The Perfect Summer Evening Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Amy

Keeping combination skin balanced in summer can be a challenge. The heat and humidity can make oily areas oilier while leaving dry patches feeling parched. We have your AM hot weather skincare routine already covered so let’s sort your PM routine! These summer skincare essentials will keep your skin glowing all season long.

Summer Skincare Routine

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is always recommended, and it’s even more vital in the summer to remove the day’s buildup of sweat and sunscreen. This will get your skin really clean and ready for the next step in your routine. You need something gentle yet effective that cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural oils. I love an oil-based balm cleanser for the first step to remove makeup and SPF. Here are my current favourites:

For the second cleanse, you can use the same cleanser again or choose a lighter, water-based option. This depends on personal preference, makeup usage, budget, and whether you have enough energy left by the end of the day to even think about it! More often than not, I reach for the same cleanser twice. If I want to mix things up, I use something lighter like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (150mls, £13.90) or Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser (100mls, £10 for members).

Step 2: Exfoliation (2-3 times per week)

Exfoliating 2-3 times per week removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. For combination skin, chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs are ideal as they avoid irritation from physical scrubs. Glycolic acid (AHA) brightens and smooths, while salicylic acid (BHA) helps clear pores and is great for acne-prone skin.

My favourites:

Step 3: Mist

A hydrating facial mist is my favourite step in any summer skincare routine. It helps to quench thirsty skin and feels so refreshing in hot weather. One thing to keep in mind is the importance of quickly following up with a moisturiser. If you spritz with a mist and don’t seal in the hydration, it will quickly draw the moisture out of your skin, potentially leaving your combination skin drier than when you started. I like to follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum and a gel or water-based moisturiser in the warmer months.

I’ve tried hundreds of facial mists over the years, and these are my current favourites:

Step 4: Hyaluronic Acid Serum

In warm weather, hydration is crucial, and a hyaluronic acid serum is a must-have for combination skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrator that attracts moisture to the skin without making it greasy. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum helps to plump and hydrate dry areas while being lightweight enough not to exacerbate oily zones. It also aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating a smoother skin texture.

Both the Medik8 and Oskia products linked below offer impressive formulations which leave your skin hydrated and improve skin texture and elasticity. I have noticed increased plumpness and a reduction in fine lines while using both of these products. If you want something a little more budget friendly, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is another fantastic option at £15.50 for 60mls.

My favourites:

Step 5: Eye cream

Some may disagree with me on this one, but I think eye cream is an optional step in the evenings. As a hayfever sufferer, it is a step that I often skip. Many eye creams leave my eyes feeling puffy and irritated overnight so I prefer to just wait until the morning. My only exception to this is the use of a retinol eye cream 3 times per week. Check out this retinol eye cream post to find out why you should use one!

If you don’t have any issues with allergies or sensitive eyes then a lightweight and hydrating eye cream is best for summer. Any of the products mentioned in this brightening eye creams for tired eyes post would be perfect for your summer evening skincare routine!

Step 6: Lightweight Moisturiser

An oil-free gel or water-based moisturiser should be the final step of your routine. This lightweight moisturisers for every skin type article offers some great product suggestions! With combination skin, you need something that is hydrating enough to tackle any dry patches but light enough to avoid an increase in oil production. The products below have a similar gel-like consistency and leave the skin feeling really plump and hydrated. The MZ SKIN moisturiser is probably one of the best I have ever tried for the instant texture improvement and glow it gives. However, it is very pricey and I would find the cost difficult to justify again when there are cheaper options like the Clinque Moisture Surge.

My favourites:

Extra step: Face Masks x2 per week

In the summer my combination skin can become a little congested and irritated. Especially if I have spent too much time in the sun. The Pai Recovery Mask and the Beauty Pie Fruitizyme Mask are extra steps I like to add in to smooth and improve the texture of my skin. Using a face mask is also a great way to introduce a little selfcare into your week. This post explores how to use skincare as part of your selfcare routine in motherhood.

My favourites:

By incorporating these steps into your evening skincare routine, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all summer long. Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these products or have any other hot weather skincare essentials to recommend!