Summer asks a lot of your skin and hair. UV rays, saltwater, chlorine, sand – the same elements that make the season so special are also at work against you. The good news: a few deliberate choices are the difference between damage control and a genuinely radiant few months. It starts, as it always does, with sun protection.
Radiate Without Radiation
SPF isn’t a summer accessory – it’s the foundation everything else is built on. Any dermatologist will tell you sun protection is vital year-round, but this season in particular, intensified UV exposure accelerates dryness, depletes the skin’s nutrients, and leaves it more reactive than usual, so it’s best to reduce exposure as much as possible.
Remember that sweat and water break sunscreen down fast, so a single morning application won’t carry you through a beach day. Always opt for SPF 30 or higher, and, if possible, avoid direct sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays peak.
Getting sun protection right is only half the battle, though. That’s where hydration comes in.
Our picks: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fluide SPF50+ for a finish light enough to layer under makeup; Avène Ultra Fluide SPF50+ for sensitive or reactive skin that needs the extra calm.
Healthy Skin, Happy Skin
Sweating and swimming create the illusion of hydration while doing the opposite, so the fix has to work from both directions: increase your water intake and apply a moisturiser formulated for your skin type. Dry skin wants natural lipids; oily and combination skin do better with a non-comedogenic, matte-finish formula that’s light enough to wear under makeup without sliding. Exfoliation still earns its place in this routine, but be aware of timing – freshly exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive, so leave at least a day between scrub and sun exposure. And don’t forget masks. Deeply hydrating and nourishing, masks are great for face, body, feet and hair alike.
Hair, in particular, tends to get left out of this conversation entirely, which is a mistake given how much exposure it takes on.
Our picks: Clarins Hydrant-Essentiel Light Cream, rich enough for dry skin without sitting heavy; Caudalie VinoHydra Gel Moisturiser for a fresh, supple finish on oilier skin types.
Care For Your Hair
Hair colour fades in the sun the same way fabric does, and the damage compounds fast with seawater and chlorine in the mix. A UV-protective spray before a day in the sun is the simplest safeguard, preventing both dryness and split ends, while a wide-brimmed hat does double duty, protecting the scalp from sunburn and making you look like a glam beach babe.
Pre-sun nourishment also matters: argan oil applied to damp hair before styling locks in moisture and softens the effects of sun and salt. And if there’s one seasonal indulgence worth taking seriously, it’s this: give the heat tools a break. Air-dried, sun-warmed hair is the best summer look – and the healthiest.
With skin and hair covered, the last piece is knowing when to add something on top, and when to leave well enough alone.
Our picks: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil for pre-sun coverage that doubles as a styling base; L’Occitane Intensive Repair Shampoo to reverse the damage once it’s done.
Keep It Minimal
The bare-skin look remains the most elevated option in summer heat, but you’d like a little coverage, then tinted moisturiser, spot concealer and a translucent setting powder are all you need. Skip the cream-based foundations; they shift and shine the moment temperatures rise.
The same logic extends to the rest of the face: waterproof mascara is key, a tinted SPF balm delivers colour and protection in one step for lips, and cream shadow outperforms powder in humidity, holding its place and its finish through the heat.
And don’t forget those little piggies. As a seasonal staple, sandals put bare feet on full display, which makes a proper pedicure less a luxury than an essential element for putting your best foot forward all summer long.
Our picks: Erborian CC Cream for the no-makeup-makeup base; Wonderskin Blading All-Day Lip Stain for non-drying, sweat-proof tinted lips; Prequel Foot Rescue Advanced Restorative Treatment for the upkeep between pedicures.
