With summer now here, heavy skincare products can quickly start to feel oily and uncomfortable, especially during long days outdoors. At the same time, stronger heat and UV exposure make taking care of your skin even more important. Below are some simple summer grooming tips to help men stay fresh, comfortable and balanced throughout the hottest days of summer
Start with a refreshing cleanser
Start by washing away the sweat, oil and grime that naturally build up during hot summer days. A gel or foam cleanser helps keep skin feeling fresh without stripping away moisture afterwards. Aesop’s Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk leans softer and creamier for a gentler cleanse, whereas Clinique For Men’s Charcoal Face Wash delivers a cooler, deeper-cleaning feel that works especially well after humid commutes or long hours outdoors.
Balance and hydrate with breathable layers
Once your skin feels clean, follow up with toners and serums that help keep everything balanced without feeling greasy in the heat. These formulas have become noticeably lighter in recent years, with watery textures now preferred for hot and humid weather. Caudalie’s Vinopure Purifying Toner is designed to reduce excess shine, and The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% remains a popular pick for keeping oil under control while still leaving skin comfortable and breathable.
Switch heavy cream for featherlight moisturiser
After hydration comes moisturiser, but summer is the perfect time to swap thick creams for fresher gel-based formulas that feel far more comfortable in the heat. Dior Homme’s Dermo System Invigorating Moisturising Emulsion delivers a silky finish with a subtle cooling sensation. For those preferring a more matte finish, Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel matte gel focuses on shine-free hydration that stays fresh even on especially humid days.
Never skip SPF
With the rest of the routine done, the final essential step is SPF. Thankfully, modern sunscreens no longer feel thick or sticky, with newer formulas designed to wear more like skincare. Anessa’s Multi-Control UV Sunscreen Gel delivers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection with a fresh, non-sticky finish that also helps control oil and shine. Meanwhile, Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is especially suited for outdoor days thanks to its sweat- and water-resistant formula.
Keep a cooling mist nearby
Once you step back into the summer heat, cooling skincare becomes just as important. Facial mists and cooling sprays are increasingly popular for refreshing overheated skin after workouts, humid commutes or long afternoons outdoors. Products like Avène’s Thermal Spring Water keep things simple with a mineral-rich mist. If you prefer something even more soothing, Evian’s Calm Facial Mist adds extra calming ingredients for a cooler, fresher feel throughout the day.
Also see: How to get the perfect summer tan
