The 5 Essential Steps For A Summer Skincare Routine For South Africans
It’s the festive season in South Africa which means it’s summer! Temperatures are rising and as South Africans, we need to protect ourselves from the harsh African sun. One way we can prepare our skin for the changing season is by establishing a summer skincare routine. If you asking why should I read further and have a summer skincare routine? Well having a summer skincare regime will
- protection from the sun’s damaging effects
- maintain hydration
- achieve that healthy summer glow.
Skincare routines have been taking over social media in the past years. You’ve probably seen many videos and read many blogs. You probably felt the pressure to have your own. But I wanted to take a different approach with this summer skincare routine. I wanted something that would accommodate us as South Africans, our skin types and suitable to where we live and products you can get in your local mall or even better delivered to your door.
This routine will:
- Prep your skin for the ultimate summer season
- It won’t hurt your bank. Skincare can be very expensive so I had to make sure to include budget-friendly products
- Simple yet effective. Only 5 steps to achieve the ultimate summer glow.
- Assessable to you
- Authentically South African
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South African Summer Skincare Routine Step 1: Cleanser
Unsurprisingly, the first step of our routine is cleansing your skin. During hot days, our skin tends to build up more dirt, sweat, and excess oil, making it important to cleanse thoroughly. Step 1 means it cleans the skin of all impurities. Cleansing out impurities makes it easier for other products to follow to penetrate deeper into your skin for maximum effectiveness because the products are placed on clean skin.
You need a cleanser that is hydrating yet gentle so it won’t strip your natural oils.
I love products that are fragrance and colourant-free. 2 cleansers that fit this category are:
- Nature Nourishment Skin Cleanser
- Pure Skin Cleanser
South African Skincare Routine Step 2: Facial Toner
Boost and refresh your skin with a facial toner after cleansing. During summer we sweat more often which produces natural oils. Too much oil can lead to breakouts so what the toner does is balance the oil content.
I love the Garnier Vitamin C Micelle Water
South African Skincare Routine Step 3: Serum
Nicole Williamson wrote for Maverick Life, “Including antioxidants, either topically or orally, into your daily skincare routine can help minimise and protect against sun damage. Look for skincare ingredients that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and ferulic acid, to name a few. These ingredients can be found in serums and moisturisers.
I’ve been using the Garnier Vitamin C Serum. You can read more on the benefits of this serum here.
South African Skincare Routine Step 4: Moisturiser
In summertime, we sweat a lot so you don’t need a thick moisturiser that won’t make you feel sticky and heavy. Look for a water-based, gel-based moisturiser. The water draws into the skin. Something with hyaluronic acid. Moisturisers with SPF are great but don’t rely on it for protection because usually the SPF is too low(15-20) so it’s always a good idea to put sunscreen for more protection.
I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser because it contains hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is key to locking in moisture and keeping skin plump and glowing.
South African Skincare Routine Step 5: Sunscreen
The key to this summer skincare routine and the number 1 important step to protecting your skin is applying sunscreen. If you don’t protect yourself from harmful UV then you simply will be wasting your time doing long skincare routines. You’ll want to put sunscreen to prevent premature ageing, and sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Go for sunscreens that are SPF 30+ as they are more effective in protecting your skin from harsh sun exposure. Apply daily and areas that are usually exposed such as your face, neck, ears, chest, shoulders and hands.
Once you have applied, reapply for 2 hours. If your question is how much should I apply on my face? Well according to Dr Karen Lal, a dermatologist from New Jersey, you should be applying one strip of sunscreen on each of your index and middle fingers, which is the appropriate amount for the face every day.
I love the Derm Opal Sunscreen SPF 30+. What I love about this sunscreen is that not only does it protect me from harsh temperatures, but it’s also friendly to acne-prone skin, something I have battled with all my life.
Other steps to add:
Hydrating mask
Hot sun during summer can dry your skin. Make sure to put on a hydrating mask to replenish the skin with the necessary moisture it needs to prevent early signs of ageing
Hydrating SPF Lip balm
This summer, don’t forget to protect your lips from harsh sun exposure. We tend to forget our lips, but they also get exposed as they are part of your face. Don’t forget to moisturise your lips, and choose a lip balm that has SPF.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating your skin just once a week removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Choose a gentle exfoliator and make sure to also be gentle when exfoliating to avoid irritation.
Face Mist
Refresh your face throughout the day with a mist.