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Adapt your skincare for sun, heat, and SPF in the summer
Summer is a time when many people spend more time outdoors, travel, swim, and enjoy the sun. At the same time, the skin is exposed to significantly greater stress than during the rest of the year. UV radiation, heat, sweat, salt water, and chlorine affect the skin’s moisture balance and protective barrier, which means that the skincare routine that worked during winter is not always optimal in summer. This does not mean that you need to replace your entire skincare routine, but it may be wise to adapt both which products you use and how you use them. Some ingredients become especially important when the skin needs hydration and soothing, while others may need to be used more carefully if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Below, we go through how to build an effective skincare routine for summer, how to use sun protection correctly, and which ingredients can help the skin feel its best during the warmest months of the year. The skin needs a different skincare routine in summer The skin’s needs change throughout the year. When the temperature rises, sebum production often increases, while the skin also loses more fluid through sweating. Add to that stronger UV radiation, swimming in the sea or pool, and longer days outdoors, and it becomes clear why the skin can react differently during summer. Many people find that their skin becomes both oilier and drier at the same time. It may sound contradictory, but it is actually common. The heat can cause the skin to produce more sebum, which gives a shinier feeling, while the sun and heat cause the skin to lose more moisture. The result is skin that feels oily on the surface while also tight or dehydrated. Another important factor is the skin barrier. The outermost layer of the skin acts as protection against external stressors while also helping the skin retain its moisture. Heavy sun exposure can temporarily impair the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. That is why a good summer routine is not only about protecting the skin from the sun, but also about helping the skin recover and maintain a strong skin barrier. This is how the sun affects the skin The sun is important for our well-being, but UV radiation is also one of the biggest causes of premature skin aging. UV radiation gradually breaks down collagen and elastin, two proteins that help the skin stay firm and resilient. At the same time, free radicals can form in the skin, leading to oxidative stress. Over time, this can contribute to pigmentation spots, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone. If the skin is exposed to too much sun without sufficient protection, it can also become dry, red, and irritated. In some cases, the skin barrier can be weakened, making the skin react more easily to products it would normally tolerate. This does not mean that you need to avoid the sun completely. The key is instead to give the skin the right protection and the right conditions to recover. Morning routine during summer A good morning routine during summer is about moisturizing the skin without making it feel heavy, while also preparing it for the most important step of the day – sun protection. Start with a gentle cleanse During the night, the skin produces sebum and sweat, while residue from the evening’s skincare remains on the skin. Therefore, a gentle face wash in the morning can be a good start to the day. A gentle cleanser removes dirt and excess sebum without disturbing the skin’s natural balance. If the cleanser is too strong, the skin risks becoming dehydrated before the day has even begun, which can make it more sensitive to both heat and sun. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, it can sometimes be enough to rinse your face with lukewarm water in the morning. Hydrate the skin with toner and serum Many people think the skin needs less hydration during summer because it feels oilier. In reality, the skin often needs more moisture than usual. A hydrating serum is an easy way to give the skin extra moisture without feeling heavy. Serums often have a light consistency and contain high concentrations of active ingredients, which makes them an excellent complement during summer when many people want to use lighter products. Look for ingredients such as: Hyaluronic acid Glycerin Beta-glucan Panthenol These ingredients help the skin bind water and provide hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. Adapt your moisturizer to the weather During winter, many people use a richer face cream, but during summer the skin may do better with a lighter gel cream or lotion. A light moisturizer hydrates the skin without feeling greasy and also works better together with sun protection. Otherwise, if the skin becomes too oily, it may be harder for SPF to settle evenly over the skin. If, on the other hand, you have very dry skin, you do not automatically need to switch to a thinner cream. The most important thing is that your skin feels hydrated and comfortable during the day. Sun protection is the most important step in a summer routine If you are only going to prioritize one single product during summer, it is a good sun protection. Sun protection not only helps reduce the risk of getting burned. It also protects the skin against the long-term damage caused by UV radiation, such as pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity, and premature skin aging. Even many active skincare ingredients give better results if the skin is protected from the sun at the same time. Otherwise, new pigmentation spots and sun damage may counteract the effect of the rest of your skincare. For most people, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended, but during summer SPF 50 is often a better choice, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. How much SPF should you use? One of the most common reasons sun protection does not provide the protection stated on the packaging is that too little is used. For the face and neck, two finger lengths of sunscreen is usually a good rule of thumb. Apply sun protection as the last step in your morning routine and let it absorb before applying makeup. If the amount is too small, the protection is significantly reduced, even if the product has SPF 50. How often should you reapply SPF? Applying sun protection in the morning is a good start, but it is not always enough for a whole day. If you spend extended periods outdoors, sun protection should be reapplied about every two hours. This is especially true if you are at the beach, walking for a long time, or sitting in direct sunlight. You should also apply new sun protection after: Swimming Heavy sweating Exercising outdoors If you have dried your face with a towel Even water-resistant sunscreens gradually lose their effect when the skin is exposed to water and friction. If, on the other hand, you work indoors for most of the day and are only outside for shorter periods, the need for reapplication may be less, but if you go outside again in the afternoon, it is wise to top up with a new layer. Ingredients to use with a little extra caution during summer There is a common misconception that certain ingredients must not be used at all during summer. It is not that simple. Most active ingredients can be used year-round, but some make the skin more sensitive to external stressors or require you to be extra careful with sun protection. If you know that you will be spending many hours in the sun, it may therefore be wise to adjust how often you use them. Retinol Retinol is one of the most well-documented ingredients in skincare and is often used to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and treat acne. At the same time, retinol can make the skin drier and more sensitive, especially when you have just started using it. During summer, therefore, strong sun, heat, and retinol together can become a strain on the skin. This does not mean that you have to stop using retinol during summer. On the contrary, many people can continue using it without problems, but it is wise to apply it in the evening and be extra careful with sun protection every day. If the skin feels irritated or if you know you will be spending a long time in the sun several days in a row, it may be a good idea to reduce use temporarily. AHA acids AHA acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin and contribute to a more even skin tone and increased radiance. Because they remove dead skin cells, the skin can also become more sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore, it is especially important to use high sun protection if you use AHA acids, particularly during summer. For many people, it works well to use the acids in the evening a couple of times a week instead of every day during periods when they spend a lot of time outdoors. BHA (salicylic acid) Unlike AHA acids, BHA acids are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate into the pores and dissolve sebum and impurities. Therefore, salicylic acid is a popular choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid does not make the skin as sensitive to the sun as AHA acids do, but because it still exfoliates the skin, overuse combined with strong sun, heat, and sweat can make the skin dry or irritated. If the skin feels more sensitive than usual during summer, it may be wise to reduce use somewhat and instead focus on hydration and a strong skin barrier. Strong peels and exfoliation Exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and give the skin more radiance, but during summer it can be good to think a little differently. If you know you are going to spend a whole day at the beach or be out in strong sun for several hours, it may be better to postpone a stronger exfoliator to another day. Freshly exfoliated skin can feel more sensitive and react more easily to both heat and UV radiation. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week during summer is enough, but how often depends on skin type, which products you use, and how much time you spend outdoors. Ingredients that are especially well-suited for summer Summer is not just about which ingredients you should be careful with. There are also many ingredients that can help the skin maintain its moisture balance, soothe irritation, and strengthen the skin’s natural protection. Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is one of the most appreciated hydrating ingredients in skincare. It works by binding water in the outermost layer of the skin, making the skin feel softer and more hydrated. During summer, when the skin loses more fluid through heat and sweating, hyaluronic acid can help counteract the tight feeling that many people experience. Because hyaluronic acid has a light consistency, it suits most skin types, even if you feel your skin becomes oily during summer. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) Panthenol is an ingredient that both hydrates and soothes the skin. After a warm day or after a lot of sun exposure, the skin can feel warm, dry, or slightly irritated. Panthenol then helps reduce discomfort while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. This makes the ingredient an excellent choice both morning and evening during summer. Centella Asiatica Centella Asiatica is one of the best-known ingredients in Korean skincare and is often used when the skin needs soothing. The ingredient is appreciated because it helps reduce redness and support the skin’s natural recovery. If the skin feels sensitive after a day in the sun, products with Centella Asiatica can help the skin feel more balanced again. That is why many people use it year-round, but especially during summer when the skin is exposed to more external stressors. Ceramides Ceramides are natural fats that already exist in the skin and make up an important part of the skin barrier. When the skin is exposed to a lot of sun, swimming, and heat, the skin barrier can become weakened. Then it becomes harder for the skin to retain its moisture, which can lead to dryness and irritation. By using products with ceramides, you help the skin rebuild its protective barrier and reduce moisture loss. Beta-glucan Beta-glucan is an ingredient that often goes a little unnoticed, but has many benefits. It helps the skin bind moisture while also having a soothing effect. Many also appreciate that beta-glucan gives a soft and comfortable feel without feeling heavy on the skin. For those who easily become red or sensitive during summer, beta-glucan can be a good complement to the rest of your skincare. Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Heartleaf has become a very popular ingredient in Korean skincare thanks to its soothing properties. It is often used in products for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it helps reduce redness and gives the skin a more balanced feel. During summer, it can be especially appreciated because heat and sweat can sometimes make the skin more reactive. Niacinamide Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that suits most skin types and works excellently even during summer. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, balance sebum production, and even out skin tone over time. In addition, it is significantly gentler than many exfoliating acids, which makes it well-suited even when the skin is exposed to a lot of sun. If you have skin that both becomes shiny and at the same time feels dehydrated during summer, niacinamide is often a good choice. Skincare after a day in the sun After several hours outdoors, the skin primarily needs recovery. Even if you have not been sunburned, the skin has been exposed to heat, UV radiation, and often also sweat, salt water, or chlorine. A soothing evening routine helps the skin restore its balance before the next day. Cleanse the skin thoroughly During the day, sun protection, sebum, sweat, dirt, and air pollution collect on the skin. Therefore, a thorough yet gentle cleanse is important in the evening. If you use water-resistant sun protection or makeup, double cleansing can be a good option to ensure that all residue is removed. Replenish moisture After cleansing, it is a good time to give the skin plenty of hydration. A hydrating toner followed by a serum and a moisturizer helps the skin replace the moisture lost during the day. Products with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or beta-glucan are especially appreciated after a lot of sun. Soothe the skin If the skin feels warm or slightly irritated, soothing ingredients can make a big difference. Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf, aloe vera, and madecassoside are examples of ingredients that help the skin feel more comfortable while supporting its natural recovery. Strengthen the skin barrier If the skin feels dry or tight after a day outdoors, a barrier-strengthening face cream with ceramides or squalane can help the skin recover faster. A strong skin barrier allows the skin to retain its moisture better and withstand external stressors more effectively. Common mistakes during summer Even the best skincare routine gives poorer results if a few common mistakes creep in. Skipping moisturizer Many people choose to leave out their face cream because their skin feels oily. The problem is that dehydrated skin sometimes compensates by producing even more sebum. A light hydrating cream instead helps the skin maintain a better balance. Only applying SPF once Sun protection gradually breaks down during the day and also disappears when you swim, sweat, or dry your face. If you spend a long time outdoors, the sun protection therefore needs to be reapplied to provide good protection. Using too little sun protection Many people apply significantly less than the amount required to achieve the product’s stated SPF. Two finger lengths for the face and neck is a simple rule of thumb that helps you get more reliable protection. Forgetting exposed areas Ears, neck, hairline, and hands are areas that are often missed when applying sun protection. These are also areas that are often exposed to a lot of sun and should therefore receive the same protection as the rest of the face. Adapt the routine to your skin type There is no skincare routine that suits everyone. How you should adapt your routine during summer depends, among other things, on your skin type and how much time you spend outdoors. If you have dry skin, you can continue using a richer moisturizer if your skin feels comfortable with it. If you have oily skin, a lighter gel cream may be a better alternative, but oily skin also needs hydration. For sensitive skin, it is often wise to prioritize soothing ingredients and avoid introducing many new active products at the same time during periods of a lot of sun. If you use retinol or exfoliating acids, you do not need to stop using them just because it is summer. However, it may be good to adjust how often you use them if your skin feels more sensitive than usual or if you know you will be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight. Frequently asked questions about skincare in summer Do I need to use SPF even when it is cloudy? Yes. A large portion of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate clouds, which means the skin is still exposed to UV radiation even if the sun is not visible. Can I use retinol during summer? Yes, absolutely. However, use retinol in the evening and be diligent with sun protection during the day. If your skin feels sensitive, you can temporarily reduce usage. How often should I reapply sun protection? If you spend extended periods outdoors, you should reapply sun protection about every two hours as well as after swimming, heavy sweating, or when you have dried the skin with a towel. Do I need moisturizer even if my skin feels oily? Yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated. A light moisturizer helps the skin maintain its moisture balance and can in many cases also help the skin feel less oily. Which ingredients are best after a day in the sun? Ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, panthenol, ceramides, beta-glucan, Heartleaf, and hyaluronic acid are popular choices because they help hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Exosomes in skincare
Retinol has long been the ingredient that almost everyone interested in skincare knows about. It is praised for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce the visibility of fine lines, and give the skin a more even appearance. But recently, a new name has started appearing more and more often in both K-beauty and more advanced skincare: exosomes. Some describe exosomes as the future of skincare. Others believe the hype has moved a little too fast. Regardless, it is hard to ignore that exosomes have become one of the most talked-about innovations in the beauty world right now. Perhaps you have seen serums, ampoules, or creams that highlight exosomes as the main ingredient. Perhaps you have heard them mentioned alongside retinol, peptides, or growth factors. Or maybe you are simply wondering what exosomes actually are and whether they can really make any difference for the skin. What are exosomes? If we are to explain exosomes in a simple way, you can think of them as tiny messengers. Our skin cells are constantly communicating with