STYLE

When summer rolls around, it usually means it's time to put the heavier creams and oils in your skincare rotation away. But what if you need those products to keep your skin happy?

Having dry skin in the summer can be a *major* hassle. You don't want to use the super stripping products, or else you'll get flakes and irritation. But if you keep using your winter skincare, you might end up with clogged pores and a greasy look instead of a dewy one.

Here are some tips to strike the perfect balance between happy skin and summer vibes, from a self-professed dry skin girlie...

Layer, layer, layer

@haileybieber

In the winter, I love that I can slap on a thick moisturizer right after washing my face and go about my day. But in the summer, that gets way too heavy for my face.

So how can you use lighter products while still giving your skin max hydration? The key is layering. Instead of a one-and-done cream, layer a hydrating toner with a soothing serum, and top it off with a light gel moisturizer. These products might not be rich enough for your dry skin on their own, but together, they'll pack a punch.

My fave products to layer in the warmer months are the Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner ($14), The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum ($10), and the Peach Slices All-In-One Oil Free Moisturizer ($17).

Apply hydrating products to damp skin

@skinceuticals

Do you ever feel like the products you're applying to your dry skin just refuse to absorb? That might be because you aren't applying them on damp skin.

When the skin is damp after washing (read: damp, not soaking wet), it's extra sensitive to absorbing skincare. That means that products formulated with humectants—ingredients that "draw water to the upper layer of the skin"—will be able to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and produce longer-lasting hydration.

Be careful, though: It's not only hydrating products that become stronger when applied to damp skin. If you're using any sort of stripping or exfoliating product in your regimen, make sure you apply it to totally dry skin so you don't get any irritation.

Find the right SPF for your lifestyle

@livmangrum

I always say that if you hate wearing sunscreen, you just haven't found the right one yet. Protecting your skin is important year-round, but especially during the summer.

If you like to use a bunch of diff products in your AM routine, you'll want to use a lighter SPF that helps boost the skincare you've already applied. In that case, reach for the Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 ($26). 

If all you like to do in the a.m. is rinse your face with water and save all the serious skincare for the p.m., you'll want a one-in-done SPF that protects your skin from the sun while adding some extra moisture. In that case, try out the Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($16).

For more summer beauty inspo, follow us on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Top image: @whoshalima
Slider image: @alessyafarrugiaa

by Hana Tilksew | 6/22/2024