PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR SUMMER
Share
Preparing Your Skin for Summer: From Sunscreen to Aftersun
Summer is approaching, and with it, your skin's needs change. Increased UV radiation, higher temperatures, sweat, and chlorinated water all call for an adjusted routine. But how do you properly prepare your skin? And which products are indispensable during the summer months? In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to get your skin ready for the sun — and how to best recover after a day outdoors.
In short:
• Start building up your skin protection weeks before summer
• Switch to lighter textures and a higher SPF
• Don't forget aftersun — recovery is just as important as protection
• Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells and create an even base
• Check out our Sun Soul collection for complete sun care
Contents
1. Why prepare your skin for summer?
2. Four weeks before summer: building up
3. During summer: protect and hydrate
4. After sun exposure: recover with aftersun
5. Summer care in our range
6. Common summer mistakes
7. Frequently asked questions
Why prepare your skin for summer?
After the winter months, your skin is often paler, drier, and more sensitive to UV radiation. The protective melanin production — the natural mechanism by which your skin partly protects itself from the sun — is reduced in winter. If you then suddenly expose yourself intensely to the sun in spring, your skin will not be prepared for it. The result: faster sunburn, more chances of hyperpigmentation, and an uneven complexion.
By gradually preparing your skin, you allow the skin barrier to strengthen and create a more even base. This way, your skin enters the summer better protected.
Four weeks before summer: building up
Gentle exfoliation for an even base
Dead skin cells that have accumulated during winter can make the skin look dull and cause sunscreen to be absorbed less evenly. A mild exfoliant with AHA helps to gently remove this layer. Start exfoliating twice a week, two to four weeks before summer.
Strengthen the skin barrier
A strong skin barrier retains moisture better and provides better protection against external influences. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are your allies here. They hydrate, strengthen, and prepare your skin for the extra stress of sun, sweat, and chlorine.
Start with daily SPF already
If you're not yet using daily SPF, spring is the perfect time to start. UVA radiation already increases from March. By consistently using SPF now, you protect your skin against the rising UV intensity.
Tip: Do you use retinol in your evening routine? Consider reducing the frequency during the summer months or temporarily switching to a milder alternative. Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation.
During summer: protect and hydrate
Switch to lighter textures
In summer, your skin produces more sebum, and you sweat more. Rich winter creams can feel too heavy and clog pores. Choose lighter gel-creams or serums that hydrate without leaving a greasy feeling.
Increase your SPF and reapply regularly
Opt for at least SPF 30 — preferably SPF 50 for prolonged outdoor exposure. Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or perspiring. A water-resistant formula is recommended if you are outdoors a lot.
Hydrate extra
Sun, wind, and air conditioning deplete moisture from the skin. A light hydrating serum during the day and a restorative cream in the evening help maintain moisture balance.
After sun exposure: recover with aftersun
Sun care doesn't stop at protection. After a day in the sun, your skin needs recovery. UV radiation causes moisture loss and can trigger inflammatory reactions in the skin. A good aftersun helps to soothe and hydrate the skin and support its natural repair capabilities.
Choose an aftersun that hydrates and soothes, preferably without alcohol (which can dry out the skin). Aloe vera, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid are ingredients that work well after sun exposure.
Summer care in our range
Comfort Zone Sun Soul — complete sun line
Comfort Zone Sun Soul collection
From Face Cream SPF30 and SPF50+ to water-resistant Body Cream and Family Face & Body Cream SPF50+ for the whole family. After sun: the Sun Soul 2in1 After Sun Gel soothes and hydrates. Formulas with UVA/UVB photostable filters and a peptide that mimics the skin's natural DNA repair mechanism. Fragrance-free (in face creams) and formulated with attention to the aquatic environment.
Casmara — professional sun protection
Casmara Sun collection
Casmara offers sun protection products that fit a professional skincare routine. Suitable as an addition to your daily Casmara routine during the summer months.
ASAP — hydration and protection in one
ASAP collection
ASAP Moisturising Daily Defence SPF50+ combines broad-spectrum sun protection with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Light, non-greasy, and suitable as a day cream under makeup. Ideal for those seeking a no-nonsense SPF that works all year round.
Comfort Zone Hydramemory — hydration for summer skin
Comfort Zone Hydramemory collection
The Hydramemory line is developed for hydration in all climates. The Water Source Serum activates the skin's moisture supply. The Light Sorbet Cream is ideal in warm months — light, fresh, and non-greasy. Formulas with prickly pear extract and macro hyaluronic acid that strengthen the skin barrier.
Common summer mistakes
Only applying SPF once you're already in the sun. It takes 15 to 20 minutes for chemical sunscreens to become active. Apply SPF before going outdoors.
Thinking that tanned skin provides sufficient protection. A tan offers only minimal protection — comparable to SPF 3 to 4. Daily SPF remains necessary.
Forgetting the face when reapplying. Many people reapply to their bodies but forget their face. Use a facial SPF that you can easily reapply, even over makeup.
Continuing to use heavy creams in summer. Rich winter creams can clog pores in warmer months. Switch to lighter textures.
Skipping aftersun. After sun exposure, your skin needs recovery and hydration. Don't skip this step, even if you don't have visible sunburn.
Frequently asked questions about summer care
Do I need to adjust my entire routine in summer?
Not entirely, but small adjustments are wise. Choose lighter textures, increase your SPF, and add an aftersun. Your cleanser and active serums can largely remain the same.
Can I use retinol in summer?
You can, but be extra careful. Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Use it only in the evening, possibly reduce the frequency, and always use a high SPF during the day. Some people choose to temporarily pause retinol during the summer.
How often should I reapply SPF?
Every two hours for prolonged outdoor exposure, and immediately after swimming or perspiring. For a normal office day, once in the morning is usually sufficient, unless you sit by the window a lot or go outside in between.
Is aftersun only needed for sunburn?
No. Even without visible sunburn, your skin will have lost moisture after sun exposure, and a mild inflammatory reaction may have occurred. A soothing, hydrating aftersun helps the skin to recover.
Which SPF is best for under makeup?
Choose a light, fast-absorbing SPF that doesn't leave a greasy or white residue. ASAP Daily Defence SPF50+ and Comfort Zone Sun Soul Face Cream SPF30 are both suitable as a base under makeup.
Also read
Want to know more about daily sun protection? Read why SPF is essential 365 days a year. Or discover how vitamin C strengthens your sun protection.
Free shipping
At Shopjemooi.nl, you benefit from free shipping in the Netherlands from €40 and in Belgium from €75. Need help putting together your summer routine? Feel free to contact us — we're happy to help.
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to receive practical skincare tips, new product launches, and exclusive offers.
Follow us via @shopjemooi and don't miss a thing.
Conclusion
A good summer routine starts weeks before the sun is at its strongest. By strengthening your skin barrier, exfoliating, and switching to lighter textures and a higher SPF in time, your skin will be better protected for summer. After a day in the sun, don't forget aftersun — recovery is just as important as protection. At Shopjemooi, you'll find a complete sun line from Comfort Zone Sun Soul, complemented by the hydration of Hydramemory and the light protection of ASAP Daily Defence. This way, you can enjoy the sun without your skin suffering.
