When temperatures, humidity levels and sun exposure rise, your skin requires special care. Because heavy creams can clog pores and cause breakouts, switching to lighter-weight formulas during summer months is recommended. If you haven’t already, summer is also the ideal time to switch to plant-based skincare.

Why Use Plant-based Skincare Products?

Plant-based skincare is formulated using natural ingredients derived from plants like herbs, fruits, and flowers, with some of the most popular being aloe vera, lavender, mints, jojoba oil, olive oil, and rosehip oil. Plant-based products tend to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, making them less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. 

These natural alternatives to traditional skincare products are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, providing clean hydration and anti-aging benefits. The gentle nature of plant-based skincare can be especially soothing and helpful for those with sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions.

4 Steps to Your Best Summer Skin

The best summer skin care routines prioritize environmental protection, cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and nurturing. Each step is crucial to achieving healthy, radiant skin. Let’s look at each step in greater detail; and because everyone has unique skin concerns, our experts share a variety of product suggestions, so you can select the ones that will best serve your needs.

Step One: Environmental Protection

During summer months, broad-spectrum sun protection is a top priority. The American Academy of Dermatology and The Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend SPF 30 as a minimum, but many specialists suggest SPF 50 as a better choice for more effective protection. Be sure to apply sunscreen to every exposed part of your body.

Don’t overlook the need to also protect your body from wind, humidity, heat, and ambient air pollution. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from materials such as cotton or linen, so sweat can evaporate, and wear a wide-brimmed hat with vents. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; drink lots of liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating, even if you don’t think you’re sweating.

Remember, the best sunscreen is the one that you will actually use. With that in mind, be willing to try several types. You may prefer one for your face, another for torso, a spray on for hard-to-reach areas…. You get the idea.

• All Good Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30. This luscious SPF30 mineral lotion contains ultra-moisturizing plant-based hyaluronic acid. Sweat and water-resistant, it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, is easy to rub in, and doesn’t leave your skin chalky or greasy. Made with reef-friendly, vegan, botanical ingredients.
• Seaweed Bath Co. Sheer Tint Face Fluid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. This radiance-enhancing sunscreen brightens and protects all skin tones. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, sea moss to soothe and help skin retain moisture, Vitamin C for brighter skin, plus deeply nourishing Atlantic seaweed. Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. 
• Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. Enjoy the broad-spectrum protection of a lotion sunscreen in a convenient, continuous air-powered spray! This easy-to-apply mineral sunscreen is enriched with 13 plant-based ingredients, such as aloe vera and sunflower oil, to soothe and moisturize. Created for sensitive skin, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for all ages.
• Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. Formulated for sensitive skin, this hydrating, fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion contains 24 plant-based ingredients, including sunflower oil and shea butter to moisturize and soothe face and body. Created with natural origin clear zinc oxide, this broad spectrum formula is one of the first-ever sunscreens to be EWG Verified to ensure the highest level of safety and quality. Fragrance-free and suitable for all ages.
• Attitude Sunly Baby Unscented SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. While it’s specially formulated for a child’s delicate skin, adults can also enjoy this gentle yet effective sunscreenFormulated with non-nano zinc oxide to limit impact on the oceans while providing broad spectrum protection, it also contains oat extract, known to revitalize dry skin. EWG VERIFIED™ and dermatologically tested. 
• Eco Lips Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Lip Balm. Protect those sensitive lips from sunburn and damage with organic aloe vera, nourishing Fair Trade Certified organic coconut oil and cocoa butter, and a touch of vanilla to soothe and moisturize.

Step Two: Cleanse

Cleansing your skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. In addition to the layer of sunscreen and cosmetics you may be wearing, heat and humidity increase sweat and oil production can lead to clogged pores and breakouts if not addressed properly. Daily cleansing helps remove these build-ups, preventing skin issues and ensuring that your other skincare products can work their magic effectively.

• Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser. Perfect for a normal to oily skin type, this non-drying, gentle cleanser purifies the skin without stripping its natural oils. It removes make-up, daily dirt build-up and excess oils, and also helps to soothe and tighten the skin with a natural blend of chamomile, aloe vera, green tea and witch hazel. Evening primrose and rosehip oil provide light hydration.
• Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Facial Gel. Sukin’s soap-free gel is the perfect cleansing option for combination/oily skin types who have sensitive skin, providing a gentle, non-drying cleanse to help remove impurities and excess oils. A blend of green tea, cucumber, and avocado oil work to gently clean, refresh and purify.
• Sukin Skin Relief Cream Facial Cleanser. This skin-soothing cleanser is formulated with a maize complex known to help hydrate skin and wash away impurities and excess oils. Native emu and kangaroo apples containing antioxidants help defend the skin against environmental stressors. Plus, select plant prebiotics derived from wheat and beetroot bolster the skin microbiome for softer, healthier-looking skin.
• Sukin Signature Botanical Body Wash. Sukin’s soap-free body wash is enriched with aromatic botanicals and oils to gently cleanse and purify the body without drying. A combination of rosehip, jojoba and avocado oils soften and lightly hydrate, while chamomile and aloe vera soothe the skin.
• Aura Cacia Patchouli & Sweet Orange Foam Bath. Cleanse body and mind with peace and calm. Safe for use in the bath, whirlpool, or spa, this unique foam bath is made with an expertly blended combination of essential oils, coconut oil and jojoba oil. Fresh, free-spirited patchouli offers balancing properties, while sweet orange uplifts and refreshes.

