Skin is a living organ, performing several important jobs like regulating body temperature and retaining barrier integrity. It’s no surprise then that skin (especially if it’s sensitive) behaves differently in different seasons, as it adjusts to environmental change.
A question then arises: should you change your skincare routine every season?
“Hot, humid weather and hours outside in intense sun of course impacts skin. While there’s very rarely a need to totally overhaul your routine, ultimately, a little change is needed, even for ‘normal’ skin, to reflect summer’s effect on how it behaves.”
Dr Mazin, our Founder
Here to guide you in the right direction is our Dermatologist Founder, Dr Mazin.
Cleansing
In summer, skin produces more oil and sweat. Add to this suncream, daily grime and make-up and it’s clear that you need to wash skin more regularly. Just don’t overdo it...
Nourishing Cleansing Balm is soap-free and packed with soothing, hydrating and protecting herbal actives like Zi Cao, Squalane and Vitamin E. A gentle yet really effective cleanser, it’s ideal if skin’s feeling extra sensitive or reactive after a day of high temperatures - leaving it fresh, calm and supple.
“There’s no need to be vigorous with cleansing balm. Use gentle circular motions. It doesn’t just need to be about getting skin super-clean after make-up and SPF either. Massage it in for 60 seconds to reduce facial tension and stress, as well as promote a healthy glow.”
Dr Mazin, our Founder
If skin’s rosacea- or eczema-prone and you worry longer massage might feel uncomfortable, choose Honeysuckle Cleanser - our deeply soothing, soap and synthetic fragrance free wash.
Don’t forget your body | Over-exposed, sensitive summer skin loves Soothing Bath & Shower Oil. SLS, soap and fragrance free, it effectively cleans while leaving skin super smooth and hydrated.
Exfoliation
Sweating, suncream and heightened sebum production can mean skin gets more blemishes in summer. Exfoliation can be really helpful in clearing blocked pores, removing dead skin cells and boosting brightness. Take care though - over-exfoliation can easily sensitise skin, bringing dryness and irritation.
Avoid scrubs and use Brightening Mask weekly. Non-abrasive and suitable for sensitive skin, its Super Fruits AHA complex refines and smooths, leaving skin bright and soft with zero sensitivity.
Rethink retinol (if you haven’t already!)
“Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, significantly increases skin sensitivity to sunlight making it more prone to sunburn or inflammation. In addition, the ingredient becomes unstable when exposed to UV light, which reduces its effectiveness and increases its potential for irritating skin.”
Dr Mazin, our Founder
All this means there’s even more debate around using retinol in summer. Switch to Bakuchiol and compromise no longer applies...
Bakuchiol is a herbal retinol alternative that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and studies now prove it offers the same skin benefits as retinol without the worry of sun sensitivity. This not only makes it safe to apply in your daytime skincare routine, but its results also remain effective as Bakuchiol doesn't degrade when exposed to UV light. (Read more about Bakuchiol here).
Switch your retinol serum to Bakuchiol Face Oil. 100% natural, light and non-greasy, our award winner helps enhance collagen production, reduce collagen breakdown, smooth fine lines and skin texture plus diminish pigmentation. If your daytime moisturiser is retinol-based, swap to Rose Otto Face Cream which also harnesses Bakuchiol to smooth, brighten and refine skin.
Better still, both are great for supporting sensitive skin - packed with antioxidants like vitamin C-rich Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid and, of course, Bakuchiol. These help fight free radical damage from UV and pollution - reducing the risk of lines and dark spots while visibly improving signs of sun damage.
Sun protection
The sun is at its highest between May and September, peaking around June 21st. Add to this the fact we all tend to spend more time outside in summer and it’s clear daily sunscreen is a must.
“Daily sun protection is crucial - even more so if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, as it’s a primary trigger. Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher - ideally one with a physical blocker such as zinc oxide.”
Dr Mazin, our Founder
As important as applying sunscreen is remembering to reapply it every 2 hours and always after swimming. This is regardless of the number on the bottle and on cloudier summer days too.
A cautionary note to those with psoriasis - as UVB light and summer’s more humid air often has a more positive effect on symptoms, many people with psoriasis overdo sun exposure. This should be avoided… ultimately, a compromised skin barrier still increases rates of cancer risk.
Act on spots
In summer, skin often produces more sebum which can clog pores. Add in sweat and sunscreen, and even normally well-behaved skin can get sensitive and spotty, while those with acne may see it worsen. Keep Blemish Rescue on hand - our on-the-spot, clear gel. 96% natural and roaccutane-free (a form of retinoid derived from Vitamin A),it’s packed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory rich herbal actives that effectively soothe blemishes and promote healing.
Keep hands and feet happy
While hands are on show year-round, feet always need some extra TLC in summer to ensure they look and feel their best. Nourishing Hand & Foot Cream is a game-changer. 98% natural and loaded with herbal AHAs, Liquorice Root and Bisabolol, it soothes, exfoliates and softens dry, cracked heels leaving them intensely smoother from first use.
Don’t forget to love your lips
Like winter, summer can sap moisture from lips too. Keep 100% natural Moisturising Lip Balm to hand for instant soothing, nourishing and softening.
A final note
Remember - with all skin (not just sensitive), it’s important to patch test when introducing new products to your daily routine. Also, like Dr Mazin says, there’s no need for an overhaul - switch one or two products at a time to maintain skin stability.
If you’d like help choosing the best products for your skin type, take our Skin Quiz.
