Summer Skincare Tips: The Best Routine Before Your Holidays

How to Prep Your Skin Before Summer Holidays
(Because sun is the game changer.)

Yeah, we know, it’s mid-summer, your bags are almost packed, and all you can think about is sea, sun, and maybe a mojito or two. But here’s the catch: summer doesn’t just hit your wardrobe, it hits your skin too.
So, before you step into that glorious sunlight, give your face the prep it deserves. Especially if you live in the UK or Northern Europe, where the skin has been deprived of natural light for months - the sudden exposure can feel like a slap rather than a caress.
Let’s get that summer skincare routine in place. Quick. Efficient. And totally outdoors-ready.

Morning: The Pre-Sun Prep

1. Gentle cleanse, no stripping.
You’re not here to over-cleanse. Use a lightweight, non-foaming cleanser that respects your skin’s barrier. Think hydration, not friction.

2. Hydration sandwich.
Start with a few spritzes of a mineral water mist or a light hydrating toner. Layer with a hyaluronic acid serum to trap moisture.

3. Antioxidant boost.
A Vitamin C serum (or a botanical alternative like Edelweiss or CBD) helps neutralise oxidative stress from the sun.

4. SPF. SPF. SPF.
Yes, SPF deserves its own step. Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50 depending on your skin tone and sensitivity.
And yes, even if it’s cloudy. Especially if it’s cloudy.

Minimalist tip : skip heavy moisturisers if your SPF is hydrating. Less is more under the sun.

Daytime: SPF Maintenance Mode

“Why is my skin better in the summer?”
It’s simple: sunlight improves blood circulation, boosts vitamin D and enhances your mood — which reduces inflammation. But too much sun? Hello, damage.

Your SPF checklist for the day:

• Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating
• Use a face mist SPF if you’re already wearing makeup
• Wear sunglasses + a hat = the underrated duo for eye & forehead protection
• Don’t forget the neck, ears and the top of the shoulders

Minimalist tip: Keep a small SPF tube in your bag — treat it like your wallet. Don’t leave the house without it.

Evening: After-Sun Repair
1. Cleanse gently (again).
You’re removing salt, sweat, sand, and SPF — not stripping your microbiome. Go with a milk or oil-based cleanser.
2. Soothe like you mean it.
Look for ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol, CBD, or niacinamide. You want to calm, not clog.
3. Hydrate, then seal.
A light gel serum followed by a replenishing night cream. Your skin’s been exposed to UV rays all day, now’s the time to nourish.
4. Skip the retinol tonight.
Yes, even if it’s in your regular routine. Your skin might be more sensitive after sun exposure.

Minimalist tip : One soothing serum + one night cream = done. You’re on holiday. Not in a spa retreat.

Final Words: Skincare, Simplified

Forget the 10-step routines. Summer skincare is about strategy, not layers. Protect, hydrate, and repair and let the rest happen under the sun.
And if you’re wondering why your skin looks better in the summer, it’s not magic. It’s balance. Sunlight + protection + minimal stress = happy skin.

Now go outside. Your SPF is waiting.