Step Three: Exfoliate

In the summer, aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, adjusting frequency based on your skin type and how your skin reacts. If your skin is super sensitive, you may want to exfoliate just once a week, and add a dab of Sukin Signature Cream Facial Cleanser to your scrub to soften the level of exfoliation.

• Sukin GLOW ACTIVE-C Vitamin C 2-in-1 Exfoliator. Improves skin radiance, brightness, and texture, with just one use. This clinically proven dual-action treatment is formulated with a blend of physical and chemical exfoliating ingredients and enriched with Kakadu plum, dragon fruit and liquorice root extract. Gently buffs away dead skin cells, whilst harnessing the power of 6% AHAs; pH optimized to actively enhance overall skin exfoliation and renewal.
• Sukin Signature Revitalizing Facial Scrub. Perfect for normal to dry skin types, this cream-based scrub uses gentle granules of biodegradable bamboo extract and walnut shell powder. A refreshing combination of aloe vera and chamomile soothes the skin while jojoba, sesame and rosehip oils hydrate, leaving your complexion silky soft and smooth.
• Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser. Reveal your most radiant skin with this 2-in-1 cleanser and gentle exfoliator made with fine volcanic powder and peptide-packed seaweed. This non-foaming, oil-based formula thoroughly removes mineral and waterproof sunscreen, pollution and other impurities to leave skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth, with sustainably harvested Atlantic seaweed and 65+ vitamins and minerals that nourish and detoxify skin. Gentle enough for everyday use.
• Giovanni Cool Mint Lemonade Salt Scrub. This pleasant little slice of summer is also an invigorating whole body exfoliator that tingles with refreshing fragrance while polishing the skin’s surface, removing cellular debris. The richly scented lemony mint formula contains exclusive Giovanni Eco Chic Technology blend. An intoxicating experience!

Step Four: Moisturize & Nurture

With thousands of skin moisturizers available, which should you choose? Keep it simple, with pure plant-based oils and moisturizers that help to hydrate, soothe, nurture, and protect your skin from the effects of summer sun and heat. Just massage them into your skin… and enjoy the natural benefits!

• Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Skin Care Oil. Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular natural skin care ingredients. Due to its weight and nutrient density (zinc, protein, and vitamin E), it’s excellent for bath and after-shower applications. A good option for all skin types, and especially helpful for dry skin.
• Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Skin Care Oil. Apricot kernel oil is high in skin-nourishing essential fatty acids. Its light, smooth properties restore skin vitality, so massage it all over your body.
• Aura Cacia Jojoba Skin Care Oil. An all-around winner for all skin types! Rich in vitamins E and B-complex, which help repair and control skin damage, jojoba oil is readily absorbed, deeply penetrating the skin without clogging pores. It’s also very similar to sebum, the oil your skin produces naturally, making it one of the best for your face. 
• Aura Cacia Chamomile Body Oil. Our carefully crafted blend of skin-nourishing grapeseed, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils is enhanced with calming chamomile, lavender and balsam fir essential oils. Especially suited for decompressing and relaxing after a day of hard work or play.
• Aura Cacia Organic Argan Skin Care Oil. Lightweight, easily absorbed, and rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, this deeply nourishing oil is an excellent choice for moisturizing and protecting your body, face (and hair).
• Aura Cacia Organic Vegetable Glycerin. A humectant, vegetable glycerin has powerful moisture-attracting properties and is a common ingredient in soaps, creams and lotions. It’s a clear, odorless liquid that’s pure, safe, and very effective! Rub a small amount directly on dry, cracked feet or hands; add just a little to your current body care products for a big moisturizing boost.
• Sukin Signature Hydrating Mist Facial Toner. The ultimate multi-use product, it can be used before and after cleansing, in the office as a 3pm pick-me-up, after makeup application to give you a dewy complexion, or anytime your skin is feeling stressed or overheated. TIP: Keep in the refrigerator to instantly refresh skin on hot days. 
• Sukin Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum. Sukin’s hydrating, nutrient-filled serum has a light consistency for speedy absorption, and infuses detoxifying extracts of kale, spirulina and parsley to promote a radiant, even skin tone. Antioxidant-rich acai and goji berry extracts fight the signs of aging.