Active skincare ingredients can be intimidating. But it can be especially scary during the summer months. The heat, humidity, sweat, and UV rays really do take a toll on our skin. You probably already noticed that the skincare routine that worked perfectly for you in the winter just feels way too heavy during these warmer months. That is no coincidence because our skin does have different needs during the different seasons.

Can I still use my active ingredients even during the summer?

Yes, of course, you can. However, the most important thing you can do for your skin during summer is to protect it from UV rays as much as possible. And one active ingredient that can actually help you with that is vitamin C. As you may or may not know, vitamin C actually boosts our SPF. That means that it will you give some additional protection from UV light, while also protecting your skin from oxidative stress. That’s why a vitamin C serum followed by a sunblock cream in your summer morning skincare routine would be the absolute best choice.

Is it still safe to exfoliate?

Now, this is a tricky topic. Yes, chemical exfoliants like Glycolic acid will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. However, that does not mean that you can’t exfoliate at all during the summer months. We would suggest using your chemical exfoliants in your nighttime routine, but not more often than two times a week. In addition to that, make sure you apply a nice and thick layer of SPF in the morning. If the chemical exfoliant you use is salicylic acid (aka BHA), we have great news for you! BHA does not make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so you can use it as usual even now. But that does not mean you won’t need sunscreen afterward.

What about retinol?

Many people stop using their retinol creams during the summer because they believe that retinol makes the skin more prone to sun damage. However, that is not at all true! We don’t know how that rumor started, but there is basically no scientific evidence that retinol (or any other form of vitamin A like retinal or tretinoin) makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. The ingredient itself is sensitive to light, and its efficiency may decrease when it is in contact with UV rays, but that just means that you should use it at night to get the full benefits. Use your retinol, as usual, every night you don’t use your chemical exfoliants.

Can I mix my vitamin C serum with Niacinamide?

As we already explained, a vitamin C serum would work great in your summer morning routine. But what if you already use and love Niacinamide, is it safe to combine the two? The answer is a clear yes! It is a complete myth that these two ingredients can’t be combined in one skincare routine. The rumor stems from outdated research, and scientists have since then completely debunked it. They even offer complimentary benefits and could help you brighten your skin and fight inflammation.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

The Effects of Blue Light on Your Skin