I don’t know about you, but when temperatures soar, my skincare routine falls apart faster than an election promise. Between dehydrated skin, excess oil, sweat, clogged pores and the constant need to reapply SPF, keeping my complexion happy in the heat can feel like a full-time job.
‘The issue’, says Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatolgoist and founder of Self London, ‘is that heat increases oil production, dilates blood vessels (making redness worse) and can trigger dehydration paradoxically – so your skin loses water faster even as it feels oily. Add in sweat, makeup breakdown and friction and you’ve got a recipe for congestion and irritation.’
It’s why I called upon Dr Mahto, as well as some other leading skincare experts, to share the simple changes they recommend for keeping skin healthy, balanced and glowing throughout the hottest days of summer. Ahead, discover six expert-backed tips that will help your complexion thrive, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
6 Beauty Tips For Surviving the Summer Heat:
1. Avoid Heavy Creams
A big fan of Charlotte Tilbury Magic cream, it’s something I have to press pause on during a heat wave. Dr Mahto tells me that’s because ‘heavy creams sit on the skin uncomfortably.’ Instead she clarifies more often that not, ‘a gentle cleanser and a non-greasy SPF are enough’. Good to know.
This lightweight gel does a stellar job at removing makeup and sweat and without stripping your skin barrier. Bio-available vitamins and fruit enzymes also remove dead skin cells so skin is left feeling fresh and smooth.
This SPF is unbeatable in terms of bang for your buck. Although the consistency is more like a lightweight fluid, it packs a seriously hydrating punch, meaning you can skip your moisturiser. The protection is equally impressive and, after years of using it, I can confidently say it lasts from dawn until dusk.
2. Protect Your Barrier
Many people assume their skincare products have stopped working during a heatwave but the picture isn’t quite accurate. ‘In reality, it’s often the air conditioning drawing moisture out of the skin,’ reveals Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a London-based medical aesthetic practitioner.
She adds ‘as humidity drops, the skin loses water more easily, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Those who have sensitive skin because are much more vulnerable to moisture loss in air-conditioned environments.’
While it’s tempting to reach for more skincare products, supporting the skin barrier is key, with a simple routine, regular moisturising and staying hydrated is usually far more effective.
This serum has become a go-to for me whenever my skin is in a bind. Powered with centella asiatica, lotus alower and 16 other biomimetic actives, you’ll wake up to skin that looks calmer and brighter. Not sure biomimetic means? It’s skincare ingredients that are designed to mimic substances or processes naturally found in the skin. Rather than forcing the skin to behave differently, they work by imitating what your skin already does to support repair, hydration or protection.
If you’re looking for barrier support that is a little more purse-friendly then this is hard to beat. Packed with skin-replenishing ingredients that help calm redness, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity over time, it’s an affordable staple for stressed, dehydrated complexions.
3. Skip Actives
Along with many of you, retinol and acids are part and parcel of my skincare routine, but Dr Mahto advises giving them a miss, especially if your skin is reacting to the heat.
Instead, I’ve been reaching for niacinamide-based products, which help boost radiance, minimise the appearance of pores and strengthen the skin barrier. Bakuchiol is also a plant-based alternative to retinol that is well suited to sensitive skin and is proven to work in the same way, minus the irritation.
This recently landed on my desk, and I must say, the glow it gives off for a moisturiser, is next level. Plus, I know the niacinamide working overtime to help refine skin texture.
Offering the benefits of retinol without the associated dryness, Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides is a great option for anyone looking to support skin renewal while keeping their barrier happy in the heat.
4. Always Reapply SPF
So many people apply SPF as part of their morning routine and then completely forget about it for the rest of the day, but sun protection isn’t a one-and-done step. When the UV index in high, SPF is even more vital. ‘A mist makes reapplication incredibly easy, especially if you’re wearing makeup,’ advises skincare expert Anel Lamaine, founder of Skin By Anel Lamine.
A summer hero if ever there was one. Not only does it provide broad-spectrum protection, but its invisible, matte finish also makes reapplication a total breeze, while helping to mop up excess shine.
For those who prefer mineral sunscreen, I cant’ recommend this SPF powder enough. The translucent formula sits comfortably over makeup without disturbing it, while absorbing excess oil and leaving skin looking fresh rather than greasy, ideal for hot, humid days.
5. Keep Your Moisturiser In the Fridge
This easy hack is totally worth is as it feels so satisfying applying a cool gel moisturiser or sheet mask to my face. Dr Mahto also adds that it’s worth ‘using a cool compress in the evening’ and I’m a fan of keep my cryo tools in the fridge and massaging over my face and down my neck before I go to bed.
These cryo-ice sticks are the ultimate cooling skincare hack for puffy, heat-stressed skin. Kept chilled in the fridge or freezer, they glide across the face to help reduce swelling, soothe inflammation and instantly revive tired complexions. I find they’re perfect for both de-puffing first thing in the morning or calming skin after sun exposure.
I’ve been keeping this in the fridge and applying it liberally after every shower. The cooling sensation is instantly refreshing on hot skin, while the silky, whipped formula leaves my limbs feeling soft, without any sticky residue.
6. Apply Skincare ASAP After Showering
Not to rush you, but dermatologist Dr Athalye says that this tricks help seal moisture and improves product absorption. ‘One of the most impactful skincare habits in summer is the one most people skip: applying a barrier-supportive product immediately after cleansing or showering, before the skin has fully dried. That short window is when the skin is most receptive to repair.’
She adds, ‘look for plant-based oils with a fatty acid profile compatible with the skin’s own lipid structure, such as coconut oil or manuka leaf oil. These support barrier repair while helping to address the bacterial environment on the skin’s surface that can interrupt healing.’
As per the advice, I’ve been using this straight after showering and my s skin feels more resilient and better able to hold onto hydration in the heat, thanks to antioxidant-rich botanicals and lipid-supporting plant oils that replenishing moisture levels.
Infused with coconut water, this helps revive dull, heat-stressed skin throughout the day, leaving the complexion feeling comforted and lightly dewy without any heaviness. Best of all it can be used straight after the shower or through the day as a cooling pick me up.
