A Nighttime Summer Skin Care Routine

Your typical summer activities aren’t always as much fun for your skin as they are for you. Truthfully, the summer season can take a toll on your skin. Of course, just because summer fun can wreak havoc on your skin more so than you may have realized doesn’t mean you should forgo beach days and other seasonal activities all together. What it does mean, though, is that you simply have to take a little better care of your skin during this season. So, consider dedicating a little extra time to your nighttime skin care routine, when the sun is down and the heat of your busy day is off. With the right skin care routine—containing waterproof makeup remover, a shine-reducing facial cleanser, water-based moisturizer, and more—you can keep summer from taking a toll on your skin. For an easy seven-step nighttime summer skin care regimen, read on. 

Step #1: Remove Every Trace of Makeup

We love wearing minimal makeup during summer, but it’s important to note that opting for lighter makeup doesn’t negate your need for makeup removal. It’s still important to start your routine right—by removing every last bit of makeup that you did apply. And if one of the few products you put on happened to be waterproof mascara (a summer staple), it’ll be even more essential to remove your makeup, since waterproof products won’t budge until you breakout a powerful makeup remover. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof – All Skin Types, which will easily remove any face makeup in addition to that stubborn mascara. Simply saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and sweep it across your skin. For eye makeup, hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe.

Step #2: Use an Oil-Reducing Facial Cleanser

Don’t assume removing your makeup counts as your cleansing step. When you’re wearing sunscreen every day, as you should be, it’s often necessary to double cleanse. First you cleanse to remove makeup, then you cleanse again to get rid of lingering sunscreen and impurities. During the summer, we recommend switching to a facial cleanser that reduces the appearance of shiny skin, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Formulated with three types of clay and eucalyptus extract, the cleanser provides a deep clean, removing everyday impurities and excess oil without over-drying. Skin is left with a clean look and matte finish. 

Step #3: Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells

Don’t be shocked if your skin starts to look dull or patchy as the summer goes on. It’s just another way the intense weather can impact your skin. To combat its effects, you may need to exfoliate more often than your used to. If you typically scrub your skin once a week, try upgrading to two or three times per week. As for what to use, one of our face scrubs should do the trick. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub removes impurities and leaves pores looking tightened, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub polishes away dullness for more supple skin, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub comforts skin and provides a glowing look with continued use. Whichever face scrub you pick, smooth a small amount onto clean, dry skin. Then massage the face scrub over your face with wet fingers before rinsing off.

Editor’s tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips too! Our face scrubs double as lip scrubs, so taking care of your pout should be easy. After exfoliating, be sure to smooth on an ultra-hydrating lip balm.

Step #4: Treat Yourself to a Soothing Face Mask

After a day out and about, trying to pack in as many summer activities as possible, you’ll likely be in need of a little relaxation. And you might as well take care of your skin at the same time! Before you settle into the couch, apply the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask. The beautifully-blue face mask gently cleanses stressed areas and visibly reduces the appearance of imperfections. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes while enjoying a bit of peace and quiet, then rise off with lukewarm water.

Step #5: Apply Plenty of Moisturizer

Even if you get greasy during the summer, moisturizer is still a must. While we’re no strangers to looking like an oil slick throughout the warmer months, the hot, hot sun can still dry out your skin. That’s why you’ll want to look for a water-based moisturizer that mattifies while providing hydration—it’s the best of both worlds. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Oily Skin fits the bill. The mattifying moisturizer’s formula, which contains aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid, infuses skin with moisture and removes excess sebum for a fresh feel and healthy look. Gently smooth the moisturize over your face then move right along to your next step.

Step #6: Don’t Forget to Use Eye Cream

You may not give the skin surrounding your eyes much thought—but you should. The delicate skin can easily dry out, which can make fine lines and wrinkles and crow’s feet appear more pronounced. To keep your eye area hydrated and minimize the appearance of those pesky lines, all you need is eye cream. Dab one on under your eyes and blend out using your ring finger. Of course, since it’s summer, you may want to take your eye cream experience to the next level. Try popping your eye cream—we suggest the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream—in the fridge. Take it out when you’re ready to apply and you’ll have a refreshing treat for your skin. (Think your fridge could stand to be packed with more skin care products? Check out our article, Store These 3 Skin Care Products in the Fridge.)

Step #7: Work on Your Tan

Looking to get a bronzed glow? Well, as always, we recommend achieving your sun-kissed skin without the sun. We’re talking about using self-tanner. And as it turns out, nighttime is the best time to apply self-tanner. That way, your tan can develop overnight, while you’re catching some shuteye. During your nighttime shower, exfoliate your body. Then, once you’ve dried off completely post-shower, smooth the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium on evenly over your entire body. Be careful to apply the self-tanner sparingly around your knees, elbows, and ankles—areas that may soak up too much product. Wash hands thoroughly after using, then wait until your skin is dry to put on your pajamas. Within a few hours, a bronzed glow will appear—so you can admire it when you wake up.

Ready to revamp your morning routine, too? Here’s The Morning Skin Care Routine You Should Never Skip.