If your skin is turning red, appearing a little too oily, feeling sticky, and irritating you, welcome to Summer 2024! The temperatures are soaring at an all-time high, just like your skin's need for a summer skincare routine.
Wait, what? You finally had the joy of settling into your winter skincare routine, and you need to change it again to match the summer vibe. YES! Because if you do not, you can bid goodbye to summer glow and welcome dehydrated, acne-popping skin. And you do not want that, do you?
So, here's your ultimate guide to summer glow—the A to Z Summer Skincare Routine!
Assessing Your Skin's Needs
Your skin is smart. It recognizes the changes in your environment and adapts rather quickly. For instance, just before summer, as the days start to warm up and the sun becomes more intense, your skin often experiences a shift. It may feel a bit more hydrated thanks to the lingering moisture from spring, but also slightly oilier as your body adjusts to the rising temperatures.
But once summer arrives, you will feel like your skin has taken a complete turn. It might become more prone to sweat and oiliness, especially in areas like the forehead, nose, and chin. And the dehydration? One cannot focus enough on how much water your skin loses in hot weather!
So, what helps here? Identifying and acknowledging your skin type. Here's a brief overview:
Oily Skin
Oily skin in summer produces even more oil around the T-zone, making it look sticky and glossy. What's next? Enlarged pores, acne scars, blackheads, and whiteheads.
So what do you need? A mattifying summer skincare routine, including a lightweight and oil-free face cream for summers.
Dry Skin
This one is a no-brainer. Because the weather is so hot outside, your skin quickly loses its moisture. Plus, there is insufficient natural oil production to keep it moist. As a result, your skin becomes highly dehydrated. It also turns rough, and you will have a weird urge to itch because of dryness. But if you itch, your skin will turn flaky.
How can you overcome all of this? With a range of intensely hydrating skin products for summer.
Combination Skin
The challenges your combination skin type will present you with will probably make you want to give up on your summer skincare routine. But don't. Approach it with patience. The thumb rule is simple— oily gets oilier, dry gets drier, and dehydrated. And the only way to battle it out is by having parallel skincare during summer—one for oily parts and the other for dry areas.
Sensitive Skin
And the sensitive kinds? Well, your skin will become very reactive to the environment outside. Hot weather? It will quickly turn dry, red, and itchy. Long hours under the sun? Say hello to sun tan! So, your goal for your summer skincare routine is going to be avoiding triggers and maintaining your skin barrier.
Cleansing
Your skin will experience all the sweat and excessive oil it can. Plus, dust particles will stick to your face as the hot winds blow. It looks bad, right? Now, add your sunscreen and makeup to the list. Your products will melt into your skin (somewhat) and clog your pores. Now, it looks worse.
Naturally, you may wonder: How do I remove all of this? With the help of a good, gentle cleanser. And by gentle, we don't mean gentle in its cleansing approach but gentle on your skin's barrier.
Of course, there are different cleansers for different skin types, and we have some suggestions, too!
For Oily Skin
Invest in a gel, foam, or creamy cleanser that provides a deep yet gentle cleanse, leaving your skin refreshed and mattified without stripping its natural moisture.
For instance, ILEM JAPAN's creamy purifying cleanser is made with Japanese Tanuka Clay, Artichoke Leaf Extract, and Squalane. The unique blend of active ingredients purposefully helps clear pores and dirt and rejuvenate skin.
For Dry Skin
ILEM JAPAN's Gentle Cleanser fits the bill just right! It combines the power of refreshing Japanese Yuzu Extract and Grape Leaf Extract.
It is perfect for effectively cleansing impurities built up on the skin, such as makeup and dirt, while leaving you with supple, baby-soft skin.
For Sensitive Skin
A cream or gel cleanser like Mild Cleanser will suit your skin the best. It boasts hydrating ingredients like Japanese Fermented Rice Extract and Glycerin.
Plus, it has collagen-boosting ingredients like Alpine Rose Stem Cells. The best part? The formula's pH level mirrors your skin's pH level.
You can also consider using a Deep Cleanser in summer. This cleanser is designed to help unclog pores and is packed with two nourishing and healing ingredients: Japanese Hinoki Cypress Oil and Comfrey Stem Cells. Together, they have a refreshing impact on your skin. Plus, they rebuild your skin's barrier to prevent further damage.
Sun Protection
The sun is at an all-time high during summers. The sun rays are too harsh and focused for your skin to protect itself well. As a result, sunscreen is not just a step in your summer skincare routine, but it is literally THE STEP. Let's take a look at why.
The sun gives off UVA and UVB rays. Now, UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and contribute to the development of skin cancer. Similarly, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to premature aging and long-term damage.
