27-07-2025
Men's summer skincare: Look good, feel great
Beauty Consultant
Essential skincare routines for men
When the sun is out it means outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great weather, as well as many occasions and social gathering.
However, the combination of heat and UV rays can take a toll on your skin, leading to sunburn, dehydration and premature ageing.
For men who want to maintain healthy, protected and radiant skin throughout the summer months, a simple yet effective skincare routine is essential.
Here's your guide to keeping your skin safe, hydrated and nourished all season long.
1. Gentle cleansing
Sweat, dirt and excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts, irritation and a dull complexion.
A proper cleansing routine is your first defense.
However, that doesn't mean reaching for the harshest soap in the market.
Instead, choose a gentle cleanser that works for your skin type How to Cleanse Properly:
- Washing your face twice daily, using a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser to avoid stripping your face of its natural oils.
- Exfoliating 2-3 times a week; a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid) helps remove dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs.
- Showering after sweating — particularly postworkout or outdoor activities — helps rinse off sweat and reduce bacterial buildup.
2. Hydrating inside and out
Hot weather and increased sweating can dehydrate your skin, leaving it dry and dull.
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to maintaining its elasticity and glow How to Stay Hydrated:
- Drinking plenty of water; aim for at least 2-3 litres per day to flush out toxins and keep skin plump, it's simple and so cliché, but it makes all the difference!
- Using a lightweight moisturiser because in summer you sweat more and your skin tends to become oily.
So, if you use heavy creams in winter swap them for a gel-based or oil-free moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to lock in moisture without greasiness.
- Applying after-shave balm; as shaving can dry your skin or strip it from its natural oils.
So use a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave to calm any irritation right away.
3. Sun protection, everday
The most crucial step in skincare is sun protection.
Sun rays or heat exposure without proper protection can cause sunburn, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
How to Protect Your Skin:
- Using a broad-spectrum SPF; choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 would be ideal) that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and reapply every 2 hours.
Sunscreen wears off, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
- Keeping a travel-sized bottle with you will help you reapply on the go.
- Don't skip days, UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, so apply sunscreen even when it's not sunny, or you are not leaving the house.
- Wearing protective clothing and accessories.
A cap, sunglasses and maybe lightweight long-sleeved shirts if you need that extra protection and body shield for your skin.
4. Don't dorget your lips and eyes
The delicate skin around your lips and eyes is prone to sun damage and dehydration, you need to take care of them just like the rest of you face.
How to Protect Them:
- Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped, burnt lips with a moisturising balm that contains sun protection.
You can apply it before going to bed if you're worried about it showing.
- Using an eye cream to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.
- Wearing Sunglasses to protect the sensitive eye area from UV rays and reducing squinting which can cause wrinkles over time.
5. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for healthy skin
Skincare isn't just about products, your lifestyle plays a huge role.
Skin-friendly summer habits:
- Eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens and nuts helps fight sun damage.
- Getting enough sleep; skin repairs itself overnight, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine as both can dehydrate your skin, but you can balance their effect by drinking extra water intake Taking care of your skin in summer doesn't have to be complicated.
With simple steps and basic products, you can make a huge difference!
So, this summer, make skincare a priority and enjoy the sunshine with confidenc and awareness!
Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
