Good summer skin care comes down to three habits: a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, applied generously every morning and reapplied every two hours outdoors; a lighter cleanser and moisturiser that suit heat and humidity; and gentle after-sun care in the evening. Shade, clothing and avoiding the midday sun protect more than any product. Food and nutrients support normal skin, but no supplement replaces sunscreen.
Key facts about summer skin care
- The World Health Organization advises sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. On a clear Swiss summer day it is usually well above that, and UV rises further with altitude and reflection from water.
- Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and UVA protection. Adults need around 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover the whole body; most people use far less.
- Reapply at least every two hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying, even with "water-resistant" products.
- Stay in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, when UV radiation is strongest.
- EFSA sets an adequate total water intake of 2.0 litres a day for women and 2.5 litres for men, from drinks and food together; heat and exercise raise your needs.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin; vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, zinc and iodine contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
How do you take care of your face skin in summer?
Take care of your face in summer by cleansing gently, switching to lighter textures and finishing every morning with sunscreen. Heat makes skin produce more sweat and sebum, so a cream that felt perfect in January can feel heavy in July. The answer is lighter products, not more of them:
- Cleanse gently morning and evening with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, and again after heavy sweating. Hot water and harsh scrubs dry the skin.
- Switch to a lighter texture: a gel or fluid moisturiser instead of a rich cream, unless your skin is very dry.
- Finish with sunscreen every morning, also on cloudy days and in the city.
- Remember the forgotten areas: ears, neck, the back of the hands, your scalp parting and your lips (a lip balm with SPF).
What is the best summer skin care routine?
The best summer skin care routine is the one you will actually follow on a hot day: four short steps in the morning, three in the evening. This plan suits most skin types; the sections below show what to adjust.
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Mild cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry | Mild cleanser; cleanse twice if you wore water-resistant sunscreen or make-up |
| 2. Serum (optional) | Vitamin C or another antioxidant serum | Hydrating serum, for example with hyaluronic acid |
| 3. Moisturise | Light gel or fluid | Light cream; richer only on dry areas |
| 4. Protect | Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher | Not needed |
Retinoids and exfoliating acids belong in the evening, and they make daily sunscreen even more important because they can increase sun sensitivity.
Summer skin care routine for oily skin
Choose a gel cleanser, an oil-free moisturiser and a fluid or gel sunscreen labelled "non-comedogenic". Blotting papers remove shine at midday without stripping the skin. Skipping moisturiser often backfires: dehydrated skin can look oilier, not less.
Summer skin care routine for dry skin
Air conditioning, sun, salt water and chlorine all dry the skin. Keep a creamier moisturiser, apply it to slightly damp skin, rinse off chlorine and salt soon after swimming, and use a fragrance-free body lotion after every shower.
Summer skin care for men
The routine is the same: cleanse, a light moisturiser and sunscreen. Shaving removes some of the skin's surface layer, so an alcohol-free, unperfumed balm is kinder in the heat. A bald or thinning scalp needs sunscreen or a hat.
Sunscreen first: no cream or pill does its job
Sunscreen is the most important summer skin care step, and it only works if you use enough: the SPF is measured with a thick layer, and most people apply a fraction of it. As a guide, the NHS suggests 6 to 8 teaspoons for the whole body. For the face and neck, use a generous layer rather than a thin film. Apply it before going out, then reapply every two hours and after swimming or towelling.
Look for UVA protection as well as SPF: SPF measures protection against UVB, which causes sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper and contributes to visible skin ageing. In Europe, the letters "UVA" in a circle show that a product meets the EU recommendation.
Sunscreen is one layer of protection, not a licence to stay longer in the sun. Shade, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and clothing matter just as much, especially for children; babies under six months should be kept out of direct sun. You may also see tablets marketed as "sun protection from within". No vitamin, mineral or plant extract is authorised in Switzerland or the EU as protection against sunburn or UV damage, so keep using sunscreen whatever you take.
After-sun: caring for your skin in the evening
After a day outdoors, remove sunscreen, sweat and salt with a mild cleanser and a lukewarm shower, then apply an unperfumed moisturiser or after-sun lotion while the skin is still slightly damp.
If you do get sunburnt:
- get out of the sun and cool the skin with a cool shower or a damp towel, never with ice;
- apply after-sun or an unperfumed moisturiser and drink plenty of water;
- don't pop blisters or pull off peeling skin, and keep the area covered from the sun until it has recovered;
- see a doctor promptly if the skin is blistered or swollen, or if you have a high temperature, chills, dizziness, a headache or muscle cramps, and always if a baby or young child is sunburnt.
Is your skin better in summer or winter?
It depends on your skin type. Humid air helps dry skin hold water, which is why many people with dry or sensitive skin find their skin better in summer. Heat and sweat, on the other hand, increase sebum, so oily and acne-prone skin can look shinier and break out more easily. UV exposure is the downside for everyone: it is the main external cause of visible skin ageing and the main risk factor for skin cancer.
Skin care after the summer
In September many people notice dry patches, uneven pigmentation or new spots. Go back to a slightly richer moisturiser as the air gets drier, keep a daily SPF (UV doesn't stop in autumn), and reintroduce stronger products such as exfoliating acids or retinoids slowly. Ask a dermatologist to check any mole that is new, changing, bleeding or looks different from the others.
Nutrition for summer skin: what food can and cannot do
Your skin is built and maintained from what you eat, and summer makes eating well easy. Berries, tomatoes, peppers, apricots and leafy greens are in season and provide vitamin C and beta-carotene; nuts, seeds and wholegrains supply vitamin E, zinc and B vitamins. Studies have looked at whether carotenoid-rich diets change how sensitive skin is to the sun; the effects reported are small, take weeks to develop and are no substitute for sunscreen.
These nutrients have authorised roles for the skin:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. Acerola is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.
- Vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, zinc and iodine contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc and selenium contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress; our article on what the research on vitamin E shows explains what this means, and what it doesn't.
For the full picture, our guide to which vitamins are good for your skin covers every nutrient, the best food sources and the upper limits.
Where Sanbera fits in your summer routine
Sanbera formulas are designed to complement a balanced diet, not to replace sunscreen or a good routine. The table shows the skin-related nutrients per daily dose of 3 tablets, with the percentage of the nutrient reference value (NRV).
| Nutrient | Daily Essential Women | Daily Essential Men |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 43.1 mg (54%) | 51.8 mg (65%) |
| Vitamin A | 200 µg (25%) | 200 µg (25%) |
| Vitamin E | 6 mg (50%) | 9 mg (75%) |
| Riboflavin | 1.05 mg (75%) | 1.05 mg (75%) |
| Niacin | 12 mg (75%) | 8 mg (50%) |
| Biotin | 25 µg (50%) | 25 µg (50%) |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg (25%) | 4 mg (40%) |
| Iodine | 37.5 µg (25%) | 37.5 µg (25%) |
In Daily Essential Women and Daily Essential Men, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, zinc and iodine contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, and vitamin C to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. The Nightly Reload formulas provide vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin and biotin, but no vitamin A, E or minerals. If you want a reset beyond skin care, the routines worth returning to this summer covers sleep, movement and meals; for your everyday steps all year round, see our guide to a simple skincare routine and the right order.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take care of my face skin in summer?
Cleanse gently morning and evening with lukewarm water, switch to a lighter gel or fluid moisturiser, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning, reapplying every two hours outdoors. Remove sunscreen and sweat in the evening. Shade, a hat and sunglasses add protection that no product can match on its own.
What is a good summer skin care routine for oily skin?
Use a gel cleanser twice a day, a light oil-free moisturiser and a non-comedogenic fluid or gel sunscreen. Don't skip moisturiser, because dehydrated skin can look oilier. Blotting papers remove shine during the day. Keep exfoliating acids for the evening, and see a dermatologist if breakouts become painful or persistent.
How much sunscreen should I use, and how often?
Adults need around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the whole body, and a generous layer on the face, neck and ears. Apply it before going out, reapply at least every two hours and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Most people apply too little, which lowers the real protection far below the SPF on the label.
Can vitamins or supplements protect my skin from the sun?
No. No vitamin, mineral or plant extract is authorised in Switzerland or the EU as protection against sunburn or UV damage. Nutrients such as vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, and vitamin C to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin, but sunscreen, shade and clothing remain essential.
How do I get glowing skin in summer?
Healthy-looking summer skin comes from daily sunscreen, gentle cleansing, a light moisturiser, enough water and plenty of fruit and vegetables; a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week can add brightness. A tan is the skin's response to UV damage, so a self-tanner is the safer way to a bronzed look.
Sources
- World Health Organization: Radiation: the ultraviolet (UV) index
- NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety
- NHS: Sunburn
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies: Scientific Opinion on Dietary reference values for water. EFSA Journal, 2010.
- European Commission: EU Register of nutrition and health claims
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 2017.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.