How Often to Utilise Summer Moisturisers, According to an Expert

After long, harsh months of winter, there is nothing that sounds more refreshing than radiant skin. With the weather transitional from dry air to a humidity-filled atmosphere, a summer skincare routine calls for a bit of an adjustment different from your winter regimen. 

The call for switching it up can sound a bit intimidating to say the least, especially if you don’t know where to begin. How often should you use summer moisturisers? Does sunscreen count as a skin moisturizing alternative? How do you know which ingredients work best for the skin? So many questions fill the mind. But don’t panic — establishing an optimal summer skincare regimen isn’t nearly as daunting as it appears. 

L’OFFICIEL receives insight from esthetician and celebrity facialist, Cynthia Rivas, on the most important things to consider to keep your skin happy, healthy, and moisturized throughout the summer months.

“One of the biggest factors to consider when taking care of the skin is sun exposure,” Rivas tells L’OFFICIEL. “Reapplication is really important while doing physical activities or anything that involves sweating and water. I use a body lotion that has SPF in it daily, so my arms and legs are protected even when walking around the city.”

For those who like to wear a full face of makeup underneath the glaring sun, Rivas emphasizes the point of wanting to “avoid congestion.” Switching to lighter makeup alternatives, followed by a nightly double cleanse to properly remove any built-up SPF, makeup, sweat, and excess oil is essential, she notes. 

Of course, when it comes to protecting the body, that begs the question of how often we should be slathering lotion all over our skin. “The more often the better,” Riva says. “It should be in your daily routine after you shower. Lotions absorb better after exfoliation (using a body scrub) and on damp skin. Make it a habit as part of your showering routine. The skin on your whole body should be taken care of.”

As we all are well aware by now, no summer skincare routine is complete without reliable sunscreen. Even if you don’t find yourself near the beach this summer season, protecting your skin against harmful UV rays is crucial. 

When asked how to go about finding the best SPF that works for you, Rivas says, “The most important point I can make is that you find a broad spectrum SPF of at least SPF 30 and commit to using it. I personally do prefer the physical or mineral blocks, but if chemical block is your thing, then that is what you should use. The last thing you want is to own an SPF you don’t like and never use it.”

Ultimately, the key to having a perfect summer skincare refresh is narrowing down the right products that work for you, and once you find them diligently applying them to the skin for a daily routine.