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Men’s Summer Skincare 101
Sweat-proof your skincare game with a simple routine that’ll leave your skin cool, clear and covered just in time for the coming heat
As the days stretch longer and temperatures rise, it’s time to rethink your skincare strategy. Because let’s be honest: summer skin needs more than just a quick swipe of sunscreen. A complete (but easily doable) skincare routine will keep you feeling fresh, looking sharp and avoiding the pitfalls of balmy weather. From a multitasking cleanse to post-shave soothers and everything in between, this guide breaks down the essential steps every guy needs for the hot, humid days ahead – plus a curated selection of products formulated just for you.
Step 1: Start Fresh
Before you do anything, you’ve got to cleanse. Your skin needs a proper reset, whether you’re rolling out of bed or winding down from a sun-soaked afternoon, and a good cleanser will do the important work of removing sweat, oil and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Gel and bar formats are ideal for warmer months, but look for invigorating formulas that pack a punch without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.
If you’re prone to shine or breakouts, opt for purifying ingredients that balance natural oils without dehydrating. For dry or sensitive skin, a balm cleanser enriched with ceramides or nourishing oils helps cleanse gently while keeping skin soft and resilient.
Editor’s Pick: The Face & Body Cleansing Bar by men-focused brand Bravo Sierra is thoughtfully crafted, 100% fragrance-free and pH-balanced to gently sweep away daily grime without affecting the skin’s natural defence barrier. Enriched with plant-based oils, glycerine, shea butter and oat flour, the bar melts into a rich, creamy lather that deeply cleans and calms the complexion. And for those who appreciate a multitasker, the naturally soothing ingredients make it a great pre- and post-shave product, too.
Step 2: (Re)Hydrate
Between the blazing sun and moisture-zapping air conditioning, summer isn’t particularly kind to anyone’s complexion. So, to keep skin supple, smooth and irritation-free, you’ll need to replenish hydration both morning and night.
During the day, reach for a light, fast-absorbing moisturiser that quenches without clogging. Especially when sweat is part of the equation, you’ll want hydration that performs visibly while feeling invisible. At night, switch gears to a richer, more indulgent cream that works overtime while you sleep, helping your skin bounce back by morning. No matter the time of day, ingredients like aloe vera, glycerine and vitamin E won’t just restore lost moisture, they’ll also relieve weather-related irritation, leaving your face fresh and dewy.
Editor’s Pick: Marlowe’s No. 123 Facial Moisturiser does more with less. Lightweight and non-greasy, this everyday armour hydrates thirsty skin – no clogged pores or shine included. And with an ingredient list that contains aloe vera, antioxidant-rich green tea, marine botanical extracts and no parabens or phthalates, it also depuffs and calms with just a minimum amount of product.
Step 3: Boost & Balance
Serums and toners are the skin’s superchargers, packed with concentrated ingredients designed to target specific concerns. For example, summer can make the skin play both sides: oily in some spots, parched in others, so a good hyaluronic acid serum can help balance moisture levels. Gentle blends infused with ingredients like chamomile, cucumber extract or rose water can be game-changers for anyone battling redness.
However, skincare isn’t just about daily layering – sometimes it just takes an extra moment of TLC. Whether it’s a purifying clay mask to reset congested pores, a hydrating mask to quench dry skin, or a gel-based formula to soothe a sun-stressed complexion, face masks aren’t just for women’s Sunday-night self-care – they’re an enjoyable and functional ritual for men, too.
Editor’s Pick: Jaxon Lane’s bestselling product, the Bro Mask, is a go-to for guys who want serious results without the fluff. Sized up and split in two, it actually fits a man’s face and accommodates beards, as you can use just the top half. When it comes to ingredients, the mask is a pumped-up blend of niacinamide, collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides and a botanical cocktail of green tea, ginger and seaweed – all blended into a hydrogel base that locks in every drop. Pro tip: Stash a pack in the fridge for the ultimate post-sun refresh.
Step 4: Smooth & Soothe
When the heat rises, keeping your face fuzz-free isn’t a style choice – it’s more of a seasonal strategy. However, hot weather and high humidity can turn a simple shave into razor burns, bumps and overall irritation. For a sleek, blemish-free finish, start with a shaving cream or gel designed to soften hair and cushion the skin; this will ensure a closer glide and help ward off nicks and post-shave burn. Then, reach for an after-shave balm that doubles up on hydration and redness relief. Components like witch hazel or tea tree oil will cool down inflammation and alleviate any lingering sting, leaving skin smooth and clean.
Editor’s Pick: Shaving company Harry’s is known for their hard-to-beat razors, so it only makes sense that their skincare products fit the bill, too. Their conditioning Shave Cream is formulated to soften and hydrate in one step. With a powerful blend of 12 natural oils and botanical extracts, including eucalyptus, aloe vera and mint, this rich formula is designed to leave skin fresh, cool and comfortable. Their alcohol-free After-Shave Mist uses aloe, seaweed and basil to add instant relief and a refreshing touch.
Step 5: Protect
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: sunscreen isn’t optional. Under the relentless summer sun, skipping protection can mean anything from a stinging sunburn to accelerated ageing – and that’s the best-case scenario. Whether you’re lounging at the beach, hitting the hiking trails or simply catching rays through the window, protecting your skin is the smartest move you can make.
To keep it simple, start with the basics: a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 is your first line of defence. You can, however, tailor your SPF to your skin type. For example, if you’re prone to breakouts, an oil-free formula will keep shine in check, but if you’re sensitive or dry, a hydrating sunscreen can protect and hydrate without leaving a greasy, chalky residue.
Editor’s Pick: French brand Horace redefines sun protection with a formula that feels as good as it performs. Their Face & Body Sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defence without a trace of stickiness, greasiness or ghostly cast. Crafted with 75.5% natural ingredients, including antioxidant-rich Buriti oil, this powerful yet conscious blend shields skin from both the sun and environmental aggressors. It’s sweat-resistant, effortlessly wearable, and free from ocean-harming filters, making it as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.
Step 6: Cool Down
When the summer sun starts beating down, and there’s no swimming hole or air conditioning to turn to, skincare that delivers an instant cooling effect is the next best thing. From cold-plunging products to cryo-facials, ice-cube toners and menthol-infused mists, a product that can lower the skin’s temperature by any number of degrees is not only a current trend but also a survival tactic.
Editor’s Pick: Beat the heat with Coola’s Refreshing Water Mist, a fast-absorbing, alcohol-free SPF spritz that feels like a splash of coconut-infused H2O. Packed with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, organic aloe and plant extracts, it instantly refreshes and hydrates – and keeps the relief going for up to 24 hours. Plus, the patented BlueScreen Digital De-Stress Technology aims to protect against blue light and environmental stressors for a derma-detox that’s quite literally cool.
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