So naturally, if you are spending a lot of time under the sun, your skin is going to get tanned and even burnt. This is your skin's natural defence. However, it is not enough to beat the scorching rays. Enter sunscreens. They work by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. Thus preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
Types of Sunscreen
There are two kinds of sunscreen widely available in the market — Mineral and chemical sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreen, or physical sunscreen, sits on your skin's surface. It reflects the sun's rays as soon as they hit your skin. This immediate reflection action makes mineral sunscreen an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone seeking instant protection upon application. Additionally, mineral sunscreen tends to be less irritating and more suitable for individuals prone to allergies or skin sensitivities.
In contrast, chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, then released from the skin. These compounds, such as avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, penetrate the skin and absorb UV radiation before it can cause damage.
You may wonder, "But why would individuals prefer a sunscreen that absorbs UV radiation?" Chemical sunscreens are often preferred for their lightweight texture and ease of application. They tend to blend seamlessly into the skin without leaving a visible residue. They are also typically water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for activities like swimming or exercising outdoors.
There's a catch! Some ingredients may be irritating to sensitive skin types. Therefore, it is best to patch test your sunscreen before using it fully.
SPF and PA Rating
Now, let's talk about another important aspect of sunscreens: SPF and PA rating.
SPF measures a sunscreen's effectiveness in preventing sunburn caused by UVB rays. The SPF number indicates how long it would take for UVB rays to redden the skin when using sunscreen compared to no sunscreen.
For example, if it takes ten minutes for your skin to turn red without sunscreen, applying an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically extends that time to 300 minutes (10 minutes x SPF 30). Of course, assuming proper application and reapplication.
Similarly, the PA rating indicates the level of protection against UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and can cause long-term damage like wrinkles and skin cancer. Your sunscreen will have plus signs (+), with more plus signs indicating higher levels of UVA protection.
It is best to choose a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. When it comes to PA, the more plus signs, the better!
Hydration
The heat will increase your skin's water loss from its surface. As a result, face cream for summer needs to account for this loss. It needs to replenish the lost water by hydrating the skin and locking in moisture.
When your skin has enough water, it feels soft and supple. Plus, it appears lively. As a result, it is important to ensure your summer skincare product, including your moisturizer, has hydrating ingredients. Some of the common hydrating ingredients you will come across are:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Squalane
- Fermented Rice extracts
- Glycerin
- Marula oil
- Niacinamide
- Shea butter
A word of caution? Your choice of moisturizer will depend on the time of the day. During the day, opting for a lightweight moisturizer that quickly absorbs into the skin is advisable. On the other hand, you may opt for a thicker moisturizer for an evening summer skincare routine if your skin needs intense hydration.
Let's come to the best part! You will find two ingredients, Niacinamide and Glycerin, in our Light Moisturizer. It is a cool relief for your skin under the super hot sun. It offers lightweight, long-lasting hydration by increasing the skin's water content. Additionally, it helps refresh your complexion by tightening pores, firming skin, and protecting it from daily stressors.
Exfoliation
The skin's cell cycle involves continuous turnover of skin cells. It includes the formation of new cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis and the shedding of old, dead cells from the skin's surface. This cycle typically takes around 28 days to complete, yet it can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions.
During the summer, increased sun exposure, higher temperatures, and humidity accelerate the skin's cell turnover rate. As a result, the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's surface increases. Result? Dull, rough, and clogged skin.
Exfoliation removes this layer of dead skin cells from the top of your skin for:
- Fresh complexion
- Better product absorption
- Healthy-looking skin
Furthermore, exfoliation unclogs your pores. As a result, it regulates your skin's oil production and reduces the chances of breakouts, which can be more common due to increased sweat production and oiliness.
However, it's essential to approach exfoliation cautiously, especially during the summer. Your skin may be more sensitive due to increased sun exposure.
Opt for gentle exfoliants like Face & Body Scrub with soft scrub beads derived from natural Konjac. Plus, it contains Japanese Uji Tea Extract, which calms your skin, and Goji Berry Stem Cells, which boost collagen production.
And what's the best practice for exfoliating in your summer skin routine? Once a week or maybe twice if your skin needs it.
Pro tip? Don't forget to follow up with sunscreen and moisturizer.
Targeted Treatments
Dehydrated, dull, and irritated skin is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to summer skin. Your skin may also develop pesky sunspots and experience hyperpigmentation. The result? Uneven skin tone that may make you uncomfortable.
To fight these concerns, you can consider some targeted treatment options like serums. This potent skincare product consists of powerful active ingredients, and it is designed for easy absorption.
Take the Brightening serum. It is infused with Vitamin C, Prickly Pear Extract, and Skin Prebiotic. The serum aims to clarify your skin and make it plump. How? By correcting pigmentation, increasing hydration, and smoothing skin's texture.
