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Skincare for autumn
Do you adapt your skincare routine when your skin becomes drier? When summer turns into autumn, many people notice that their skin feels drier, tighter, or starts to itch. This is because both the temperature and humidity drop, while indoor air becomes drier when the heating is turned on. For the skin, this means that more moisture evaporates, which can weaken the skin barrier and make the skin more sensitive. By adapting your skincare routine for autumn, you can help your skin retain its moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce the risk of dryness, irritation, and itching. Below, we go through what happens to the skin during autumn, which ingredients are best suited, and how to build a skincare routine that works when the weather gets colder. Why does the skin become drier in autumn? It is completely natural for the skin to change during autumn. When the temperature drops and the air contains less moisture, it becomes harder for the skin to maintain its natural moisture balance. At the same time, many people start spending more time indoors, where heating makes the air even drier. Several factors contribute to the skin becoming drier during autumn: Colder temperatures. Lower humidity. Dry indoor air from radiators. Hot showers that can dissolve the skin’s natural protective barrier. When the skin loses more moisture than it can retain, the skin barrier deteriorates. Then the skin may feel: Tight Dry Flaky Red More sensitive than usual More prone to itching Why does the skin itch when it gets colder? Itching during autumn is often due to the skin becoming dry and the skin barrier weakening. When the skin can no longer retain as much moisture, it becomes more susceptible to external stressors and the nerve endings in the skin react more easily. That is why many people experience itching on their legs, arms, or face when autumn arrives, even though they have not made any changes to their skincare. If your skin itches, it is often better to focus on moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier than simply choosing a richer face cream. What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin in autumn? Many people use dry skin and dehydrated skin as if they mean the same thing, but there is an important difference. Dry skin is a skin type that produces less sebum than normal. It often needs more nourishment and emollient ingredients all year round. Dehydrated skin is instead a condition in which the skin lacks water. It can affect all skin types, including oily and combination skin. During autumn, it is common for the skin to become dehydrated because it loses more moisture to the drier air. This means that even people with oily skin may need more hydration during autumn than they did during summer. How to adapt your skincare routine for autumn When the skin starts to feel drier, it is rarely about replacing your entire skincare routine. Often, a few small changes are enough to give the skin better conditions during the colder months. A good autumn routine focuses above all on strengthening the skin barrier, adding more moisture, and reducing anything that may irritate the skin. Start by strengthening the skin barrier The skin barrier is the skin’s outermost protection and helps retain moisture while protecting against external stressors. When it functions as it should, the skin feels soft, supple, and balanced. During autumn, the skin barrier is exposed to greater stress than during summer. Therefore, it can be a good idea to choose products with ingredients that help the skin repair and strengthen its natural protection, for example ceramides, squalane, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica. Cleansing A face wash that worked well during summer may feel drying when the weather gets colder. Choose a gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt, makeup, and SPF without leaving the skin feeling tight afterward. If the skin feels dry immediately after cleansing, it may be a sign that the product is too strong for the season. Hydration During autumn, the skin often needs more hydration than before. Instead of only choosing a richer face cream, it can be a good idea to work in several layers. Start with a hydrating serum or an essence that helps the skin bind water. Then finish with a face cream that helps lock in moisture and reduce moisture loss during the day. This combination often gives better results than using only a richer cream. Exfoliation Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and can give the skin more radiance, but during autumn it is important not to overdo it. If the skin already feels dry or sensitive, too much exfoliation can cause the skin barrier to weaken even further. For most people, once or twice a week is enough, depending on skin type and the type of exfoliation used. SPF Many people stop using sunscreen when summer is over, but UV radiation remains present through much of autumn as well. If you spend time outdoors during the day, it is therefore still wise to use SPF as the last step in your skincare routine. This is especially important if you use active ingredients such as retinol or acids. The best ingredients in skincare for autumn Ceramides Ceramides are natural lipids that already exist in the skin’s protective barrier. When the skin becomes drier during autumn, the amount of ceramides may decrease, causing the skin to lose moisture more easily. Skincare products with ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, making the skin feel softer and less tight over time. Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is an effective moisture-binding ingredient that helps the skin attract and retain water. During autumn, when the air becomes drier, hyaluronic acid can help the skin feel more hydrated and supple. It suits most skin types and works well together with a hydrating face cream. Glycerin Glycerin is one of the most well-established humectants in skincare. During autumn, it helps the skin attract moisture and counteract the tight feeling that many people experience when humidity drops. Glycerin suits almost all skin types and is a common ingredient in both serums and face creams. Panthenol Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, helps the skin recover and can help reduce the feeling of irritation and dryness. If the skin has become more sensitive during autumn, panthenol is an ingredient that both moisturizes and strengthens the skin’s natural protection. Centella Asiatica Centella Asiatica is appreciated for its soothing properties. During autumn, it can help the skin feel less irritated while supporting the skin’s natural recovery. The ingredient is particularly suitable for sensitive skin or if the skin easily becomes red when the temperature drops. Beta-glucan Betaglukan is a moisturizing ingredient that helps the skin retain its moisture while also having a soothing effect. For many people, the skin feels both softer and more hydrated when beta-glucan is used regularly during the colder months. Squalane Squalane is an emollient ingredient that helps the skin reduce moisture loss without feeling heavy or sticky. It suits dry, sensitive, and oily skin alike and is a good choice when the skin needs a little extra support during autumn. Is autumn a good time to start using retinol? Yes, many people choose to start using retinol or retinal during autumn because the UV index is often lower than during summer. Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive, which is why many people find them easier to introduce when the sun is not as strong. It is a good idea to start with a low strength a couple of evenings a week and gradually increase use if your skin feels good. Remember to always use sunscreen when the skin is exposed to the sun, even during autumn. Skincare for autumn for different skin types Dry skin If you have dry skin, autumn can make your skin feel even tighter. Focus on hydrating serums together with a richer face cream and ingredients such as ceramides, squalane, and panthenol. Oily skin Even oily skin can become dehydrated when humidity drops. Choose lightweight, hydrating products with, for example, glycerin or hyaluronic acid instead of skipping hydration. Sensitive skin If your skin easily becomes red or irritated during autumn, it may be a good idea to prioritize soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica and panthenol. At the same time, avoid exfoliating too often. Combination skin If you have combination skin, different parts of the face may need different amounts of hydration. For example, the cheeks may need a richer face cream while the T-zone often manages with lighter products. Common mistakes during autumn Continuing to use the same lightweight products as during summer. Stopping use of SPF completely. Exfoliating too often when the skin already feels dry. Taking long, very hot showers. Waiting to moisturize until the skin already feels dry. Frequently asked questions Do I need to change my skincare routine in autumn? Yes, many people need to make minor adjustments when the weather gets colder. The skin often loses more moisture during autumn, which means it may benefit from more hydration and products that strengthen the skin barrier. Why does the skin become drier in autumn? When the temperature and humidity drop, the skin loses more moisture. At the same time, dry indoor air and hot showers can contribute to weakening the skin barrier. Why does the skin itch when it gets colder? Itching is often due to the skin becoming dry and the skin barrier weakening. When the skin is moisturized and the skin barrier is strengthened, the discomfort usually decreases. Which ingredients are best during autumn? Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, Centella Asiatica, beta-glucan, and squalane are ingredients that help moisturize the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce dryness. Should you use SPF in autumn? Yes. If the skin is exposed to the sun, SPF is still an important part of the skincare routine, even during autumn. This is especially true if you use retinol or exfoliating acids. Can I start using retinol in autumn? Yes. Many people choose to introduce retinol or retinal during autumn because the UV index is generally lower than during summer. Start slowly and always use sunscreen during sun exposure.
How often should you exfoliate your face?
