Keep Your Skin Cool and Clear: Your Ultimate Summer Skin Care Routine with Korean Products

Ladies and gentlemen, as we approach the warmer months of the year, you may notice many changes happening to your skin due to the increase in temperature and humidity. The sebaceous (oil) glands start producing excess sebum (oil) due to the changing temperature. The oil secreted gets stuck on the surface of the skin, leading to stickiness, grease, and blocked pores. This can in turn cause acne breakouts, an uneven skin tone, and even wrinkles.

Acne breakouts are the most common problem that can occur in summer. People with oily skin types are most prone to breakouts as the bacteria and oils in the skin mix with the sweat causing clogged pores and acne.

There are several things you can do to ensure that your summer skincare is second to none.

 

1. DOUBLE CLEANSING

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine and is even more essential during the summer months. The heat and humidity cause the pores to open, while increased sweating and impurities in the air end up entering and blocking the pores. It is recommended to clean your face with gentle cleansers. We would recommend you start double cleansing - which is a summer skincare essential step, especially in Korean skincare routines.

Double cleansing is a skincare technique that involves washing your face with two different types of cleansers to achieve a deeper clean.

Oil Cleansing: After a long day’s work, 2 steps of cleansing are essential. Oil cleansing comes into action by removing the first layer of dirt and debris from our skin. Especially during summers or if you wear makeup and spend time outdoors, oil cleansing is essential.

The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is a great oil cleanser for beginners and is suitable for all skin types. It is a highly recommended effective summer skincare essential product.

Cleansing: While choosing a cleanser, you should ideally try and look for one with a lower PH. Our skin naturally is acidic (ranging from 4.7- 5.7). A cleanser with a higher PH is thus not recommended for our skin as these cleansers will produce too much foam which will leave the skin feeling dry and dehydrated.

Use CosRX Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to achieve supple, clean, and hydrated skin.

If you have slightly oilier and acne-prone skin, Belle Vous recommends the CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser to get rid of buildup and provide a clean and refreshed feeling to your skin.

 

2. USE LIGHTWEIGHT TONERS

Using lightweight toners during summer will ensure that you provide enough hydration to your skin while not overbearing your skin with too many products.

Skincare is always subjective to the environment, weather, and skin condition. Thus, it is important to learn how to listen to your skin and switch products around depending on season to season.

Belle Vous recommends you to try the CosRx Pure Fit Cica Toner which is perfect for all skin types- especially for people with sensitive skin. Centella Asiatica or Cica is known for its healing properties which purify and moisturizes the skin. It also claims to reduce redness and irritation.

If you are struggling with enlarged pores, whiteheads, and blackheads, the CosRx AHA/ BHA Treatment Toner is a holy grail product that is loved by all. It works by eliminating excess sebum and works from inside your pores to dissolve sources of acne and blackheads. Its lightweight and watery formula is especially suited for oily skin types.

Since the acids in this toner are very minute, some people tend to experience “purging” which is a temporary skin reaction during which the skin becomes dry, red, and irritated and experiences minor breakouts in response to a new product. However, we assure you that you will have the clearest skin after the purging process.

 

3. INCLUDE ANTIOXIDANTS IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Antioxidant serums are fantastic for hydrating your skin. They also protect your skin from environmental harm, help collagen production, and prevent skin damage. Alternatively, you can incorporate antioxidants into your diet by eating citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, green tea, etc.

Belle Vous recommends you try the One Thing Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract. Green Tea Leaf Extract is rich in antioxidants that help protect and repair the skin, as well as improve the skin barrier. It has a high Vitamin C content (5 to 8 times more than lemons), which helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots and brighten skin. The best part about this product is that it can be used on its own or by mixing with other products. This gives you the benefit of choosing how to use the product depending on your skin needs.

 

4. EXFOLIATE REGULARLY

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells through chemical or physical means. Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores, blackheads, and flaky skin which you experience more of during the summertime. You should ideally be exfoliating one to two times a week.

Physically exfoliating includes using a wash-off mask with small beads or grains that you work against your skin to remove the excess sebum or dead skin cells. We recommend you try Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off which is made from sugar crystals, macadamia seed oil, and shea butter which clean and nourish your skin at the same time.

Chemical exfoliation is when you use enzymes, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid to dissolve dead-skin cell buildup from the surface of your skin—with no scrubbing necessary. It works by entering your pores and getting rid of oil and dirt from inside your pores.

Belle Vous recommends you try the  CosRX BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid which is an effective chemical exfoliator that tackles the problem of blackheads.

 

5. MOISTURIZE WELL

Though you might be tempted to forgo the moisturizer because of the heat and humidity of the summer, do not skip this step. Instead, you can add some lightweight or gel-based moisturizers that dry well and don’t leave a sticky residue on your skin.

For dry skin types looking to switch to a nourishing but lightweight moisturizer, Belle Vous recommends the CosRx Full Fit Propolis Light Cream which absorbs quickly but leaves your skin supple and well moisturized.

For slightly oily skin, switch to gel-based products like the CosRx Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream or Face Shop’s Jeju Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. These are great for extremely humid and hot places where using a cream-based product may feel like a punishment.

Or, if you want something that will provide you with instant hydration without the headache of reapplying, you can think of investing in a facial mist. Check out Dear Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist on https://bellevous.in/

 

6. DON’T SKIMP OUT ON THE SPF

To protect your skin during the summer, it is recommended to apply sunscreen often. Look for sunscreens that offer at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection, and lip protection. Exposing your skin to harmful UV rays can lead to darker, and more tanned skin, but it can also cause issues such as itchy skin, prickly heat, sunburn, and rash due to sensitivity to the sun.

Remember to always reapply sunscreen and apply a thick layer- despite the season and weather. 

Belle Vous recommends Top Face UV Perfect Collagen Mild Sun SPF 50+++ which is a highly rated sunscreen.

If you are looking for an even more lightweight sunscreen, you can try out the Laboshe Hyaluronic Acid Watery Gel Sun Gel which has an SPF of 50+ and PA++++

 

7. AVOID HEAVY MAKEUP

To ensure your skin can breathe properly, it's best to avoid heavy makeup like foundation that can block the pores. Humidity and heat can also hinder the skin's ability to breathe.

Instead, consider using a tinted lip balm and a moisturizer with a touch of color to give your skin a natural glow while allowing it to breathe freely. This way, you can still wear makeup without sacrificing your skin's health.

If you are thinking of switching to a lightweight skin tint, consider looking into Dear Klairs’ Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream. For a fresher look, you can mix a few drops of this beauty potion with your sunscreen or moisturizer. For a more full coverage look, you can use more of the product. An additional benefit is that this blemish cream also has an SPF of 40 PA++

 

CONCLUSION

Remember that another person’s skin type will be completely different than yours and products will react differently depending on your skin. It is very important to test out products beforehand to figure out what suits your face the best.

Using SPF and avoiding the sun can help protect your skin during the summer months and is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin damage and disease.

Also, remember that it is not only what you put ON your skin but also what you put IN your body that determines your skin health.  Drink plenty of water and fruit juices so that your body stays hydrated and healthy. Drinking coconut water, and eating fruits with high water content (like watermelon) can serve as an excellent source of hydration leading to flawless skin!

Summer calls for late nights, swims, picnics, and many more outdoor activities. We hope you are more equipped with the knowledge of how to best protect your skin ensuring that you have the best cool skin in the summer!