Essential Summer Skincare Guide
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures climb, your skin faces fresh challenges—from intense UV exposure and heat-induced dehydration to excess oil production and environmental pollutants. Switching up your routine for summer isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for keeping your complexion healthy, comfortable, and glowing. Below, you’ll find:
- Why summer skincare needs differ
- Ten indispensable products you need this summer
- Advanced tips and overlooked strategies to take your summer routine from good to outstanding
Why Summer Skincare Needs Are Unique
Stronger UV Stress
- Longer, sunnier days mean increased UVA (ageing) and UVB (burn) damage.
- Heat accelerates free radical formation, making antioxidants crucial.
Oil & Sweat Overdrive
- Hot, humid weather revs up sebum and perspiration, leading to clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts.
- Sweat and melted SPF or makeup can exacerbate congestion.
Dehydration Despite Oiliness
- Heat and air conditioning both boost water loss from the skin.
- Skin may look greasy yet feel parched underneath, amplifying sensitivity.
Environmental Aggressors
- Summer pollution (smog, pollen) heightens oxidative stress, redness and dullness.
Seasonal Sensitivities
- Sunburn, heat rash, windburn and post-sun irritation are common.
- Post-sun repair and barrier-strengthening steps become non-negotiable.
- In short, summer calls for lighter textures, robust yet comfortable sunscreens, extra antioxidants, targeted hydration and specialised solutions for sensitivity or post-sun recovery.
Ten Summer Skincare Essentials
Below are the ten product categories you absolutely need this summer. Each one tackles one or more of the issues above—and we’ve paired every category with UK-friendly picks available at Refresh Skincare.
1. Gentle, pH-Balanced Cleanser
Why You Need It:
- Removes sweat, pollution and water-resistant SPF without stripping moisture or irritating already heat-stressed skin.
- Prevents over-drying of the barrier, which can lead to rebound oiliness and sensitivity.
Refresh Picks:
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COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150 ml): Low-pH foaming gel that clears excess oil, grime and dead skin cells—ideal for combination or blemish-prone types.
- Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam (150 ml): Creamy foam enriched with multi-layer hyaluronic acids. It cleans without tightness and maintains hydration—perfect for dehydrated or sensitive skin in summer.
2. Lightweight, Hydrating Toner or Essence
Why You Need It:
- Immediately restores moisture post-cleanse, curbing post-wash tightness.
- Preps skin for better absorption of serums and sunscreens.
- Delivers a gentle cooling sensation to calm heat-irritated skin.
Refresh Picks:
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Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (200 ml): Hydrating mist rich in antioxidants that balances pH and boosts skin comfort.
- Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel (100 g): A multi-stage essence, moisturiser and wash-off mask all in one. Packed with varied-weight HA for instant and lasting hydration—ideal when you need to streamline your routine.
3. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30–50)
Why You Need It:
- Shields against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays, preventing pigmentation and collagen breakdown.
- In summer, water- and sweat-resistant formulas ensure continuous protection.
Refresh Picks:
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Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ (50 ml): A lightweight hybrid formula combining chemical and mineral filters. Niacinamide and rice-derived probiotics hydrate and brighten without a white cast—suitable for all skin tones.
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Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF 50+ PA++++ (50 ml): 100 % mineral, ultra-gentle for sensitive skin. Dry-down is non-greasy and matte—excellent under makeup.
- Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ (50 ml): Gel consistency designed for oily and combination complexions. Dries matte but doesn’t feel drying, plus it’s infused with antioxidants.
4. Oil-Free, Gel-Cream or Water-Based Moisturiser
Why You Need It:
- Heavy creams can feel uncomfortable in heat, trap sweat, and aggravate congestion.
- Gel or water-gel textures provide lightweight hydration, plump fine lines and reinforce the barrier without adding shine.
Refresh Picks:
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Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream (100 ml): Multi-molecular HA delivers deep hydration in a breathable gel—perfect for oily, combination or breakout-prone summer skin.
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A’Pieu Madecassoside Moisture Gel Cream (50 ml): High percentage of Centella asiatica water to calm heat rash and sunburn, plus a gel texture that seals in moisture without greasiness.
- Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream (100 ml): Containing 90 % yuja fruit extract, plus niacinamide to combat uneven tone. It’s quickly absorbed with a non-sticky finish.
5. Antioxidant-Rich Serum (Vitamin C or Niacinamide)
Why You Need It:
- UV rays and pollution generate free radicals; antioxidants neutralise them, preventing premature ageing and dullness.
- Combining vitamin C (brightening) with niacinamide (barrier-strengthening, anti-inflammatory) is especially powerful after sun exposure.
Refresh Picks:
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Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum (80 ml) : Green tea extract delivers a naturally rich antioxidant boost, while hyaluronic acid hydrates.
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Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Unscented Serum (60 ml): Centella asiatica soothes sunburned or heat-stressed skin and supports barrier repair, with added plant antioxidants.
- APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ (40 ml): Hybrid product that pairs broad-spectrum SPF protection with glutathione and niacinamide—offering proactive defence against pigmentation and oxidative damage.
6. Gentle Chemical Exfoliant (BHA/AHA)
Why You Need It:
- Dissolves dead cells and excess sebum—essential in sweaty, humid weather—to prevent clogged pores and heat-induced breakouts.
- Promotes smoother texture and better absorption of hydrating or calming products.
Refresh Picks:
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Jumiso Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser (120 g): A dual-action cleanser that purges pores with BHA while you wash—ideal for midday refresh or evening double-cleanse.
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (150 ml): Use once or twice a week at night to refine pores without over-drying; an essential step for keeping summer texture under control.
7. Soothing Gel Mist or Face Spray
Why You Need It:
- Instantly cools and calms heat rash, sunburn sting or midday-flushed cheeks.
- Delivers a quick hydration boost throughout the day—especially after outdoor workouts or sun exposure.
Refresh Picks:
- Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92 % Gel Mist (155 ml): Loaded with 92 % aloe vera extract to calm sunburn, reduce redness and restore moisture. Keep it chilled for an invigorating spritz.
8. Lip Balm with SPF
Why You Need It:
- Lips have thin skin and minimal melanin, making them prone to chapping, pigmentation and sunburn.
- A dedicated lip balm with SPF protects this delicate area and prevents painful chapping.
Refresh Picks:
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Hada Labo Repair One Lip Balm SPF 25 PA++ Mint Menthol (2.3 g): Shields and hydrates lips with broad-spectrum protection and a subtle sheen—an absolute sun-bag essential.
9. Calming or Repair Mask (Sheet or Wash-Off)
Why You Need It:
- After long sun exposure, gentle exfoliation or heat rash, skin craves a “reset.” A calming mask soothes, reduces redness and reinforces the barrier.
- Look for ingredients like centella asiatica, panthenol, allantoin or ceramides.
Refresh Picks:
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A’Pieu Madecassoside Cica Gel (Tube) (50 ml): Use as a spot treatment or apply a thin layer like a sheet mask to reduce inflammation; centella asiatica calms sunburn or windburn.
- IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream (60 ml): Though a moisturiser, it doubles as a wash-off mask—apply generously to overheated or sunburned skin for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Its centella and tea tree content tackles redness and irritation.
10. After-Sun Repair & Hydration (Light Lotion or Gel)
Why You Need It:
- Minor sunburn or heat rash can still occur despite meticulous SPF use. A dedicated after-sun gel or lightweight lotion soothes, rehydrates and helps skin bounce back.
- Seek out aloe vera, panthenol, niacinamide, ceramides and antioxidants.
Refresh Picks:
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Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream (75 ml): While marketed as a gentle sun cream, it’s often used as a soothing day or overnight cream post-sun. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it cools and mends heat-stressed skin.
- Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream (50 ml): Though an anti-ageing moisturiser, its blend of rice bran and ginseng extracts delivers immediate soothing and hydration after prolonged sun exposure.
Advanced Tips to Elevate Your Summer Skincare Routine
Summer calls for some fresh thinking, and these tips will help you get the most from your summer skincare.
1. Fridge Storage & Texture Preservation
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Why It Matters: Heat can destabilise active ingredients and alter textures—oil cleansers may separate, gels can “melt” and vitamin C serums degrade faster in warmth.
- Tip: Store masks, mists and certain serums in the fridge. A chilled Nature Republic Aloe Vera Mist feels extra refreshing after sun exposure, and a cool sheet mask seals in an immediate soothing effect.
2. Multifunctional or “2-in-1” Products
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Why It Matters: Summer routines benefit from simplicity—especially on holiday when luggage space is tight.
- Tip: Include products that pull double or triple duty. For instance, Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel serves as a toner, essence, moisturiser and wash-off mask—perfect for slim-down travel packing.
3. Sun Protection Beyond SPF: UPF Clothing & Accessories
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Why It Matters: Even the best sunscreens can be missed or not reapplied. UPF-rated clothes and accessories offer extra, reliable coverage.
- Tip: Wear long-sleeved swim tops (UPF 50+), wide-brim sun hats (broader brim = more shade) and UV-blocking sunglasses. A combination of SPF and UPF reduces UVA/UVB exposure significantly, especially around midday.
4. Scalp, Hair & Body Protection
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Why It Matters: It's not just skin on the face that needs protecting from the sun over the summer.
- Tip: Spray a hair-safe sunscreen onto the parting and hairline—or wear a UV-blocking cap. For the body, a portable tube like APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen (40 ml) can be easily reapplied between beach dips.
5. Double Cleansing Adaptations
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Why It Matters: Many people stick to their usual winter cream cleanser in summer, leaving behind oil-based residue from SPF or sweat.
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Tip: Switch up to a lightweight oil-to-foam routine:
- Oil Cleanser: Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil to break down SPF, makeup and sunscreen.
