Brought to you by Clarins.

Summer’s finally here!

It’s time to trade bulky jumpers for breezy dresses, and while we welcome the sunshine and warmer days, the season brings its own set of skincare challenges. From scorching UV rays to pesky humidity, keeping your skin healthy and radiant requires a strategic shift in your routine.

But fear not, summer goddesses. We’ve curated the ultimate summer skincare guide, packed with expert intel and product recommendations to ensure your skin stays prepped, protected, and positively glowing all season long.

Here are some simple rules for summer skincare:

SPF is Non-Negotiable 

Broad Spectrum is Best: Look for an SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously every two hours, and even more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

Double cleanse 

Your face takes a lot of heat during the summer, and not just from the sun. Slathering on sunscreen, fake tan, make-up and balms can clog up your pores like nobody’s business. At the end of a long day, a double cleanse will ensure your skin is ready to rejuvenate the minute your head hits the pillow.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle gel cleanser or wash.

Exfoliate (more than once a week)

Skipping this step allows dead skin calls to build up, causing dullness and congestion. Those aged under 30 should be getting down and dirty with a good exfoliator twice a week. If you’re over 30, you can ramp that up to every second day, depending on how your skin reacts. The advice? Start slow and find what works for you.

Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants with AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) to remove dead skin cells and promote radiance and avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate sun-exposed skin.

Why serums reign supreme in summer

Unlike heavier creams, serums are packed with concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deeply to address specific concerns. Their lightweight texture is perfect for layering under sunscreen without feeling greasy, a major plus for hot weather.

From brightening Vitamin C to hydrating hyaluronic acid, face serum is available in a variety of options to target your unique summer skin woes.

Our advice is to find the serum for you and use it religiously. Look for brands that use ingredients from natural origin.

Clarins Double Serum is a cult favourite for good reason; perfected by Clarins Research, its unique double formula combines 21 potent plant extracts to boost the skin’s five vital functions – regeneration, nutrition, oxygenation, hydration and protection – and act visibly on the signs of ageing. The non-greasy formula suits all skin types, from combination, to dry, normal, and oily.

If you’d like a little extra boost with your serum hit, try Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum, the brand’s first tinted skincare serum, which contains mineral pigments for a luminous, radiant glow and deep nourishment.

Layer like a pro

Apply hydrating products in thin layers. Using serums with hyaluronic acid followed by a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser ensures maximum absorption without feeling greasy.

Summer skincare saviours

Keep a facial mist with hydrating ingredients like rose water or green tea handy to spritz throughout the day for a refreshing pick-me-up. These feel divine after a few hours on the sand, so pop one on your beach bag too. Cooling and hydrating sheet masks are another summertime treat. Look for masks with ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber to soothe and revive sun-kissed skin.

Hyaluronic Acid is Your BFF

This humectant superstar attracts and retains moisture, plumping up your skin and keeping it dewy throughout the day. Look for serums or lightweight moisturisers with hyaluronic acid.