Summer is my favorite season — long days, golden sunsets, a little more spontaneity — but if you have acne-prone skin like I do, it can also bring a few unwanted guests: clogged pores, surprise breakouts, and skin that feels constantly overwhelmed.
Over the years, I’ve learned that less is more when the temperatures rise. Your skin doesn’t need layers of heavy creams or complicated 10-step routines. It needs breathable hydration, protection, and just a few smart, lightweight products that do the heavy lifting without feeling heavy on your skin.
Here’s the summer routine I swear by — simple, effective, and acne-friendly:
- Start with Gentle Cleanser
- Hydrate
- Apply Sunscreen
- Less Makeup, More Glow
Start with a Gentle Cleanser (Morning + Night)
Think of cleansing as the anchor of your summer skincare. You want a cleanser that removes sweat, sunscreen, and buildup without stripping your skin dry (which can actually trigger more oil and breakouts).
My go-to: a gel or milk cleanser that’s sulfate-free and pH-balanced. Look for ingredients like aloe, green tea extract, or salicylic acid if you need a little extra help keeping pores clear.
Pro tip: In the evening, double cleanse — first with a lightweight oil cleanser to remove sunscreen, then with your regular cleanser to purify.
Cerabalm – Oil-Based Cleanser
Type: Face Balm | Key Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Vitamin A and E Blend, Spirulina Extract, Virgin Hibiscus Oil | Clean Beauty, Fragrance Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free
Cerabalm is ideal for every skin type, especially for sensitive and acne-prone skin. This versatile face balm can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, and face mask.
Biologique Recherche Lait S.R. – Milk Cleanser
Type: Cleansing Milk | Key ingredients: Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Rosehip Fruit Extract, Myrtle Leaf Extract, Jojoba Esters.
Lait S.R. effectively unclogs and tightens pores, leaving the skin purified, matte, and refreshed. Its breathable, light gel-cream texture is perfect for combination or seborrheic skin that requires balancing and deep cleansing.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex – Gel Cleanser
Type: Gel Cleanser | Key ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Chamomile Flower, Sugarcane, White Willow Bark.
This medical-grade cleanser incorporates a balance of bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients that thoroughly cleanse the surface and pores of the skin without stripping essential natural oils, leaving skin soft and smooth.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate — With Something Featherlight
When your skin is prone to breakouts, it’s tempting to skip moisturizer altogether in the summer (been there.) But dehydration makes acne worse. Instead, opt for a weightless, hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or zinc.
In my routine: I layer a simple yet effective and hydrating serum under a light-weight moisturizer that feels like a drink of water for my skin — refreshing, light, and breathable.
MBR Tissue Activator Serum
Type: Face Serum | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Galanga Leaf extract, TrylagenTM, MBR Hydromatrix.
Deeply Penetrating Serum Great for Post Treatments Such as Micro-Needling, Laser or Fillers. Plumps Fine Lines and Wrinkles. Highly concentrated high-end care with Ingredients that improve the dermal skin functions.
Valmont LumiCream – Glow Enhancement Cream
Type: Light Face Moisturizer | Key Ingredients: Swiss Phyto-Complex, Triple DNA, White Mulberry Root
This airy-light cream, a joy to the touch, is like wearing a second, invisible skin to enhance your complexion and amplify light for a radiant glow. For daily use on its own or as part of your Luminosity routine.
Danucera Mega Serum- Niacinamide Serum
Type: Face Serum | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 7%, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Protein + Squalane, Biopeptides | Fragrance-Free, Cruelty Free, Clean Beauty.
This all-in-one serum with highly concentrated actives, intensely treats common skin concerns such as break outs, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, redness and loss of skin elasticity. The result is skin that is infused with critical nutrients and is revitalized for a more youthful glow.
Sunscreen — No Negotiations
If you do one thing this summer, wear sunscreen — every single day. Sun damage not only accelerates aging but can worsen post-acne marks and cause inflammation.
For acne-prone skin, a mineral SPF (with zinc oxide) is usually the safest bet. It’s calming, non-clogging, and gives a natural, soft-focus finish that I actually look forward to applying.
Hot tip: Powder SPF touch-ups are a game-changer when you’re out and about. They control shine while keeping your protection strong.
Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Type: Mineral Sunscreen | Key Ingredients: Non-nano Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide, Microalgae Extract, Cotton Seed Extract.
Suncare meets skincare in this broad-spectrum, non-nano mineral sunscreen. This lightweight formula protects against UVA and UVB rays and renews the skin at the same time, preventing and reducing visible signs of aging. Your daily SPF 50. Powered by TFC8®
Isdin Isdinceutics Mineral Brush
Type: Powder Sunscreen | Key Ingredients: Ttitanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, iron oxides.
Mineral Brush provides on-the-go protection against the visible signs of photoaging: the ideal complement to your daily sun protection and skincare routine. A silky, smooth, fine powder containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and iron oxides provides protection against free radical pollution damage, blue light and infrared radiation (IR). Take it with you for photoaging defense and matte, natural coverage wherever you go!
Hampton Sun SPF 50 Mineral Mist
Type: Mineral Mist SPF | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Zinc Oxide 19.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4%.
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and natural Jojoba Esters, this mist doubles as a powerful hydration treatment for skin while smoothing texture, promoting elasticity, and strengthening lipid barrier function with each use.
Less Makeup, More Glow
Summer is when I fully embrace skinimalism. A tinted SPF or a breathable, acne-safe skin tint is all I use most days. Heavy foundations can mix with sweat and clog pores, leading to preventable breakouts.
If you need a little extra coverage, spot-conceal with a lightweight concealer.
Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer
Type: Tinted Moisturizer | Key Ingredients: antioxidant and anti-pollution botanical extracts, including Honeysuckle and Green Tea.
This exceptionally versatile three-in-one formula represents a new approach to foundation, powered by the latest Japanese technology. Designed for men and women as unique skin perfector, it provides excellent coverage, smooths fine lines and offers sun protection.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
Type: Complexion-boosting drops | Key Ingredients: Ginseng Extract, Sunflower and Almond Oil Blend, Pomegranate Extract.
Loaded with skincare actives at efficacy levels, this deeply nourishing formula instantly hydrates, evens tone and soothes.
Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
Type: Concealer Stick | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and Argan Oil, Chestnut Rosa Fruit Extract
A multitasking concealer stick with icon status, coveted for its smooth texture, long-lasting full coverage, and seamless finish. Effortlessly conceals and corrects dark spots, under eye circles, and blemishes with a lightweight formula that blurs imperfections. Full coverage, yet with a natural, airbrushed look. Delivers 6 hours of hydration and protects the delicate skin around the eyes with SPF 27. After 4 weeks, improves skin’s smoothness, hydration, and radiance.
A Few Targeted Extras — If Needed
When my skin needs a little extra help, I keep a few lightweight “emergency” products on hand:
- A gentle exfoliating toner (with PHA or a mild BHA). I use mine daily, but for more sensitive skin, a few times a week is super beneficial!
- A clay mask to clear congested pores
- A targeted product for oil control:
The key: Listen to your skin. It doesn’t need daily scrubs or harsh treatments in the summer — just gentle, strategic support.
Summer skincare is about feeling light, free, and fresh — just like your favorite beach day.
Give your skin room to breathe. Hydrate it well. Protect it fiercely. And most importantly, be kind to it (and yourself). Acne-prone or not, your skin is doing its best every single day.
Here’s to lightweight routines, clear skin, and the best summer glow yet!
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