- Foam/Cream Cleanser: Torriden DIVE-IN Foam or COSRX Salicylic Acid Gel to wash away residual oil, sweat and impurities without over-drying.
For days with minimal SPF (e.g., indoors only), a single gentle foam cleanse is often all you need.
6. Shelf-Life & Heat-Related Storage Advice
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Why It Matters: Heat shortens the active life of vitamin C, retinoids, probiotics and certain peptides. Storing products incorrectly can render them ineffective or irritating.
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Tip:
- Vitamin C Serums: Refrigerate to slow oxidation. Discard if the serum turns a brown or orange hue.
- Retinoids & Probiotics: Keep in a cool, dark cabinet—avoid direct sunlight or humid bathroom shelves.
- Heat-Sensitive Masks: Store sheet masks or gel masks in a cool place (or fridge) to maintain texture and efficacy.
Putting It All Together: Sample Weekly Summer Routine
Below is an integrated routine that weaves together the ten product categories and advanced tips. Pick your products based on your skin type, and breeze through the summer with sensational skin.
Morning (7–9 am)
1. Chilled Refresh Mist
- Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92 % Gel Mist (keep in the fridge). A 2–3 spritz burst instantly cools and soothes any overnight warmth.
2. Double Cleanse (2–3×/week; otherwise single cleanse)
- Oil Cleanser: Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil → emulsify with water, then rinse. (Skip this step on low-SPF days.)
- Foam Cleanser: COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (for breakouts) or Torriden DIVE-IN Foam (for hydration focus).
3. Hydrating Toner/Essence
- Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner: Pat into skin to re-balance and prep.
4. Antioxidant Serum
- Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum (for pollution defence) or Purito Centella Unscented Serum (if heat rash or redness is present).
5. Lightweight Moisturiser (Gel-Cream)
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream: Skip if you’ll immediately be sweating or swimming—otherwise apply a thin layer to lock in moisture.
6. Sunscreen (20 p-coin amount for face + neck)
- Dry/Sensitive → Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF 50+ PA++++
- Oily/Combination → Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF 50+ PA++++
- All → Beauty of Joseon Sun Rice Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ (for niacinamide + probiotic boost).
7. Lips
8. Extras
- Wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, UPF swim top or cover-up.
- Keep Altruist Sunscreen on hand for scalp touch-ups during outdoor sports or beach days.
Midday (If Outdoors > 30 minutes)
- Reapply Sunscreen: Press-or-spray formula or use a small portable tube (e.g., APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen (40 ml)).
- Re-spritz Aloe Mist: Cool, hydrating pick-me-up (store in fridge).
Hydration Break: Sip on chilled, infused water (cucumber, mint or watermelon).
Evening (Post-Sun Recovery)
1. Cool Compress for Sunburn (If Needed)
- Soak cotton pads in chilled Nature Republic Aloe Mist or plain cold water. Apply for 5–10 minutes on inflamed areas.
2. Double Cleanse (Daily if SPF used)
- Oil Cleanser: Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil → rinse.
- Gentle Foam Cleansing: Torriden DIVE-IN Foam (hydrating) or COSRX Salicylic Acid Cleanser (for breakouts).
3. Hydrating Mist or Toner
- Haruharu WONDER Toner or a few spritzes of Aloe Vera Mist to calm and prep.
4. Targeted Serum (Alternate Nights)
- Odd Nights: Vitamin C or antioxidant serum to brighten and repair (store in fridge for longevity).
- Even Nights: Centella/niacinamide serum (Purito Centella Serum) to strengthen the barrier and reduce redness.
5. Light Gel-Cream Moisturiser
- A’Pieu Madecassoside Gel Cream or Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Gel Cream—soothing, hydrating and quick-absorbing.
6. Exfoliation (1–2× per Week, Evenings Only)
- Swap Step 3 for COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner—leave on for a minute or two, then follow with a calming serum.
7. After-Sun Repair (If Needed)
- Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (300ml) as a cooling overnight mask on burnt or extremely reactive skin.
Summer is a challenging time for our skin, but with a few changes to our daily routines we can keep our skin looking, and feeling, amazing throughout the season.
Further Information
- For more great advice on sensation summer skin check out these guides from Clinique, Comfort Zone and Novus Health.
Why Choose Refresh Skincare?
At Refresh Skincare, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your skincare goals at every stage of life. With our carefully curated selection of Korean skincare products, you can trust that you're receiving high-quality formulations tailored to address the specific needs of mature skin.
We're on hand via chat or email to offer advice on which products will get the best results for your skin.
We offer free UK tracked shipping on all orders over £25 that arrives in 2 to 3 working days. If you're not happy with your order you can return it within 30 days. You can save 10% on your first order when you sign up to receive our email newsletter.
Note: Always perform a patch test when introducing new products to ensure compatibility with your skin. Information in this guide is not professional advice, you should always consult a dermatologist to address any skincare issues.
About the Author
Priscilla
Skincare fanatic and co-founder of Refresh Skincare. Follow the author on social media:
