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From sunburn and sticky skin to dehydration: discover how to protect, restore and care for your skin throughout the summer.
Sun, heat, air conditioning, salt water and chlorine can throw your skin off balance. It may feel tight, become oilier or suddenly stop responding well to your usual routine.
This Summer SOS Guide shows you how to prevent and manage the most common summer skin concerns, helping your skin stay comfortable, healthy and radiant all season.
Summer SOS Checklist
Check your routine before heading out into the sun.
Summer SOS: my skin is sunburned
You come home after a wonderful day at the beach. Your skin feels hot and tight, and one look in the mirror confirms it: you stayed in the sun a little too long.
Fortunately, gentle after-sun care can help your skin feel more comfortable. Even better, a few consistent habits can help reduce future sun damage.
1. How do you recognise sunburn?
Not sure whether your skin is sunburned?
Look out for these signs:
- skin that feels hot;
- redness;
- a burning sensation;
- tightness;
- pain when touched;
- dryness;
- itching or tingling;
- peeling after a few days.
The sooner you respond, the better you can support your skin's natural recovery process.
2. What happens to your skin when it burns?
Many people think sunburn only begins once the skin turns red. In reality, UV damage starts earlier.
When UV radiation reaches your skin, your body immediately tries to protect itself. Pigment cells produce more melanin, damaged skin cells begin to repair and a natural inflammatory response develops. This can make your skin feel hot, red or sensitive.
Your skin barrier also comes under pressure. Moisture then escapes more easily, which can leave the skin feeling tight and more reactive to skincare products.
Over time, free radicals can also contribute to premature skin ageing and pigmentation.
Want to know more about SPF and UVA/UVB? Read our ultimate SPF guide.
3. What helps sunburned skin?
Sunburned: what should you do?
1. Move into the shade straight away
Do not stay in the sun once you notice redness or burning. Every extra minute of UV exposure increases the chance of further damage.
2. Cool your skin
A lukewarm shower or cool compress helps release heat from the skin.
Avoid ice-cold water or applying ice cubes directly to the skin, as this may cause extra irritation.
3. Hydrate and soothe
Your skin loses a lot of moisture after sun exposure.
Choose products with soothing ingredients such as:
- Aloe Vera;
- Panthenol;
- Glycerin;
- Hyaluronic Acid;
- Centella Asiatica.
These ingredients support the skin barrier and help your skin feel comfortable while it recovers.
4. Keep your routine simple
When your skin is irritated, less is more.
Temporarily pause active ingredients such as Retinol, AHAs and BHAs.
Instead, use:
- a gentle cleanser;
- a hydrating serum;
- a nourishing moisturiser;
- a reliable SPF.
This gives your skin the calm it needs.
5. Let your skin recover naturally
Your skin may start to peel a few days after a sunburn. This is part of its natural recovery process.
As tempting as it may be, never pull away loose flakes. Doing so can damage the new skin forming underneath.
6. Give your skin extra protection
Sunburned skin is especially vulnerable.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible until your skin has fully recovered.
Do you need to go outside?
- wear protective clothing;
- seek shade regularly;
- use SPF 30 or SPF 50;
- reapply every two hours.
4. Our skincare specialist recommends for sunburned skin
Our after-sun care favourites
5. How do you prevent sunburn?
Prevention is always better than recovery
You can prevent a great deal of sun damage.
Make SPF the final step of your morning routine.
Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Spending longer outdoors? Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
Do not forget your:
- ears;
- neck;
- lips;
- chest;
- hands;
- scalp.
These areas are often missed, even though they receive plenty of sun exposure.
Summer SOS: my skin feels oily and sticky
You step outside and your skin already feels sticky before you reach your destination. Your T-zone shines, make-up wears less well and your sunscreen seems to sit on top of the skin.
Shiny skin is completely normal on hot summer days. Lightweight products and a few smart adjustments can help it feel fresh and comfortable while remaining well protected.
1. How do you recognise oily, sticky skin?
You step outside and your skin already feels sticky before you reach your destination. Make-up wears less well, your T-zone shines and your sunscreen seems to sit on top of the skin. Sound familiar?
Shiny or sticky skin is normal on hot summer days. That does not mean you should skip skincare or SPF. The right products and a few smart adjustments can help your skin feel fresh and stay protected.
2. Why does your skin feel oily and sticky in summer?
As the temperature rises, your body works harder to cool down. You sweat more and your sebaceous glands often produce extra sebum. This is a natural response that helps protect the skin from drying out.
When sweat, sebum and sunscreen mix, the skin can look shiny or develop a sticky layer. People often blame their SPF, but the combination of heat, perspiration and an unsuitable formula is usually responsible.
3. What helps oily, sticky skin?
Does oily skin really need SPF?
Absolutely. Perhaps even more than you think.
A common mistake is to use less sunscreen or skip it altogether because the skin already looks shiny. Daily sun protection is still the most important step to help:
- reduce the risk of pigmentation;
- limit premature skin ageing;
- keep the skin healthy;
- reduce UV damage.
Skin that is prone to blemishes or pigmentation especially benefits from a reliable broad-spectrum SPF.
Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin
Not every sunscreen feels the same. If your skin is combination or oily, choose a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and feels comfortable.
Look for terms such as:
- lightweight texture;
- gel cream or fluid;
- non-comedogenic;
- matte finish;
- oil-free.
This helps prevent the skin from feeling unnecessarily heavy or greasy.
4. Our skincare specialist recommends for oily skin
Our favourites for oily or combination skin
Looking for sunscreen that suits your skin? Explore our Korean sunscreen collection and find the formula that feels right for you.
5. How do you prevent oily, sticky skin in summer?
1. Start with gentle cleansing
Cleanse every morning to remove excess sebum, overnight sweat and leftover skincare. A gentle cleanser is enough; harsh cleansing can upset your skin's balance.
2. Choose lightweight hydration
Oily skin still needs hydration. When it lacks moisture, it may produce even more sebum.
Choose a lightweight gel cream or hydrating serum instead of a heavy, rich cream.
3. Choose an SPF that suits your skin
Not every sunscreen works equally well for oily skin. A lightweight, mattifying SPF can make a real difference to how comfortable your skin feels.
4. Blot away excess sebum
Does your skin start to shine during the day? Gently remove excess sebum with blotting paper or a clean tissue.
This helps your skin feel fresh without rubbing away the protective SPF layer.
5. Remember to reapply
Spending a long time outside, sweating heavily or drying your face? Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
It may be the most important step in your summer routine.
Common mistakes with oily skin
When skin feels oily, many people try to fix it by:
- using harsh cleansers;
- choosing alcohol-heavy toners;
- skipping moisturiser completely;
- stopping SPF.
This can push the skin further out of balance. Dehydrated skin often produces extra sebum, which can make the concern worse.
TIP: A little shine is completely normal on warm days. Focus on a healthy skin barrier instead of a perfectly matte finish. The right products help your skin feel comfortable and stay well protected.
Read more about sunscreen that does not feel sticky.
Summer SOS: what does your skin need during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, your skin may suddenly feel warmer, more sensitive or unsettled. You sweat more, shine develops faster and products that normally work well can start to feel too heavy.
Adapting your routine to the heat helps your skin stay cool, hydrated and comfortable. The focus is on protection, hydration, barrier support and cooling care.
1. How do you recognise the effects of heat on your skin?
A heatwave asks a lot from both your body and your skin. Blood vessels expand to release heat, you sweat more and the skin often produces extra sebum.
Shine does not automatically mean that the skin is sufficiently hydrated. In fact, hot days can cause it to lose a surprising amount of moisture.
That is why heatwave skincare centres on four pillars:
- protection;
- hydration;
- barrier support;
- cooling care.
2. What happens to your skin on hot days?
How does your skin change in hot weather?
More sebum
Heat can encourage the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which may make the skin shine faster or contribute to blemishes.
Resist the urge to scrub more often or use harsh products. Gentle cleansing is usually enough.
Less moisture
Heat and perspiration make moisture evaporate from the skin faster. It may therefore feel tight even when it looks oily.
Hydrating ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic Acid;
- Glycerin;
- Panthenol;
help maintain your skin's moisture levels.
A more sensitive skin barrier
Alongside heat, your skin also faces UV radiation, air conditioning and changes in temperature. This can temporarily make the skin barrier more sensitive.
Do active ingredients such as Retinol or exfoliating acids start to sting? Give your skin a break and temporarily return to a simple routine.
3. What helps your skin during a heatwave?
Cooling skincare for hot days
Sometimes your skin simply needs a refreshing moment.
Try storing selected skincare products in the fridge. A hydrating serum, face mist or eye product can feel wonderfully cooling when your skin is warm or tired.
The cooling sensation can temporarily calm visible redness and immediately make the skin feel more comfortable.
Read all about cooling skincare.
4. Our skincare specialist recommends cooling skincare
Face mists for on the go
A face mist is ideal when you are out and about or want a quick refresh.
Our favourites:
Perfect for your beach bag, handbag or desk on a hot working day.
Want to discover more cooling skincare? Explore our hydrating toners, face mists and lightweight moisturisers for a fresh summer routine.
5. How do you protect your skin during a heatwave?
Your heatwave checklist
Keep your routine light
Hot days rarely call for heavy creams. Choose airy textures that absorb quickly and provide enough hydration.
Drink enough water
Hydration does not begin and end with skincare. Drinking enough water also supports your body's fluid balance.
Seek shade regularly
UV radiation is generally strongest between noon and 3 pm. Seeking shade as much as possible during these hours reduces the strain on your skin.
