Your skin’s needs change throughout the year, so while you don’t need a completely new routine, a few small changes can make a big difference. Think of it like your winter wardrobe vs. your summer wardrobe; you wouldn’t wear a thick wool coat in July, so why would you slather on a heavy, rich moisturiser? While winter conditions call for more intense hydration and nourishment, lightweight hydrating layers are more effective for warmer weather. You’ll still need hydration, but as your skin produces more oil in hot, humid weather, you’ll want to keep it light, soothing and refreshing. Weightless hydrating layers, gentle exfoliation, active serums and SPF are the key ingredients for healthy summer skin.

SPF, always. In summer, the sun is more intense, days are longer and you’re more likely to be outside, so protecting your skin with a good SPF is easily the most important summer skincare tip. A daily SPF helps to protect your skin from UV damage, which can dry out the skin and accelerate signs of ageing. You should generously apply sunscreen in the morning – half a teaspoon is a good amount for your face and neck – then top it up every two hours to avoid UV damage. You can choose a formula built into a moisturiser, like Moisture Surge SPF 25™ Sheer Hydrator which combines soothing aloe vera and hyaluronic acid with SPF 25, or add in a separate SPF 50 (try Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector) as a final step before makeup. Even better, try doubling up on SPF by layering sunscreen under foundation with SPF. However you do it, daily SPF is a must for summer (and beyond).

Alongside SPF all day, every day, healthy summer skin needs hydration. Even though you sweat more and produce more oil in the warmer months, environmental dehydrators like sun exposure, humid weather and air conditioning can all contribute to moisture loss in the skin. Quench thirsty skin with a refreshing, oil-free gel-cream moisturiser like Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, our dermatologist-developed moisturiser is powered by an ultra-hydrating complex of moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and aloe vera bio-ferment.

Hyaluronic acid is your first stop for fresh, dewy summer skin – and it’s derm-approved too. “Hyaluronic acid is a dermatologist favourite ingredient because it plumps up your skin with hydration, giving it a youthful, dewy look. It also makes fine dry lines and wrinkles appear less obvious,” says Dr Michelle Henry, a dermatologist based in New York City. Another great thing about hyaluronic acid is that it delivers lasting hydration without feeling greasy, thick or heavy on the skin. This, combined with aloe vera, ensures skin feels soothed with hydration and keeps on glowing.

Follow our step-by-step routine for healthy summer skin.

1. Thoroughly cleanse, morning and night.

You sweat more, you’re outside more, and you wear more SPF, so effective, thorough cleansing is a no-brainer. We suggest a non-stripping gel cleanser like All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild for dry or sensitive skin types, or if you’re prone to breakouts, try something with salicylic acid. Humid weather can trigger excess oil production, leading to blackheads and blemishes, so a targeted cleanser like Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam is great for oily and combination skin types. You can use your cleanser AM and PM, but in the evening, we suggest removing makeup and sunscreen first with Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm.

2. Gently exfoliate.
Apply a gentle liquid exfoliator twice a day to keep skin smooth, clear and primed for next skincare steps. Find the ideal Clarifying Lotion liquid exfoliator for your skin type (there are six different formulas) and apply morning and night to sweep away impurities, dead skin cells and excess oil. If you’re prone to breakouts, try the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion, which contains salicylic acid to help minimise excess oil and keep pores clear.

3. Get your vitamins.
You can still use targeted serums in the warmer months, particularly our super gentle, power-packed formulas. We recommend alternating between a brightening serum with vitamin C in the AM, like Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, and a targeted retinoid (vitamin A) and peptide serum, such as the bestselling Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum, in the evenings. Apply after your exfoliator and pat into the face and neck. Plus, find out more about active ingredients in skincare with our expert guide.

4. Hydrate.
Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, our oil-free gel-cream moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, is great for summer skin as it hydrates without clogging pores and helps to re-balance excess oil production that can stem from high humidity. Apply to face and neck, morning, night, or whenever else you skin needs it.

5. Layer on SPF.
You know the drill: SPF is a non-negotiable for healthy summer skin. Apply it all over your face and neck in the morning and reapply throughout the day. A good one? Our dermatologist-developed Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator marries sheer sun protection with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera bio-ferment. It leaves no white cast and is suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin.

Bonus step: hydrating mist.
Spritz on a moisturising mist anytime, anywhere for a hydration hit. Moisture Surge™ Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief does exactly as the name suggests, thanks to hydrating heroes like glycerin, aloe vera water and soothing cica. Mist it on after your skincare routine, at your desk, in-flight, or whenever else your skin needs a boost.

• Soothe post-sun skin with aloe vera.
You’ve probably heard this one before – aloe vera gel is a great natural skin soother, particularly for sunburn. Our Moisture Surge™ range harnesses the cooling, refreshing qualities of aloe vera with aloe vera bio-ferment, which is made with lactobacillus, activated aloe water and organic aloe vera extract powder to help nourish skin and retain moisture.

• Mix your moisturiser with a gel or liquid bronzer for a sun-kissed glow.
Our trending Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker gel bronzer is an easy way to give your skin a just-back-from-the-beach boost. Add a few drops of this hydrating gel bronzer to your favourite moisturiser or SPF for a subtle bronze glow. These bronzing drops are also a great way to warm up your foundation shade seasonally.

• Keep your moisturiser in the fridge.
A quick, easy summer skin hack – store your Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator for an instant refresh – particularly welcome in a heatwave.

• Avoid pore-clogging formulas.
Want to keep your skin in the clear? Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas, like Moisture Surge 100H, to avoid excess oil and sweat from building up in your pores. A non-comedogenic SPF is also a must – try Moisture Surge SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator or Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector.