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Does your skin start acting differently the moment summer arrives? It’s not just you.
When I moved to the UK, I quickly realised that my skin reacted differently to seasonal changes than it ever had before.
The shift in weather — the cooler, damp springs followed by humid, often unpredictable summers — completely changed my skin’s behaviour.
What worked for me in the winter months no longer made sense once the temperatures climbed. And to be honest, this is still something I’m adjusting to, especially after becoming a mum.
Back where I grew up, the weather stayed warm and tropical all year round. Skincare felt simple back then. I used the same few products every day, without ever thinking about the seasons. For over thirty years, that steady climate meant my skin never had to adapt much, and neither did I.
It wasn’t until I experienced my first full year of UK seasons that I began to understand just how deeply the climate could affect my skin.
Now, especially after the changes that came with postpartum, I’m learning that looking after my skin isn’t just about sticking to old routines. It’s about listening, adapting, and being a little kinder to the way my skin continues to shift and grow.
And it’s not just me — research shows that our skin really does change with the seasons. During summer, our skin naturally holds onto more moisture and the barrier stays a little stronger, while winter often leaves it drier, more sensitive, and in need of extra care.
In this post, I’m sharing how I updated my routine to suit the season, and the summer skincare essentials that are actually helping my dry, sensitive skin stay calm, hydrated, and glowing.
Should You Change Your Skincare During Summer? (Here’s What to Know)
Yes — but it doesn’t mean throwing out your entire routine.
Summer brings changes in humidity, temperature, and UV exposure, and these environmental shifts can deeply affect your skin barrier.
Seasonal changes, especially increased UV radiation and temperature, can alter the skin’s hydration levels, barrier function, and sensitivity.
If you continue using heavy winter formulations or skip proper sun protection in summer, you might end up with even more dryness, irritation, or breakouts , especially if your skin is already sensitive.
How My Skin Changed After Moving to the UK (and Why Yours Might Too)
Before moving, I didn’t think much about “seasonal routines.” But living through a few UK summers made it clear: my skin demanded different care.
Here’s what I noticed:
- Dry patches around my cheeks and mouth. It gets flaky too if I’m not careful.
- Increased sensitivity — more redness and tightness after sun exposure.
- Fluctuations in hydration — humid days tricked me into thinking my skin was fine, but underneath, it felt parched.
The NHS also advises us to wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy, as it helps to protect against sunburn, skin damage, and longer-term risks like skin cancer.
Summer Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Here’s my lightweight, barrier-friendly skincare routine that I follow during the summer months:
Morning Routine
- Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: Just enough to refresh without stripping.
- Hydrating Toner or Essence: Lightweight and packed with soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica.
- Antioxidant Serum: Calming, hydrating serums to combat UV stress.
- Lightweight Moisturiser: Cream-gel hybrids that hydrate deeply without heaviness.
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Always SPF 50+, soothing formulas made for sensitive skin.
Evening Routine
- Double Cleanse if needed: Only if I’ve worn sunscreen or makeup.
- Hydrating Toner: Rehydrate post-cleansing.
- Barrier Serum or Moisturiser: Support the barrier with ingredients like Panthenol or Ceramides.
- Occlusive balm (optional) for extra dry patches. I always have Vaseline ready on my nightstand.
Summer Skincare Kit: My Essentials for Calm, Happy Skin
When it comes to summer, I like keeping my routine simple, lightweight, and barrier-friendly.
I’m not using dozens of products, just a few that really help my dry, sensitive skin feel calm, hydrated, and protected without the heaviness.
Here’s what’s currently in my skincare kit for the warmer months:
Skin1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil
A gentle oil cleanser that removes sunscreen without stripping my skin. It feels feather-light and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Want to give it a go?
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Milk
A lightweight, deeply hydrating layer that sinks in beautifully. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and perfect for dry, sensitive skin that still needs real moisture in the summer. Check it out here!
Skin1004 Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
One of my current favourites! This is a calming, strengthening serum that feels incredibly soothing. It helps support my skin barrier and keeps my skin hydrated without any heaviness.
Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
Another daily calming serum I reach for when my skin feels irritated. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and packed with Centella goodness. Find it here!
Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream
A soft, cushiony moisturiser that seals everything in without feeling too rich. It’s soothing, barrier-supporting, and perfect for sensitive skin that still needs real moisture through summer. I really think you need to give this one a try!
Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion SPF50+
A lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that feels more like a moisturiser. It’s soothing, non-greasy, and protects my sensitive skin without leaving any white cast.
Curél Deep Moisture Spray
Lastly, a refreshing mist that’s perfect for top-ups during the day. It’s fragrance-free, calming, and hydrates without any stickiness.
Also, on days when I’ve stayed outside a little too long or when my skin feels like it needs some extra love, I also reach for a few soothing favourites like the I’m From Mugwort Essence or the VT Cica Daily Soothing Mask. They’re calming, refreshing, and a lovely way to give my skin a little reset when it needs it.
And those are what’s working for my dry, sensitive skin right now. But honestly, the real change came from simplifying, focusing on hydration, and staying consistent with SPF.
Tips for Building a Healthy Summer Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Prioritise hydration, not oil control
Even when it’s warm and humid, dry and sensitive skin still needs hydration. I focus on lightweight, water-based layers instead of anything that strips or mattifies. Hydrated skin naturally looks fresher and feels stronger.
Stick to soothing ingredients
In summer, calming ingredients like Centella, Aloe, and Panthenol really help. They keep my skin steady when the heat, sun, and humidity would otherwise make it flare up.
Don’t skip moisturiser
Even in summer, moisturiser is non-negotiable for dry skin. I just switch to lighter, gel-cream textures that lock in moisture without feeling heavy or suffocating.
Layer in an antioxidant serum
An antioxidant serum is an easy way to give your skin extra protection against sun exposure, pollution, and heat stress. I look for calming, hydrating formulas that work alongside my sunscreen without overwhelming my skin.
Patch test everything
With more heat and sun exposure, my skin reacts faster to new products. I always patch test first — it’s a simple step that’s saved me a lot of irritation.
Stay loyal to sunscreen
Using sunscreen daily has become one of the easiest ways I protect my skin. These days I stick to high-SPF sunscreens made for sensitive skin — they’re lightweight, protective, and my skin is much happier for it.
Small switches like these have helped me feel more in tune with my skin, especially during the unpredictable summer months.
Seasonal Shifts
Moving to the UK taught me that seasonal skincare isn’t about buying new products every few months — it’s about small, thoughtful adjustments.
And for dry, sensitive skin like mine, a summer routine that’s focused on hydration, protection, and barrier repair can make all the difference. Consistency, kindness, and a little SPF love go a long way.
Thanks for reading! I hope this helped you feel a little more confident (and a little less overwhelmed) about adjusting your skincare for summer.
If you have a favourite summer skincare tip, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Sources
- ScienceDaily — Seasonal changes in skin physiology impact barrier function, hydration, and lipid composition
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology — Seasonal changes in skin hydration and barrier function
- The NHS UK – Sunscreen and Sun Safety Guidelines
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