each other. They send signals that help the skin repair itself, manage inflammation, produce collagen, and maintain its natural balance. Exosomes are an important part of that communication. They are microscopically small vesicles that contain different types of signaling substances, proteins, lipids, and other bioactive components. When they are transported between cells, they help convey information about what needs to be done. It is precisely this ability that has made exosomes so interesting in skincare. The idea is that they may be able to support the skin’s natural processes and help the skin function optimally. That does not mean exosomes can magically make the skin look ten years younger overnight. However, they are exciting because they work in a different way than many traditional skincare ingredients. Instead of primarily exfoliating the skin or adding moisture, exosomes focus on something more fundamental: the communication between the skin’s cells. Why have exosomes become so popular in K-beauty? If there is one thing the Korean skincare industry is known for, it is being one step ahead when it comes to new ingredients and innovations. Snail secretion, centella asiatica, fermented ingredients, and propolis became big in Korea long before the rest of the world started talking about them. Exosomes seem to be following the same pattern. There is also a reason why exosomes fit so well into the K-beauty philosophy. Much of Korean skincare is not about quick fixes. Instead, the focus is on strengthening the skin in the long term, supporting the skin barrier, and helping the skin function as well as possible on its own. Exosomes fit well with that way of thinking because they are often associated with the skin’s recovery, elasticity, and natural renewal. That is why you often see exosomes in products marketed for glow, skin health, and skin renewal rather than aggressive treatments. What benefits can exosomes have for the skin? What has made exosomes so interesting is that they are linked to several different aspects of skincare at the same time. The research is still relatively young, but much of the interest revolves around how exosomes may contribute to the skin’s recovery and long-term quality. Skin with more radiance Many people who start becoming interested in exosomes do not do so primarily because of wrinkles. Instead, it is often about skin that feels tired, dull, or lacks that radiance many associate with Korean skincare. When the skin is doing well, it often shows in the form of a more even tone, better radiance, and a healthier glow. Exosomes are therefore often used in products that focus specifically on glow and skin quality. Support for the skin’s elasticity One of the biggest changes that happens as we get older is that the skin gradually loses its firmness. Collagen production decreases, the skin becomes thinner, and it becomes harder for the skin to recover as quickly as before. Exosomes have become interesting because research links them to processes that affect the skin’s elasticity and structure. That is why they are often found in products aimed at mature skin or people who want to work preventively against signs of aging. Help for stressed skin Modern skin is exposed to a lot. UV radiation, air pollution, dry indoor air, lack of sleep, stress, and strong skincare ingredients can all affect how the skin feels. That is why many people today are not only looking for products that deliver results, but also for ingredients that help the skin recover. Exosomes have become popular precisely because they are often associated with the skin’s natural repair processes. Focus on the skin barrier In recent years, the skin barrier has gone from being a fairly unknown concept to becoming one of the most important parts of modern skincare. A strong skin barrier helps the skin retain moisture, protect itself against external stressors, and reduce the risk of irritation. This is also why exosomes are often combined with other barrier-strengthening ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, panthenol, and centella asiatica. Are exosomes or retinol best? If there is one question we get more often than any other when it comes to exosomes, it is this one. Many see exosomes as the "next retinol," but the truth is that the two ingredients work in quite different ways. Retinol is still one of the most well-documented ingredients in skincare. Its main strength is that it stimulates the skin’s renewal process, making it effective for fine lines, uneven skin texture, and pigmentation. Exosomes, on the other hand, have become interesting for a different reason. Instead of focusing on increased cell turnover, exosomes are more about the skin’s communication and recovery. That is why it is not really entirely correct to see them as competitors. A better comparison is to think of them as two different tools. Retinol can be a powerful tool for those who want to actively work on signs of aging and skin texture. Exosomes can be an interesting complement for those who want to focus on skin health, radiance, and recovery. For many people, the question is therefore not about choosing one or the other, but about how they can be used together. How do you use exosomes in a skincare routine? Just like with most active ingredients, exosomes are most often used in serums or ampoules. A typical routine may look like this: Cleansing Toner or essence Serum with exosomes Moisturizer Sunscreen in the morning Because exosomes are often combined with hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients, they work well together with many other products in a Korean skincare routine. They pair especially well with: Hyaluronic acid Ceramides Peptides Niacinamide Centella asiatica Panthenol For those who already use retinol, exosomes can also be an interesting complement since the focus is on supporting the skin rather than further increasing activity. Are exosomes worth the hype? If you ask us, the answer is yes! Exosomes are one of the most exciting ingredients in modern skincare right now and something we believe we will be hearing much more about going forward. What makes them so interesting is their focus on the skin’s natural recovery and communication between cells. Even though the research is still evolving, we think exosomes are an ingredient that feels very promising. For those of you who enjoy discovering new innovations in K-beauty, it is definitely an ingredient worth trying.
