10 Korean Skincare Tips for Summer

At last summer is back with our lively summer tunes, ice cream, and beach days! But with summer also comes stronger UV exposure, heat, and the dreaded humidity. Review our list of tips and see how well you are taking care of your skin this summer.

First, Let's See How Summer Weather Affects Your Skin

Oils

The hotter, humid weather can make your sebaceous glands produce more oil - compared to in the winter. This can make oily skin appear more oily and dry skin appear rough and patchy.

Tanning

Beach body, close enough. Beach tan, check! Exposing your skin to the sun enough will cause your skin to produce more melanin pigments that leave you tanned. Tanning is great, however, too much sun exposure can sunburn your skin and contribute to skin aging, and possibly skin cancer.

Acne

With your pores wide open to help release heat, they are more likely to become clogged by dirt, dead skin cells, and oils. Once clogged, trapped bacteria are able to grow inside your pores and cause acne, pimples, and blemishes.

10 Korean Skincare Tips For Summer - Ready, Go!

1. Always wear sunscreen

A tan is nice. Sun damage is not. Make your sunblock your second skin during the summer and save yourself from early skin aging. Choose a sunblock that has a broad ultraviolet spectrum (between 30-50 SPF and covers both UVA and UVB rays). Reapply every three hours if you are spending all day in the sun. Don't forget to apply sunblock on your hands, feet, shoulders, and neck as well.

2. Keep your skin hydrated

Your body loses a lot of moisture while you are out during the day. It is essential to get in your 8 glasses of water each day. If your skin is craving more hydration, it might need a little extra something-something. Look for a lightweight hydrating ampoule or a nourishing mask to add to your routine.

3. Add a PH balanced cleanser

Cleansing is crucial during the summer when you’re wearing SPF in order to prevent blocked pores. "To maintain a healthy balance in the skin, it’s best to avoid harsh cleansers that have an alkaline pH and instead use neutral ph 5.5 mild cleanser especially help the bacteria/pimple cycle,” says celeb facialist Anastacia Achiellios. “I have seen thousands of skins transform from just making changes to cleansing routines.”

4. Exfoliating your skin safely

During the summer months, our skin is exposed to a build up of sunscreen, sweat, excess oil and makeup which can make it appear dull. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin. It can be beneficial for removing dry or dull skin and brightening and improving your skin’s appearance. But you should make sure to avoid scrubbing or using physical methods of exfoliation. These will irritate your skin further and can lead to redness. Use a mild chemical exfoliator and apply with a gentle cotton pad. For acne, you can also try a low concentrate salicylic acid toner.

5. Keep your skin cool

Avoid hot showers and steam baths since they dehydrate your skin. The last thing you need during long, sunny days. Try colder showers and these extra tips to keep your skin cooler.

Rub ice packs or cold aloe on your skin just as you return home - it reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation.
Storing your skin care product in the fridge not only prevents ingredients from losing their efficiency, but also makes them more soothing on your skin.
Use a cooling massage roller. The roller should be kept in the fridge for 2-3 hours prior to use. Rollers can help to cool, soothe and firm the skin, and reduce irritation.

6. Use a lightweight moisturizer

Beyoncé said it best: "The most valuable tip I’ve learned is always use a skin moisturizer." BUT NOT your winter moisturizer. Applying a heavy moisturizer in the summer can cause more clogged pores and breakouts. Summer months need products that let your skin breathe naturally. Go for lighter lotions and serums.

7. Exercise

Exercising helps your body get rid of toxins and make your skin look rejuvenated and glowing. If you do not feel like exercising, you can do some simple poses of stretching and yoga every morning to stay refreshed. You can enjoy all the fun activities you have planned for yourself!

8. Eat healthy food

Eating heavy, greasy food is bound to make you sluggish in weather like this. Additionally, it can make your skin oily and susceptible to breakouts. Go for seasonal fruits and vegetables and maintain a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.

9. Beauty Sleep

Your body needs time to repair itself and your skin. The days are longer, hotter, and at times it can be quite unexpectedly exhausting. So try prioritizing your beuaty sleep - your skin will be happy you did.

10. Cut down on makeup

Summer humidity means that it might help to wear less makeup. Wearing less makeup lets your skin and pores breath better. Humidity and heat suppress the skin’s ability to breathe and stress it out. Instead of anything heavy, try using a tinted moisturizer and tinted lip balm in summer to give your skin some rest.

How many of these tips are you currently doing? Which one are you going to start today? Let us know in the comments!