Summer Skincare Top Picks

The weather has been beautiful in Sydney lately, Summer is just around the corner! Your skincare probably needs an update to prepare for those hotter days. To get you started, I’ve picked out the top must-haves for you to achieve clear, plump, fabulous skin this summer.

Keywords for summer skincare: lightweight, brightening, hydrating

In summer, it remains important to keep your skin hydrated, however in a lightweight manner so that your skin doesn’t suffocate. It’s also important to keep to a good cleansing routine so your pores are clean and the good stuff (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids) can be delivered into the skin layers.

The most important is, however, WEAR A SUNSCREEN. Not only will it prevent you from developing sunspots or hyperpigmentations, but it will also protect your skin from photo-aging. If you want baby-like soft skin, make sure you apply sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to sunlight.

Summer Skincare Top Pick List

Cleansing

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Ample:N Purifying Shot Pumpkin Enzyme Peeling Gel

In Summer, your skin will produce more sebum due to the raised skin temperature and you will see the dead skin cells buiding up faster. If not managed well, these could clog the pores and make the pores appear larger. A peeling gel is a gentle yet effective product that removes the dead skin cells on the surface and unclogs the pores.

This peeling gel from Ample:N contains pumpkin enzyme that helps breaking down the sebum inside the pores as well as delivering brightening effects to the skin. Use it 1~2 times a week or when your skin feels oily and gunky. Apply it all over the face or concentrating on the nose and chin area where sebum are more likely to accumulate.

Cosrx One Step Original Clear Pad

This is another product that will help to unclog your pores and clear the skin during summer. The Cosrx One Step Original Clear Pad is a pre-soaked cotton pad that can be used to gently wipe the face after cleansing. The textured cotton pad helps to remove dead skin cells on the surface where the BHA containing solution seeps deep into the skin layer and melt away the excess sebum. Use the pad 2~3 times a week to keep the pores clean. 

This pad is also great for multi-tasking such as wiping around the ears and clean the earrings. 

Toner/Essence

Abib Rebalancing Toner Skin Booster

In summer, our skins can often dehydrate due to the raised skin temperature. Make sure you drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Skincare-wise, definitely go for a toner/essence that’s water-like, yet full of nutrients to surcharge your dehydrated skin.

This hydrating booster from Abib uses deep sea water that contains a tonne of minerals and nutrients, plus effective hydrators such as Glycerin, Sugarcane Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea and Licorice extracts. These nutrients penetrates deep into the skin layer and make the skin plump and soft.

On top of hydration, this toner also has brightening effects which is always handy for the summer time.

Missha Time Revolution Red Algae Treatment Essence

This essence from Missha is another nutrient-rich, lightweight, water-like product. It contains 100% Irish Moss Extract which is a nutritious seaweed rich in minerals and antioxidants. This essence penetrates right into the skin layer, hydrates, brightens and plumps the skin. The antioxidants help to fight free radicals and signs of aging.

This essence has a slightly heavier than water texture, however absorbs right into the skin layer with a few presses. It leaves the skin with no residue, but feeling soft and hydrated. For those who are more dehydrated, feel free to layer twice.

Nacific Real Floral Toner Calendula

Another summer staple in the toner category. Again, a water-like toner that penetrates deep into the skin layer without leaving any residue, but fills the skin with hydration and antioxidants. 

Calendula is especially great for the summer time to soothe and calm heated skin, allowing the skin to cool down and recover. Calendula is also great for acne-prone and sensitive skins, supporting the healing process and a stronger skin barrier.

Serum

There’s no reason that you should skip serum in Summer. In fact, your skin needs the extra nutrition to recover from dehydration, skin darkening or hyperpigmentations. Although serums tend to have a heavier texture due to its concentration, you can still get serums that are lightweight yet full of nutrients.

Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Ultra Light Ampoule

Propolis ampoule is a must-try if you haven’t already. It’s an all-rounder serum that hydrates, brightens, plumps and tightens thanks to the vitamin and amino acid rich propolis extract. However, propolis ampoule can sometimes feel heavy on the skin especially if the formulation includes honey or royal jelly extract as well. I’m personally a huge fan of Propolis ampoule, but I can understand oily skins may not find the viscosity workable.

Thankfully, Cosrx came out with this “ultra light” version of their best selling propolis ampoule in the Korean Summer a couple of months ago. This serum is lightweight, non-sticky and easy absorbing AND it contains 81% Propolis Extract. The concentration of the Propolis Extract is probably not as high as their original one, however still delivers a tonne of hydration and plumping effects.

Hello Skin Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum

Another serum that is Summer-friendly. This Hello Skin Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum is highly fluid, lightweight and non-sticky. It absorbs quickly into the skin without any residue, leaving the skin soft and plump.

This serum contains 86% Vitamin Tree Extract, otherwise known as Sea Buckthorn or Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract. Vitamin Tree Extract is a hydrator, a super-andioxidant and a brightener. It contains 495 natural nutrients – 9 essential amino acids, minerals, polyphenol and organic acids, to help brighten and revitalise the skin. It also has great soothing properties, relieve the skin from toxins and reactions.

Moisturiser

Finding a lightweight yet hydrating moisturiser can be difficult. A lot of gel moisturisers don’t have the lasting power, and could lead to dehydration over time. The last thing you want is for dehydrated skin to produce excessive sebum and disturb the water-oil balance of the skin. Therefore, when I picked the moisturisers, I ensured they are lightweight, but hydrating and long lasting. 

Cosrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)

This “oil-free” moisturiser is formulated with 70% Birch Sap, a super-hydrator and soother. Birch is a tree that grows in Winter therefore has the natural ability to retain water and nutrition. Its sap is full of antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids. This moisturiser is oil-free (apart from to tiny bits of essential oils) and lightweight. It absorbs right into the skin, delivering hydrating, plumping and brightening effects all at once.

Real Barrier Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

Real Barrier has been my favourite brand of the year. Everything I tried from this brand has been a game changer to my skin. All of their products are highly hydrating and calming. This soothing gel cream is no exception. It has a very lightweight formula, where the gel melts on the skin, and absorbs like water. It’s non-sticky, and almost non-existent on the skin. However, it keeps the skin hydrated and moisturised for an entire night. 

This gel cream also delivers cooling effect that helps to lower the skin temperature and relieve the skin from heat, sensitivity and excessive sebum. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to be wrapped in moisturisers, try this gel cream.

This is the end of my top pick list, I hope you found something worth trying in this list. In Summer, it can be difficult to stay diligent with your skincare routines, however, remember that each and every effort you make now will make a difference later on.

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