THE 5 THINGS YOU BETTER NOT DO TO YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER
Summer is the season of long evenings, sunny outdoor cafés, and holidays. Wonderful, of course, but for your skin, this season also brings its fair share of challenges. UV radiation, heat, air conditioning, sweat, and swimming in the sea or a swimming pool can severely unbalance your skin. That's why your summer skincare routine deserves a little extra attention.
Many people unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to dehydration, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, or even premature skin aging. Fortunately, these are easy to prevent. At Witlof Skincare, we believe that healthy skin starts with gentle care and proper protection, especially for sensitive skin. That's why we've listed the five things your skin would rather not experience during the summer.
1. Going outside without sunscreen
If there's one step you should never skip, it's applying sunscreen. Even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds, UV radiation reaches your skin. UVA rays, in particular, are present all year round and penetrate deep into the skin. They accelerate the aging process, break down collagen, and can cause hyperpigmentation. UVB rays primarily cause sunburn but also contribute to lasting skin damage.
A common misconception is that a "healthy tan" is good for the skin. In reality, any discoloration is a sign that the skin is trying to protect itself from UV damage. The better you protect your skin, the longer it will remain firm, even, and healthy.
Therefore, apply an SPF30 every morning as the last step of your morning routine. Make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation, a so-called broad-spectrum SPF. If you are outdoors for an extended period, reapplication every two hours is important. Don't forget your ears, neck, décolleté, and hands. These areas often reveal the effects of sun damage first.
2. Exfoliating too intensively on sunny days
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, smooth the skin, and combat impurities. However, a strong peel or a high concentration of acids can be counterproductive in summer. Intensive exfoliation temporarily makes the top layer of the skin more vulnerable, causing the skin to react more sensitively to sunlight. This increases the risk of redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.
That doesn't mean you should stop exfoliating altogether. Instead, opt for a mild exfoliant and use it less often when you're outdoors a lot or going on holiday. Save more intensive peels for autumn or winter when the sun is less powerful.
After exfoliation, the skin needs extra recovery. Soothing and hydrating ingredients support the skin barrier and help bring the skin back into balance. If you notice your skin feels sensitive or tight, give it a few days of rest before using active ingredients again. And last but not least, be sure to continue applying SPF during the day to protect your skin after exfoliating.
3. Thinking your skin doesn't need hydration
Because the skin often looks shinier in summer, many people think a hydrating cream is no longer necessary. Yet, your skin can subtly lose moisture due to heat, sunlight, wind, air conditioning, and swimming in salt or chlorinated water.
Paradoxically, dehydrated skin can become oilier. When the skin lacks moisture, it tries to compensate by producing extra sebum. This can increase shine and impurities, while the skin simultaneously feels tight.
Therefore, even on warm days, use a light moisturizer that provides sufficient hydration without feeling heavy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and soothing plant extracts help maintain the moisture balance. This keeps the skin supple, comfortable, and better resistant to external influences.
4. Sleeping with sunscreen, makeup, and sweat on your skin
After a hot summer day, it's tempting to jump straight into bed. However, the evening routine is essential for healthy skin. Throughout the day, sunscreen, makeup, sebum, sweat, dust, and air pollution accumulate. If these remain on the skin, pores can become clogged, and the skin has less chance to properly repair itself overnight.
Therefore, cleanse your face every evening with a mild cleanser that removes impurities without drying out the skin. Have you worn water-resistant sunscreen or makeup? Then a double cleanse can be beneficial. First, remove the sunscreen and makeup with the Pure Argan Oil or the Gentle Cleansing Milk, after which the Cleansing Mousse thoroughly cleanses the skin.
After cleansing, it's time to nourish the skin with hydrating and repairing care. Especially during the night, the skin works hard on its natural repair process.
5. Sticking to your usual skincare routine without listening to your skin
What works well in winter is not automatically suitable for summer. Due to heat, sun, and higher humidity, your skin's needs change. Yet, many people continue to use the same products in the same amounts, even when their skin clearly signals otherwise.
Does your skin feel more sensitive? Temporarily reduce the use of active ingredients such as retinol or exfoliating acids. Have you had a lot of sun exposure one day? Then opt for hydrating and soothing products that help the skin recover, such as the Hydrating Calming Lotion with aloe vera. Has your skin become oilier? Switch to lighter textures instead of aggressive cleansers that further dry out the skin.
The best skincare routine is not a fixed formula but adapts to your skin's needs. By listening carefully to what your skin needs, it will remain healthy, strong, and radiant even on warm summer days.
Enjoy the sun, but be kind to your skin
Summer doesn't demand a completely new skincare routine, but it does require a few smart adjustments. By protecting your skin daily with the Nourishing Day Cream SPF30, being careful with exfoliation, hydrating sufficiently, thoroughly cleansing your face, and paying attention to what your skin needs, you can prevent common skin problems.
At Witlof Skincare, we believe that effective skincare starts with gentleness. By supporting your skin instead of overtaxing it, you help it stay healthy and balanced, in summer and throughout the rest of the year.
