If we haven’t met yet—hi, I’m completely skincare-obsessed!! I’ve tried SO MANY PRODUCTS over the years and learned a ton about skin while going through my own journey to heal my Adult Hormonal Acne.
A little background on my skin type — I have normal/combination skin. It’s not super oily or overly dry, but it gets congested easily, and in the winter months, it can lean more dry. So I have to make sure I’m balancing proper exfoliation (both physical and chemical) with hydration.
My Summer Skincare Routine goals? To reduce hyperpigmentation from leftover acne scars and to control and prevent breakouts. And honestly... just to be a DEWY DUMPLING! Lol.
It Starts From Within
Before we get into products, I need to mention something super important — THE GLOW COMES FROM WITHIN!!!
You could be using 87 different products, spending hundreds on fancy serums and creams, but if you're not nourishing your body from the inside — eating whole, real foods, exercising, moving your body to sweat out toxins and get that internal flow going — your skin won’t GLOW like a dewy dumpling. Sure, you can fake it for a moment with oils, but true, long-term radiance (especially in the summer sun) starts within.
One More Thing...
Just a little heads up: I genuinely feel like the products I mention below could work for all skin types, but at the end of the day, skincare is personal. The only real way to find out what works for you is by testing and experimenting. These are just the ones that have worked wonders for my normal/combination skin — especially in summer when things get extra sweaty and congested.
Step 1: Cleanse
Start by rinsing your face with lukewarm (not hot, not cold) water. Very gently pat down the outer edges of your face with a clean towel, and tap the remaining water in the center of your face — we want to retain some moisture here.
If my skin feels tight or dry, I skip the towel completely and just press all the excess water into my skin. On days when my face feels a little “gross,” especially during those sticky summer mornings, I go in with a gentle cleanser.
Right now, I’m loving the Josie Maran Pineapple Pore Clearing Cleanser — especially in the summer. Just one pump does the trick and leaves me feeling super refreshed.
Step 2: Toner
Toner is optional (I switch between AM and PM), but I love sneaking in a gentle exfoliation here. I swear by Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 — whether it’s the original formula or the 1970 version — this stuff is seriously my LIQUID GOLD.
Soak a cotton pad and PAT/PRESS the toner into your skin — don’t rub at first. Patting helps those active ingredients really sink in. This one’s an active toner with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), which means it chemically exfoliates your skin on a deeper level. It’s amazing during summer when your pores need that little extra help. Once you’ve pressed it in, gently swipe the pad over your face.
Step 3: Vitamin C
I’m currently obsessed with my go-to holy grail: Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. This stuff actually brightens — my dark spots fade with consistent use, and it really helps even out that summer skin tone.
But here’s the thing—not every Vitamin C serum is made the same. Many are unstable, and once oxidized, they lose effectiveness. This one is stable, rich, and moisturizing — sometimes I skip moisturizer altogether after this step, especially on humid summer days.
To apply: Use 1 to 1.5 pumps in your palm, rub palms together, and apply using an UPWARD motion across your face.
Step 4: Oil or Moisturizer
This step is extra, but it’s where the glow happens!
During the summer, I love the Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum. Don’t let the name fool you—it actually feels way more like an oil than a serum. It contains more stable Vitamin C for brightening, plus Rice Bran, Marshmallow Root, Licorice Root, and 100% Pure Argan Oil packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
Another summer-friendly fave is the Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil — stable Vitamin C plus turmeric to calm inflammation. This one’s a total holy grail and perfect for bright, dewy summer skin.
To apply oil: Use one full dropper in your palm, rub hands together, and PRESS it evenly over your face. Let it sink in for about a minute before continuing.
If oils aren’t your thing, no worries! I also love a good moisturizer, especially if I’m feeling dry after a long day in the summer sun. Living Libations-Sun Dew-Vitamin D Cream is honestly incredible—it's like a burst of sunshine in a jar. All their products are clean, wild-crafted, and super nourishing.
To apply cream: Use a dime-sized amount, warm it between your palms, and gently rub in using an UPWARD motion.
Step 5: Sunscreen
This is hands down THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP — especially during the summer!!! SPF = your best anti-aging friend.
I didn’t wear SPF regularly until I started my skin journey, and I so wish I had known earlier. Years of unprotected summer sun exposure did a number on my skin!
Everyone has their SPF preferences, but one thing’s for sure — nobody likes a white cast. I’ve tested a bunch, and I personally prefer tinted SPF since I skip foundation most days. A good tinted sunscreen gives me just enough coverage, and I’ll spot conceal any breakouts or dark spots as needed.
Here are my current summer faves:
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Suntegrity Skincare Tinted 5-in-1 SPF 30
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (comes in tinted and non-tinted)
To apply, use the same technique as moisturizer: dispense into palms, rub together, and apply evenly in an UPWARD motion. Don’t forget your neck, eyelids, and lips — they need SPF love too, especially in the summer sun!
That’s my full AM / daytime summer skincare routine breakdown! And if you’re not already wearing sunscreen EVERY. SINGLE. DAY — rain or shine — do yourself a favor and start now. Your skin will seriously thank you later, especially during these sunny summer days!!
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Uma McAllister is the beauty aficionado at ThirtysSix. With years of experience working with top beauty brands and a knack for uncovering skincare secrets, Uma is your guide to achieving that glow. Her approach is holistic, focusing on both inner wellness and external beauty, from clean makeup brands to DIY skincare rituals. Uma’s voice is warm, encouraging, and always empowering, making her readers feel like they’re on a beauty journey together. Whether she’s testing the latest viral product or breaking down the science behind skincare ingredients, Uma’s content is as informative as it is engaging, helping her readers look and feel their best.
