The 5 Essential Steps For A Summer Skincare Routine For South Africans

African Summertime

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

  1. protection from the sun’s damaging effects
  2. maintain hydration
  3. 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:

  1. Prep your skin for the ultimate summer season
  2. It won’t hurt your bank. Skincare can be very expensive so I had to make sure to include budget-friendly products
  3. Simple yet effective. Only 5 steps to achieve the ultimate summer glow.
  4. Assessable to you
  5. Authentically South African

If you think this blog post will help you and others, please share it by sending out the link as it will help grow my blog. Thank you and this is the point where you can read further lol.

Girl Skincare Routine Nature's Nourishment Skin Clenser

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:

  1. Nature Nourishment Skin Cleanser 
  2. 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

Girl Skincare Routine Garnier Vitamin C Serum

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. 

Girl Skincare Routine using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer

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.

Derm Opal Sunscreen

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.

Other articles to read:

  1. Benefits of drinking water in the morning
  2. The best Christmas morning routine for families
  3. 20 best Christmas morning breakfast ideas (kids will also love)