But if your concern is dehydrated skin, we have the Hydrating serum infused with Hyaluronic acid and Marula oil. It deeply moisturizes the skin barrier, helping restore its elasticity and refreshing your radiance.
There's also another way to target your skin—face sheet masks, everyone's favourite! These sheet masks, like serums, are packed with active ingredients. Plus, they instantly amp up the skin within 15 minutes, leaving it well-nourished.
ILEM JAPAN has a range of 3 face sheet masks, each created with unique bio-cellulose material. Here's a sneak peek into the sheet masks:
- Brightening Bio-Cellulose Face Mask: Made from Japanese Sakura Extract and Vitamin C, this face sheet mask leaves your skin as soft and radiant as the first blush of spring.
- Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Face Mask: Here's your shot of intense hydration with Japanese wisdom for mochi skin. The sheet mask is a luxurious fusion of Japanese Rice Bran Extract and Hyaluronic Acid for plump and supple skin.
- Firming Bio-Cellulose Face Mask: This mask is the key to firm, younger-looking skin! It contains Japanese Green Tea Extract and Niacinamide to reduce excess oil and redness and boost collagen.
Eye and Lip Care
How can you forget your delicate eyes and lips? They need special attention, too. Here's why!
The skin around your eyes is much thinner and fragile than the skin on the rest of your face. As such, it is more prone to damage. Harsh sun rays during summer result in premature aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eyes. As a result, you must protect this sensitive area.
And who can help you here? A Nourishing Eye Cream. It is made from Japanese Rice Lees Extract & Molasses and Swiss Apple Stem Cells for restoring the skin around your eyes. The former leaves your skin buttery smooth, while the latter minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.
Then there are your lips. They are even more vulnerable to sun damage, as they lack the protective melanin in other skin areas. So we are looking at dryness, chapping, and even sunburn on the lips.
Using a lip balm with SPF protection will come in handy here. More specifically, lip balms that are enriched with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E.
Body Skincare
But hey! What about your arms, legs, and other body parts? If the sun can affect your face, it can surely affect other body parts as well. So, you must extend your summer skincare beyond the face and pamper your body with a lot of natural goodness.
One of the summer skincare products you will need is a good, intensely nourishing body lotion or body butter to keep your skin moisturized. ILEM JAPAN's Relaxing Body Lotion can be your partner here!
Infused with hydrating ingredients like Squalane, Glycerin, and Jojoba Oil, it relaxes your body. The lightweight formula seeps quickly into the skin's layer to rejuvenate it. Plus, the antioxidants in Japanese Uji Tea Extract and the regenerative powers of Goji Berry Stem Cells improve your skin's appearance.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Summer Skin
There are three ways you can protect yourself this summer and achieve that summer glow:
- Food
- Hydration
- Protective Clothing
Food
Summer is the right time to jump on your watery fruits and vegetables. We are talking about cucumbers, watermelons, water apples, lettuce, tomatoes, and beets. They help you meet your body's need for water, vitamins, and minerals.
Plus, don't these fruits and vegetables taste amazing when they are cold? Even tastier when they're a part of a salad.
Hydration
Water is water, and nothing comes close to it for hydration. But there's only so much plain water you can drink in a day, right? So why not experiment with fruit-flavored water? Simply immerse a fruit or a vegetable of your choice in a pitcher of cold water. Let it sit for a while, and then sip on it all day!
Here are some popular options for infused water:
- Cucumber & Mint for keeping your body cool and improving your metabolism.
- Blueberry & Lemon for boosting immunity and detox.
- Watermelon & Basil for maintaining blood pressure
- Mango & Ginger for reducing heat burn and improving digestion
- Ginger & Lemon to detox your body and boost your metabolism
Protective Clothing
Finally, there is clothing. Though you may want to flaunt your summer outfits, it is important you are mindful. For instance, trying to wear full sleeves if you are going to be under the sun for long hours or carrying a scarf to cover your head and face. Similarly, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes and gloves to cover your hand.
Summer Skincare Routine: The Best Bet For Summer Glow
That's a wrap-on summer skincare routine! Truth be told, skin care during summer is hard work. But you know, hard work pays off really well! In this case, it is a sunlit radiant glow on your face and body.
A word of caution? Do not simply adopt your best friend's skincare routine! Test, try and see what is working for you. Personalize it to your skin's liking and comfort for the best results. Why? Because your skin is as unique as you are!
Now, if you are ready to create your summer skin routine, we are ready for you too! We have created a range of gentle, caring skin care products for you, infused with the best Japanese heritage ingredients. They are created in Japan with Japanese skincare wisdom to bring nature's finest to your shopping carts and doorstep! Explore our collection here.
