Heatwaves (and holidays) pose several challenges for our skin: increased sweat and oil production, dehydration, inflammation, and heightened UV exposure. Protecting our skin from the environment, but also the sun, is the most important step — not only to maintain healthy, glowing skin but also to reduce the risk of skin cancer. These factors, if not managed properly, can lead to clogged pores, redness, breakouts, and premature aging.

Here’s a detailed, science-backed guide to caring for your skin during hot weather — focusing on hydration, protection, gentle exfoliation, and lymphatic support.

Cooling & Soothing Your Skin: Ice Rollers, Masks & Mists

Chilled Masks: Keeping your sheet masks and eye masks in the fridge offers an immediate cooling effect. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels (vasoconstriction), reducing inflammation and puffiness, especially around the delicate eye area. This also tightens pores temporarily, giving skin a smoother appearance and reducing redness caused by heat or irritation.

Ice Rollers: Similar to chilled masks, ice rollers provide targeted cryotherapy. Rolling a cold tool across your face encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and puffiness while calming irritated skin. Ice rolling can also stimulate collagen production over time, helping maintain skin firmness and tone. These can come in the form of rollers, globes, and various shapes - but a couple of spoons in the fridge can also do wonders!

Hydrating & Soothing Mists: Throughout the day, hot weather can compromise your skin’s moisture barrier. Hydrating mists containing ingredients like hypochlorous acid help soothe inflammation and support the skin’s natural antimicrobial defenses without disrupting its pH balance. Look for mists with added humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw moisture into the skin and keep it plump and fresh.

Hydration Inside and Out: Water, Electrolytes & Topical Moisturisers

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Proper hydration begins from within. Drinking ample water is essential, but it’s equally important to maintain your body’s electrolyte balance — minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium regulate cellular hydration and support healthy skin function.

Topically, opt for lightweight moisturisers with hydrating ingredients like:

Hyaluronic acid: Attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Ceramides: Help repair and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, preventing water loss.
Squalane: A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that locks in hydration and soothes.

Avoid heavy creams or oils that can clog pores during hot, sweaty weather.

Sun Protection & Managing UV Exposure

UV radiation is the primary cause of premature aging, pigmentation, and inflammation. Even when it’s cloudy, UVA rays penetrate the atmosphere and windows.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of your plans.
Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, especially after sweating or swimming.
Look for sunscreens with physical blockers* like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for gentler, less irritating protection
Avoid peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) when UV rays are strongest.
Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Find an SPF you love.

The best sunscreen is the one you actually **like and wear consistently**. Find a formulation — whether it’s a mineral, chemical, tinted, or lightweight fluid — that feels good on your skin and fits your routine, so you’re more likely to use it every day without fail.

SHOP SPF

Gentle Exfoliation & Thorough Cleansing to Keep Pores Clear

Medik8 PHA for gentle exfoliation *(affiliate link)*

Heat and sweat can clog pores and cause breakouts, so cleansing is critical.

Double cleanse at night: Use an oil-based cleanser or balm to dissolve SPF, sunscreen, excess sebum, and grime, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to remove residual dirt without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
This routine keeps pores clean and prevents buildup that can lead to breakouts.

For exfoliation:

Use a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid (an AHA derived from milk) or PHA 2-3 times per week at night.
Using a chemical exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and a smoother, brighter complexion without irritation.
Avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can aggravate sensitive, heat-stressed skin.

Targeted Treatments: Azelaic Acid & Red LED Light for Calm, Clear Skin

Omnilux Red LED Mask is clinically proven *(affiliate link provides 10% off)*

Heat, sweat, and clogged pores often lead to inflammation and acne flare-ups. Azelaic acid is my go-to as is such a great all-rounder and tolerated by many. It is a versatile, gentle ingredient that:

Reduces inflammation and redness by calming irritated skin.
Has antibacterial properties that help clear acne-causing bacteria.
Regulates keratin production to prevent clogged pores.
Brightens and evens out skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.

It’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin and can be incorporated into your routine daily or as needed during breakouts.

Pairing azelaic acid with red LED light therapy can amplify these benefits. Red LED stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, helping to calm redness and promote skin healing. Together, they make a great combo for maintaining a clear, calm, and radiant complexion all summer long.

Boost Circulation & Reduce Puffiness: Face Massage and Lymphatic Support

Heat and fluid retention often cause puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks.

Gentle facial massage with upward strokes encourages lymphatic drainage — a process that helps eliminate excess fluid and toxins from tissues.
Using tools like gua sha, electrical tools like micro-current (only if you have) or your ice rollers enhances this effect, improving circulation and promoting a natural facial lift.
Massage also stimulates collagen production and relaxes tense muscles, which can contribute to a fresher, more sculpted appearance.

Support Lymphatic Health & Circulation with Lifestyle Habits

Heat can cause swelling in the legs and fatigue due to fluid retention. To combat this:

Practice the “legs up the wall” pose — lying on your back with your legs raised vertically against a wall — to encourage lymphatic return and reduce swelling. I like to do this before bed while I’m using my LED mask.
Engage in gentle movement, such as walking or stretching outdoors during early morning or late afternoon to avoid UV peak times.
Exercise supports overall circulation and lymph flow, which benefits both your skin and general health. Pilates or yoga is particularly beneficial to ensure the main lymph nodes throughout the torso are also targeted for optimum drainage.

Hot weather can stress your skin, but by combining proper hydration, sun protection, gentle cleansing and exfoliation, soothing treatments, and lymphatic support, you can maintain a calm, healthy, and radiant complexion all summer long.

Looking for personaliSed guidance? Book an online skin consultation or explore my facial treatments to refresh and calm your skin this summer. As always, shop my favorite skincare essentials VIA LTK to elevate your routine.

Summer Skin: How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated, Calm, and Protected During Hot Weather