For most people, it is enough to exfoliate the face 1–2 times a week. How often you should exfoliate depends, among other things, on your skin type, what type of exfoliation you use, and how your skin reacts. Dry and sensitive skin often needs to be exfoliated less frequently, while oily skin can usually be exfoliated somewhat more often. The most important thing is not to exfoliate as often as possible, but to find a routine that gives the skin radiance and an even skin texture without weakening the skin barrier. There is no one-size-fits-all answer How often you should exfoliate your face is influenced by several factors. A gentle exfoliant can often be used more frequently than a more intensive product, while the skin’s needs can also change depending on the season, age, and skin condition. If your skin feels balanced, hydrated, and shows no signs of irritation, you have probably found a frequency that works for you. If, on the other hand, your skin starts to feel tight, red, or sensitive, it may be a sign that you are exfoliating too often. How often should different skin types exfoliate? Skin type Recommended frequency Dry skin About once a week Sensitive skin Every 7–10 days Combination skin 1–2 times a week Oily skin 2–3 times a week depending on the product The table above is a general recommendation. How often you can exfoliate also depends on what type of exfoliation you use and how your skin reacts. Dry skin Dry skin often has a weaker skin barrier and can therefore become irritated if it is exfoliated too often. For most people, about once a week is enough. After exfoliating, it is good to use moisturizing products that help the skin retain its moisture. Oily skin Oily skin can usually be exfoliated somewhat more often because it often produces more sebum and develops clogged pores more easily. For many, twice a week works well, while some can use a gentle exfoliant up to three times a week if the skin feels balanced. Combination skin If you have combination skin, once to twice a week works for most people. If certain areas feel drier than others, you can also adapt exfoliation to different parts of the face. Sensitive skin Sensitive skin often needs a longer recovery time between exfoliations. It is a good idea to start with once every seventh to tenth day and only increase if the skin feels good and shows no signs of irritation. Do you need to exfoliate less in autumn and winter? Yes, for many people it is a good idea to reduce exfoliation somewhat when the weather gets colder. During autumn and winter, humidity drops while dry indoor air causes the skin to lose more moisture. If you continue exfoliating as often as you do in summer, your skin may become drier and more sensitive. If your skin starts to feel tight, itchy, or easily irritated, it may be wise to reduce exfoliation temporarily and instead focus more on moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier. Signs that you are exfoliating too often Exfoliating too often can do more harm than good. If the skin barrier is weakened, the skin can become more sensitive and recover more slowly. Common signs include: Your skin feels tight. Your skin stings when you apply skincare. Redness increases. Your skin feels dry even though you moisturize. Your skin starts to flake or become irritated. If you recognize several of these signs, it may be a good idea to take a break for a few days and let your skin recover before you start exfoliating again. Should you exfoliate in the morning or evening? For most people, it is best to exfoliate in the evening. During the night, the skin has a chance to recover, and you can finish your routine with moisturizing products that help the skin strengthen the skin barrier. If you exfoliate in the morning, it is especially important to use sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine. Can you use retinol and exfoliation on the same evening? That depends on both the products and how accustomed your skin is to active ingredients. Many people choose to use retinol and exfoliation on different evenings to reduce the risk of irritation, especially if the skin is dry or sensitive. If you are an experienced user and your skin tolerates the combination, it may work, but for most people it is gentler to alternate the products. What should you use after exfoliating? After exfoliating, the skin is often more receptive to moisturizing and soothing ingredients. A hydrating serum followed by a face cream helps the skin retain moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol and Centella Asiatica are especially good choices after exfoliation because they help the skin recover. Frequently asked questions How often should you exfoliate your face? For most people, 1–2 times a week is enough. The optimal frequency depends on your skin type, what type of exfoliation you use, and how your skin reacts. Can you exfoliate your face every day? Daily exfoliation is not recommended for most people. Exfoliating too often can weaken the skin barrier and make the skin dry, sensitive, and irritated. How do you know if you have exfoliated too much? If your skin feels tight, stings, becomes red, or starts to flake, these may be signs that you are exfoliating too often. Then reduce the frequency and focus on moisturizing until your skin feels balanced again. Should you exfoliate in the morning or evening? Evening is usually the best choice because the skin has a chance to recover overnight. It is a good idea to finish with moisturizing products that help the skin strengthen its protective barrier. Should you use moisturizer after exfoliating? Yes. A moisturizing face cream helps the skin retain moisture after exfoliation and reduces the risk of the skin feeling dry or tight. Do you need to exfoliate less in autumn? Yes, many people need to reduce exfoliation when the weather gets colder. Dry air and lower humidity often make the skin more sensitive and cause it to lose more moisture than in summer. Can you use retinol and exfoliation at the same time? It works for some people, but many do better using retinol and exfoliation on different evenings to reduce the risk of irritation. Does oily skin need to be exfoliated more often? Often yes. Oily skin can usually be exfoliated somewhat more often than dry skin, but here too it is important to adapt the routine based on how the skin reacts. Can dry skin be exfoliated? Yes. Dry skin also benefits from exfoliation, but usually about once a week is enough, and it is important to moisturize the skin properly afterwards.
