As the days get longer and the sun gets stronger, your skin starts asking for a different kind of care. The products and habits that worked so well in winter may not give your skin what it needs in summer.

In this post, I’m sharing how I personally adapt my skincare routine for the warmer months—and what I recommend to my patients at Doctor Contour Clinic in Antwerp. Whether you’re spending time at the beach, working up a sweat, or just enjoying more time outdoors, these adjustments will help keep your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing all season long.

Start with Sunscreen—But Choose the Right One

Sunscreen is still the most important step in your summer skincare routine. And while most people know to wear SPF, I find there’s still confusion about which one to choose and how to use it properly.

I always recommend mineral-based sunscreens, with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These act like a mirror, reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them like chemical filters. They tend to be gentler on sensitive skin, and they’re reef-safe too.

Look for a product that lists at least 7% zinc or titanium. That’s the minimum I recommend for effective protection.

It’s also important to know that SPF only measures protection against UVB rays—the ones that cause sunburn. But UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging like pigmentation, fine lines, and collagen loss. Even with SPF 50, you can still develop melasma or sun spots if the product doesn’t offer proper UVA coverage.

Mineral sunscreens usually provide more reliable broad-spectrum protection—covering both UVA and UVB—and they sit on the skin as a physical barrier.

2. Reapplying Sunscreen: Make It Easy

Even the best sunscreen only works if you reapply it regularly. But I understand—most people don’t want to smear another layer of lotion on their face halfway through the day, especially if they’re wearing makeup.

That’s why I love mineral powder sunscreens in brush format. You simply dust it on over your makeup, and you’re protected again. No greasy finish, no white cast. It’s ideal for daily use, touch-ups at work, or even during a day out in the sun.

And don’t forget less obvious areas like your neck, chest, hands, and under the chin. UV rays can reflect off sand, water, and even concrete, so areas you think are shaded can still be exposed.

3. Support Your Skin with Antioxidants

While sunscreen blocks a large part of UV damage, it doesn’t block it all. That’s where antioxidants come in.

My personal favourite is vitamin C. It helps brighten the complexion, regulate melanin production, stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and offers additional protection against UV-induced oxidative stress.

If your skin is prone to pigmentation or melasma, look for serums that combine vitamin C with azelaic acid, kojic acid, ferulic acid, or green tea extract for added benefits.

4. Don’t Underestimate Hydration

It’s a common misconception that time in the pool or sea hydrates the skin. In reality, chlorinated water, salt, heat, and sweat actually dehydrate the skin by disrupting the barrier and increasing water loss.

If your skin feels tight or rough after a day outdoors, that’s often a sign that your moisture barrier is struggling.

Focus on gentle, barrier-repairing hydration. I recommend products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and ingredients like glycosaminoglycans or heparan sulfate to restore comfort and elasticity.

And of course, internal hydration is just as important. Aim for at least two liters of water per day, and more if you’ve been physically active or spending time in the sun.

5. Can You Do Lasers or Peels in Summer?

One of the most common questions I hear is whether skin treatments should be avoided during summer.

My answer: yes and no.

Summer isn’t the time for deep chemical peels or aggressive laser treatments that involve peeling, blisters, or downtime. These treatments increase the risk of pigmentation and delayed healing when UV exposure is high.

However, you don’t need to stop all treatments. Superficial peels with ingredients like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids can safely be done in summer. The same goes for light microneedling or biostimulators that do not compromise your skin barrier.

The key is to be selective and strategic, with a focus on gentle, supportive care and proper sun protection afterward.

6. What About Injectable Treatments?

Another common misconception is that injectables are unsafe in summer. This is simply not true.

As long as you avoid direct sun exposure for the first 48 hours post-treatment and follow general sun protection guidelines, you’re absolutely fine.

Injectables like botulinum toxin or fillers can be performed year-round, provided there is no sunburn or active inflammation in the treated area.

7. Consider Oral Supplements for Extra Protection

One addition to my own summer routine—and something I recommend often in clinic—is a daily oral antioxidant supplement with polypodium leucotomos, a natural fern extract.

It helps protect the skin from UV-induced DNA damage from the inside out and is particularly useful for people with sun sensitivity or a history of melasma.

You’ll find this in products like Heliocare Ultra, which sometimes also include ingredients like niacinamide or pomegranate extract, depending on your skin’s needs.

It’s a small step that can make a meaningful difference.

Final Thoughts

Summer skincare isn’t about making your routine more complicated—it’s about making smart, seasonal adjustments.

To summarise:

• Choose a mineral-based sunscreen and apply it properly
• Reapply throughout the day with practical solutions like powder SPF
• Add antioxidant support with ingredients like vitamin C
• Hydrate the skin both topically and internally
• Be selective with skin treatments, avoiding anything that weakens the barrier
• Don’t skip injectables—they’re safe with the right aftercare
• Consider internal protection with oral antioxidants

If you’re unsure how to tailor your skincare routine to summer conditions or want advice tailored to your skin, I’m always happy to guide you.

Interested in professional skincare advice or aesthetic treatments tailored to your skin?
You’re welcome at Doctor Contour Clinic in Antwerp.

Stay glowing, stay protected—and enjoy the sunshine safely.