After months of staying indoors and covering up every part of the body, the time of the year we have all been waiting for is finally here. We can finally go out to soak up the sun and show some skin. However, without the correct skincare routine, the summer months can be rough on our skin.

Taking care of your melanin-rich skin during the summer is essential, as the sun, heat, and humidity may affect its glow and radiance. It is important to update your daily skincare routine accordingly. The good news? You don't need a complete overhaul! Just incorporate a few summer skincare essentials into your existing routine and your skin will thank you.

If you’ve got melanin-rich skin but are unsure how to take care of it this summer, we have some recommendations for you. Here are some summer skincare must-haves for Black skin.

Sunscreen

There is a misconception among Blacks supporting the belief that melanin eliminates the need for sunscreen. This is false. Just because you’re Black does not mean you can skip sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays are no respecter of color. It causes damage to people of every skin tone. While it is essential to wear sunscreen all year round, summer is when it’s most crucial. Apply your sunscreen every day, even if you’re not going under the sun, as ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate your skin through windows and clouds. Many experts recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should apply it to all areas of exposed skin before you go outdoors.

Not all sunscreens work well for dark skin. Some common brands leave behind an unpleasant white cast, which is why it is important to get the one that suits your skin tone. One of the most widely loved sunscreens out there for dark skin is SuperGoop's Unseen Sunscreen. It offers broad spectrum SPF 40 protection and is water and sweat-resistant. Another is Black Girl Sunscreen which is Black-owned and formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost water gel lotion sunscreen is another favorite among Black skinned people. It’s affordable and easy to find.

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Moisturizer

Don’t fall for the myth that you do not need moisturizer as part of your summer skincare. You may feel like it is not necessary because there is a lot of moisture in the air. However, that humidity increases water loss from the body, leading to dehydration. It's crucial to keep both the skin and body hydrated. Moisturizing helps to replenish the hydration you lose throughout the day. In the heat, switch to a lighter, but still nourishing moisturizer. Make sure to moisturize in the morning and at night. Apply within a few minutes of cleansing for optimum absorption.

If you have a Black skin tone, then you know finding products can be difficult. Some of the best moisturizers for Black skin include SheaMoisture African Black Soap Body Lotion, Buttah Skin Body Trio with Shea Butter, Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Face Moisturizer, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and others.

Photo by August de Richelieu

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Plenty of Vitamin C and Antioxidants

This summer, you should make vitamin C your best friend. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in skin health, promoting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and protecting against UV damage. Using vitamin C-enriched products along with your sunscreen this hot season can help double the protection from sun damage, giving you healthy-looking skin. The best time to apply is in the morning, after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer and sunscreen.

There are a variety of products that can help you achieve that glowing skin. Paula’s Choice C15 Booster is an effective yet affordable choice. Others are Buttah Skin's Vitamin C, CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, and Eclat Skincare Vitamin C Serum.

Serums, Balms, and Mask

Serums, balms, and masks are summer skincare essentials that can help you combat the adverse effects of sun, sweat, and pollution. Face masks, especially clay-based ones, work wonders in drawing out impurities from the skin and absorbing excess oil. Some of the best options for dark skins include Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask, Cetaphil’s Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Face Mask with Bentonite Clay, and L’Oreal Pure Clay Face Mask. You can also try Paula’s Choice Radiance Renewal Mask which contains arbutin and niacinamide.

Serums provide the extra nourishment required by your skin due to increased sun exposure and outdoor activities. From Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore Refining Toner + Serum to The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, there are plenty of options to pick from.

Your lips also deserve to be pampered. They can be dehydrated because of all the heat and humidity. This is where lip balm comes in. Look for lip balms enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Jojoba Oil.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Face Cleanser

In the summer, we all love to spend more time outside. While enjoying the outdoors and the warmer weather, our skin gets more exposed to pollution, pollen, and impurities. Sweat may begin to clog pores. Incorporating cleansing into your summer skincare routine is important to ensure your pores are free of dirt and bacteria. The cleanser should be massaged into the face for at least 60 seconds to effectively dissolve grime. Thoroughly rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth. You should opt for a gel or foam-based facial cleaner. Hyaluronic and glycolic acids are also excellent choices. Some of the best face cleansers for Black skin include CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, and others.

Exfoliator

Exfoliation is a crucial step in your beauty routine, as dead cells can clog pores and cause skin problems such as rashes or a dull complexion during the summer. Exfoliating your skin helps to remove these dead skin cells and can help to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. While exfoliation is essential for glowing skin, be careful not to overdo it, as this can irritate your skin. Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week - as long as your skin can handle it. Do it when your face is freshly cleansed.

It is important to choose an exfoliant that is gentle but still effective. When choosing the best exfoliant for Black skin, consider factors such as the exfoliant type, your skin type, and the product’s ingredients. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution are some of the options for glowing skin.

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Facial Mist

If you have never used a facial mist before, summer is a good season to start. Hydrating facial mists should be your bestie this season as our skin craves hydration more than ever during the hot days. It’s like a refreshing drink of water for your skin, providing instant hydration and a cool sensation. The fine mist particles help to lower the skin's temperature and provide relief from the heat. Most facial mists contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and soothe irritated or sunburned skin. Take the bottle, close your eyes, and spritz on a nice layer of hydration for that extra layer of protection.

There are several brands to pick from, but it’s best to choose one that is alcohol-free and contains ingredients like rosewater or cucumber water. Some of the products out there include Dang! Ageless Beauty Water, Mario Badescu Facial Spray, Trilogy Hydrating Mist, Goldfaden MD Mist RX, and many others.

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