Adapt your skincare for sun, heat, and SPF in the summer
Summer is a time when many people spend more time outdoors, travel, swim, and enjoy the sun. At the same time, the skin is exposed to significantly greater stress than during the rest of the year. UV radiation, heat, sweat, salt water, and chlorine affect the skin’s moisture balance and protective barrier, which means that the skincare routine that worked during winter is not always optimal in summer. This does not mean that you need to replace your entire skincare routine, but it may be wise to adapt both which products you use and how you use them. Some ingredients become especially important when the skin needs hydration and soothing, while others may need to be used more carefully if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Below, we go through how to build an effective skincare routine for summer, how to use sun protection correctly, and which ingredients can help the skin feel its best during the warmest months of the year. The skin needs a different skincare routine in summer The skin’s needs change throughout the year. When the temperature rises, sebum production often increases, while the skin also loses more fluid through sweating. Add to that stronger UV radiation, swimming in the sea or pool, and longer days outdoors, and it becomes clear why the skin can react differently during summer. Many people find that their skin becomes both oilier and drier at the same time. It may sound contradictory, but it is actually common. The heat can cause the skin to produce more sebum, which gives a shinier feeling, while the sun and heat cause the skin to lose more moisture. The result is skin that feels oily on the surface while also tight or dehydrated. Another important factor is the skin barrier. The outermost layer of the skin acts as protection against external stressors while also helping the skin retain its moisture. Heavy sun exposure can temporarily impair the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. That is why a good summer routine is not only about protecting the skin from the sun, but also about helping the skin recover and maintain a strong skin barrier. This is how the sun affects the skin The sun is important for our well-being, but UV radiation is also one of the biggest causes of premature skin aging. UV radiation gradually breaks down collagen and elastin, two proteins that help the skin stay firm and resilient. At the same time, free radicals can form in the skin, leading to oxidative stress. Over time, this can contribute to pigmentation spots, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone. If the skin is exposed to too much sun without sufficient protection, it can also become dry, red, and irritated. In some cases, the skin barrier can be weakened, making the skin react more easily to products it would normally tolerate. This does not mean that you need to avoid the sun completely. The key is instead to give the skin the right protection and the right conditions to recover. Morning routine during summer A good morning routine during summer is about moisturizing the skin without making it feel heavy, while also preparing it for the most important step of the day – sun protection. Start with a gentle cleanse During the night, the skin produces sebum and sweat, while residue from the evening’s skincare remains on the skin. Therefore, a gentle face wash in the morning can be a good start to the day. A gentle cleanser removes dirt and excess sebum without disturbing the skin’s natural balance. If the cleanser is too strong, the skin risks becoming dehydrated before the day has even begun, which can make it more sensitive to both heat and sun. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, it can sometimes be enough to rinse your face with lukewarm water in the morning. Hydrate the skin with toner and serum Many people think the skin needs less hydration during summer because it feels oilier. In reality, the skin often needs more moisture than usual. A hydrating serum is an easy way to give the skin extra moisture without feeling heavy. Serums often have a light consistency and contain high concentrations of active ingredients, which makes them an excellent complement during summer when many people want to use lighter products. Look for ingredients such as: Hyaluronic acid Glycerin Beta-glucan Panthenol These ingredients help the skin bind water and provide hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. Adapt your moisturizer to the weather During winter, many people use a richer face cream, but during summer the skin may do better with a lighter gel cream or lotion. A light moisturizer hydrates the skin without feeling greasy and also works better together with sun protection. Otherwise, if the skin becomes too oily, it may be harder for SPF to settle evenly over the skin. If, on the other hand, you have very dry skin, you do not automatically need to switch to a thinner cream. The most important thing is that your skin feels hydrated and comfortable during the day. Sun protection is the most important step in a summer routine If you are only going to prioritize one single product during summer, it is a good sun protection. Sun protection not only helps reduce the risk of getting burned. It also protects the skin against the long-term damage caused by UV radiation, such as pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity, and premature skin aging. Even many active skincare ingredients give better results if the skin is protected from the sun at the same time. Otherwise, new pigmentation spots and sun damage may counteract the effect of the rest of your skincare. For most people, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended, but during summer SPF 50 is often a better choice, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. How much SPF should you use? One of the most common reasons sun protection does not provide the protection stated on the packaging is that too little is used. For the face and neck, two finger lengths of sunscreen is usually a good rule of thumb. Apply