SPF remains the most important step
UV radiation reaches your skin even on cloudy days.
Make a habit of applying broad-spectrum SPF every morning and reapplying during the day when you spend a lot of time outside.
TIP: Listen to your skin. Does it feel hot, dry or sensitive? Adjust your routine instead of following the same steps you use all year. Less is often more in summer: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, lightweight moisturiser and reliable SPF create a good foundation for most skin needs.
Summer SOS: my skin feels tight and dehydrated
Your skin feels tight, lacks its natural glow and still feels dry after applying cream. Sound familiar? It may not be lacking oil, but moisture.
Heat, UV radiation, air conditioning, salt water and chlorine can cause unnoticed moisture loss. The right ingredients and a skin-friendly routine help it feel comfortable, supple and hydrated again.
1. How do you recognise dehydrated skin?
Your skin feels tight, lacks its natural glow and still feels dry after applying cream. Sound familiar? This summer it may be lacking moisture rather than oil.
Hot weather, UV radiation, air conditioning, salt water and chlorine can cause unnoticed moisture loss. This can affect every skin type, including oily skin.
The good news is that the right ingredients and a skin-friendly routine can help your skin feel comfortable, supple and hydrated again.
2. Why does skin become dehydrated in summer?
Your skin naturally contains moisture-binding substances such as Hyaluronic Acid, amino acids and other components of the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). Together with the skin barrier, they help keep moisture in the skin.
When the skin barrier is disrupted, more moisture evaporates than usual. This process is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In summer, this can happen faster because of:
- prolonged sun exposure;
- high temperatures;
- dry air from air conditioning;
- swimming in salt water or chlorine;
- very hot showers;
- an overly harsh skincare routine.
The result is skin that feels tight, looks less radiant and reacts more sensitively to products.
3. What helps dehydrated skin?
1. Attract moisture
Use ingredients that attract and retain moisture in the upper layers of the skin.
Look for:
- Hyaluronic Acid;
- Glycerin;
- Panthenol;
- Aloe Vera;
- Beta-Glucan.
These ingredients help the skin feel comfortable straight away and support a supple finish.
2. Lock in moisture
Hydration works best when the skin can also retain that moisture.
Ingredients that support the skin barrier include:
- Ceramides;
- Cholesterol;
- Fatty Acids;
- Squalane;
- plant oils.
Together, they help reinforce the skin's natural protective layer.
4. Our skincare specialist recommends for dehydrated skin
Our favourites for dehydrated skin
Explore our hydrating serums and moisturisers for skin that could use extra moisture.
5. How do you prevent dehydrated skin in summer?
When your skin is dehydrated, this is not the time to add lots of new active ingredients.
Instead, choose:
- a gentle cleanser;
- a hydrating serum;
- a moisturiser that supports the skin barrier;
- a reliable daily SPF.
This gives your skin the calm it needs to recover.
Frequently asked questions about summer skincare
Can I get sunburned when it is cloudy?
Yes. A large amount of UV radiation still reaches your skin on cloudy days. Daily SPF therefore remains important, whatever the weather.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
When you are outside, reapplying every two hours is recommended. Swimming or sweating heavily? Reapply more often.
Can I use Retinol during summer?
Yes, but use it with care. Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Apply it in the evening and always wear broad-spectrum SPF during the day. Many people prefer to build a more intensive Retinol routine in autumn or winter.
Why does my skin feel oily and dry at the same time?
Shine does not automatically mean that the skin contains enough moisture. Heat can increase sebum production while the skin loses moisture, leaving it both oily and dehydrated.
What is the difference between SPF and PA?
SPF indicates how well sunscreen protects against UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn.
The PA rating indicates the level of protection against UVA radiation, which plays an important role in premature skin ageing.
Is self-tan the same as sun protection?
No. Self-tan gives the skin a bronzed appearance but does not protect against UV radiation. Always use sunscreen alongside self-tan.
Discover your Summer SOS routine
Looking for products that suit your skin this summer? Explore our collections and create a routine that fits your skin's needs.
Explore our categories: Summer SOS
Enjoy summer with confidence
Summer asks a little more from your skin than the rest of the year. Adapting your routine to heat, sun and moisture loss supports the skin barrier and helps reduce concerns such as redness, dehydration and stickiness.
Whether you are going on holiday, heading to a festival or enjoying a sunny day at home, the right skincare helps your skin feel comfortable, healthy and radiant.
Remember that a good summer routine does not need to be complicated. A gentle cleanser, enough hydration and reliable broad-spectrum SPF form the foundation for skin that is ready for every sunny day.
Summer SOS Essentials at a glance
| Summer SOS | Essentials |
|---|---|
| ☀ Sunburned or sensitive? |
|
| ◎ Oily or sticky? |
|
| ☁ Hot weather? |
|
| ○ Dehydrated skin? |
|