What is slow aging in skincare?
Slow aging skincare Slow aging in skincare is about supporting the skin over the long term instead of trying to correct signs of aging quickly. The focus is on strengthening the skin barrier, deeply hydrating, and using active ingredients in a gentle way. The result is skin that looks healthy, balanced, and naturally moisturized over time. What is slow aging? Slow aging is an approach within skincare where the goal is to optimize the skin’s function rather than counteract age. Instead of aggressive treatments, the skin is built up step by step with gentle and hydrating products. The difference between slow aging and anti-aging Traditional anti-aging often focuses on reducing wrinkles and pigmentation with strong ingredients. Slow aging instead focuses on preventing problems by keeping the skin balanced. The result is more sustainable and is especially suitable for sensitive skin. Why the trend is growing within K-beauty Korean skincare has long had a focus on hydration and skin health. Brands such as COSRX, Beauty of Joseon and Slowpure build their products around this very philosophy. This makes slow aging feel like a natural development within K-beauty. Why slow aging works Many skin problems arise when the skin is exposed to products that are too strong or too many active ingredients at the same time. An imbalanced skin barrier makes the skin more sensitive, drier, and more prone to irritation. The role of the skin barrier The skin barrier acts as protection against external stressors. When it is strong, the skin retains moisture better and looks more even. A damaged barrier can lead to fine lines, redness, and a tight feeling. External factors that affect the skin The sun is the biggest factor behind premature aging. Stress, lack of sleep, and the wrong skincare products can also affect the skin negatively. Slow aging is about minimizing these factors and creating a stable foundation. How to build a slow aging routine An effective routine does not need to be complicated. The focus is on the right products in the right order. Morning routine Cleanse with a gentle face wash Apply a hydrating toner Use a serum focused on hydration or soothing ingredients Apply a cream that strengthens the skin barrier Finish with sunscreen SPF 30 or higher Evening routine Cleanse the skin thoroughly Apply toner to restore the moisture balance Use a serum, preferably with mild active ingredients Apply a nourishing cream to the skin A consistent routine gives better results than constantly changing products. Important ingredients in slow aging Ingredients play a central role when the goal is to strengthen the skin over the long term. Moisture-binding ingredients Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help the skin retain moisture. Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and fine lines become less visible. Barrier-strengthening ingredients Ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane help repair the skin barrier. These ingredients make the skin more resilient to external stressors. Soothing and balancing ingredients Centella asiatica and panthenol soothe the skin and reduce irritation. These ingredients are especially important for sensitive skin. Gentle active ingredients Retinol in a low concentration and PHA acids can be used to improve the skin’s texture. The right dosage and frequency are crucial to avoid irritation. Common mistakes to avoid Several common mistakes can slow results and create imbalance in the skin. Too many active ingredients The combination of several strong ingredients can irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier. A simpler routine often gives better results. No use of sunscreen UV radiation breaks down collagen and causes premature aging. Daily use of SPF is one of the most important parts of slow aging. Changing products too frequently Skincare requires time to produce results. Constant changes make it difficult to see what actually works. Ignoring the skin’s signals Redness, dryness, and irritation are signs that the skin is out of balance. Adjust the routine instead of continuing with the same products. Frequently asked questions about slow aging What does slow aging mean in skincare? Slow aging means taking care of the skin in a long-term and gentle way to preserve its health and balance. Is slow aging better than anti-aging? Slow aging is better suited for many people because it reduces the risk of irritation and focuses on sustainable results. How long does it take to see results? Results are often visible after a few weeks, but long-term improvements become noticeable after several months of consistent use. What products are needed for a slow aging routine? A simple routine with cleanser, toner, serum, cream, and sunscreen goes a long way.
