can sometimes appear dull and feel tight.
How to Care for Dehydrated Skin (Especially in Summer)
To care for dehydrated skin, focus on products formulated with water-binding ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin that draw moisture into the skin. All skin types can benefit from a hydrating serum, such as our Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate. We also recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
During summer, your skin may lose moisture more quickly due to heat and humidity, so staying hydrated means pairing your water intake with a skincare routine that locks in moisture.