sun protection as the last step in your morning routine and let it absorb before applying makeup. If the amount is too small, the protection is significantly reduced, even if the product has SPF 50. How often should you reapply SPF? Applying sun protection in the morning is a good start, but it is not always enough for a whole day. If you spend extended periods outdoors, sun protection should be reapplied about every two hours. This is especially true if you are at the beach, walking for a long time, or sitting in direct sunlight. You should also apply new sun protection after: Swimming Heavy sweating Exercising outdoors If you have dried your face with a towel Even water-resistant sunscreens gradually lose their effect when the skin is exposed to water and friction. If, on the other hand, you work indoors for most of the day and are only outside for shorter periods, the need for reapplication may be less, but if you go outside again in the afternoon, it is wise to top up with a new layer. Ingredients to use with a little extra caution during summer There is a common misconception that certain ingredients must not be used at all during summer. It is not that simple. Most active ingredients can be used year-round, but some make the skin more sensitive to external stressors or require you to be extra careful with sun protection. If you know that you will be spending many hours in the sun, it may therefore be wise to adjust how often you use them. Retinol Retinol is one of the most well-documented ingredients in skincare and is often used to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and treat acne. At the same time, retinol can make the skin drier and more sensitive, especially when you have just started using it. During summer, therefore, strong sun, heat, and retinol together can become a strain on the skin. This does not mean that you have to stop using retinol during summer. On the contrary, many people can continue using it without problems, but it is wise to apply it in the evening and be extra careful with sun protection every day. If the skin feels irritated or if you know you will be spending a long time in the sun several days in a row, it may be a good idea to reduce use temporarily. AHA acids AHA acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin and contribute to a more even skin tone and increased radiance. Because they remove dead skin cells, the skin can also become more sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore, it is especially important to use high sun protection if you use AHA acids, particularly during summer. For many people, it works well to use the acids in the evening a couple of times a week instead of every day during periods when they spend a lot of time outdoors. BHA (salicylic acid) Unlike AHA acids, BHA acids are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate into the pores and dissolve sebum and impurities. Therefore, salicylic acid is a popular choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid does not make the skin as sensitive to the sun as AHA acids do, but because it still exfoliates the skin, overuse combined with strong sun, heat, and sweat can make the skin dry or irritated. If the skin feels more sensitive than usual during summer, it may be wise to reduce use somewhat and instead focus on hydration and a strong skin barrier. Strong peels and exfoliation Exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and give the skin more radiance, but during summer it can be good to think a little differently. If you know you are going to spend a whole day at the beach or be out in strong sun for several hours, it may be better to postpone a stronger exfoliator to another day. Freshly exfoliated skin can feel more sensitive and react more easily to both heat and UV radiation. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week during summer is enough, but how often depends on skin type, which products you use, and how much time you spend outdoors. Ingredients that are especially well-suited for summer Summer is not just about which ingredients you should be careful with. There are also many ingredients that can help the skin maintain its moisture balance, soothe irritation, and strengthen the skin’s natural protection. Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is one of the most appreciated hydrating ingredients in skincare. It works by binding water in the outermost layer of the skin, making the skin feel softer and more hydrated. During summer, when the skin loses more fluid through heat and sweating, hyaluronic acid can help counteract the tight feeling that many people experience. Because hyaluronic acid has a light consistency, it suits most skin types, even if you feel your skin becomes oily during summer. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) Panthenol is an ingredient that both hydrates and soothes the skin. After a warm day or after a lot of sun exposure, the skin can feel warm, dry, or slightly irritated. Panthenol then helps reduce discomfort while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. This makes the ingredient an excellent choice both morning and evening during summer. Centella Asiatica Centella Asiatica is one of the best-known ingredients in Korean skincare and is often used when the skin needs soothing. The ingredient is appreciated because it helps reduce redness and support the skin’s natural recovery. If the skin feels sensitive after a day in the sun, products with Centella Asiatica can help the skin feel more balanced again. That is why many people use it year-round, but especially during summer when the skin is exposed to more external stressors. Ceramides Ceramides are natural fats that already exist in the skin and make up an important part of the skin barrier. When the skin is exposed to a lot of sun, swimming, and heat, the skin barrier can become weakened. Then it becomes harder for the skin to retain its moisture, which can lead to dryness and irritation. By using products with ceramides, you help the skin rebuild its protective barrier and reduce moisture loss. Beta-glucan Beta-glucan is an ingredient that often goes a little unnoticed, but has many benefits. It helps the skin bind moisture while also having a soothing effect. Many also appreciate that beta-glucan gives a soft and comfortable feel without feeling heavy on the skin. For those who easily become red or sensitive during summer, beta-glucan can be a good complement to the rest of your skincare. Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Heartleaf has become a very popular ingredient in Korean skincare thanks to its soothing properties. It is often used in products for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it helps reduce redness and gives the skin a more balanced feel. During summer, it can be especially appreciated because heat and sweat can sometimes make the skin more reactive. Niacinamide Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that suits most skin types and works excellently even during summer. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, balance sebum production, and even out skin tone over time. In addition, it is significantly gentler than many exfoliating acids, which makes it well-suited even when the skin is exposed to a lot of sun. If you have skin that both becomes shiny and at the same time feels dehydrated during summer, niacinamide is often a good choice. Skincare after a day in the sun After several hours outdoors, the skin primarily needs recovery. Even if you have not been sunburned, the skin has been exposed to heat, UV radiation, and often also sweat, salt water, or chlorine. A soothing evening routine helps the skin restore its balance before the next day. Cleanse the skin thoroughly During the day, sun protection, sebum, sweat, dirt, and air pollution collect on the skin. Therefore, a thorough yet gentle cleanse is important in the evening. If you use water-resistant sun protection or makeup, double cleansing can be a good option to ensure that all residue is removed. Replenish moisture After cleansing, it is a good time to give the skin plenty of hydration. A hydrating toner followed by a serum and a moisturizer helps the skin replace the moisture lost during the day. Products with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or beta-glucan are especially appreciated after a lot of sun. Soothe the skin If the skin feels warm or slightly irritated, soothing ingredients can make a big difference. Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf, aloe vera, and madecassoside are examples of ingredients that help the skin feel more comfortable while supporting its natural recovery. Strengthen the skin barrier If the skin feels dry or tight after a day outdoors, a barrier-strengthening face cream with ceramides or squalane can help the skin recover faster. A strong skin barrier allows the skin to retain its moisture better and withstand external stressors more effectively. Common mistakes during summer Even the best skincare routine gives poorer results if a few common mistakes creep in. Skipping moisturizer Many people choose to leave out their face cream because their skin feels oily. The problem is that dehydrated skin sometimes compensates by producing even more sebum. A light hydrating cream instead helps the skin maintain a better balance. Only applying SPF once Sun protection gradually breaks down during the day and also disappears when you swim, sweat, or dry your face. If you spend a long time outdoors, the sun protection therefore needs to be reapplied to provide good protection. Using too little sun protection Many people apply significantly less than the amount required to achieve the product’s stated SPF. Two finger lengths for the face and neck is a simple rule of thumb that helps you get more reliable protection. Forgetting exposed areas Ears, neck, hairline, and hands are areas that are often missed when applying sun protection. These are also areas that are often exposed to a lot of sun and should therefore receive the same protection as the rest of the face. Adapt the routine to your skin type There is no skincare routine that suits everyone. How you should adapt your routine during summer depends, among other things, on your skin type and how much time you spend outdoors. If you have dry skin, you can continue using a richer moisturizer if your skin feels comfortable with it. If you have oily skin, a lighter gel cream may be a better alternative, but oily skin also needs hydration. For sensitive skin, it is often wise to prioritize soothing ingredients and avoid introducing many new active products at the same time during periods of a lot of sun. If you use retinol or exfoliating acids, you do not need to stop using them just because it is summer. However, it may be good to adjust how often you use them if your skin feels more sensitive than usual or if you know you will be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight. Frequently asked questions about skincare in summer Do I need to use SPF even when it is cloudy? Yes. A large portion of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate clouds, which means the skin is still exposed to UV radiation even if the sun is not visible. Can I use retinol during summer? Yes, absolutely. However, use retinol in the evening and be diligent with sun protection during the day. If your skin feels sensitive, you can temporarily reduce usage. How often should I reapply sun protection? If you spend extended periods outdoors, you should reapply sun protection about every two hours as well as after swimming, heavy sweating, or when you have dried the skin with a towel. Do I need moisturizer even if my skin feels oily? Yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated. A light moisturizer helps the skin maintain its moisture balance and can in many cases also help the skin feel less oily. Which ingredients are best after a day in the sun? Ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, panthenol, ceramides, beta-glucan, Heartleaf, and hyaluronic acid are popular choices because they help hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
