Summer skin has a lot to deal with: heat and sweat, layers of SPF, chlorine, air-conditioning, and the occasional sunburn we'd rather not mention. The result? Breakouts for some, tight dry patches for others — often both at once. The fix isn't more products; it's a simpler routine done consistently. Here's the pharmacist-approved version, using ranges we now stock at Anfield Pharmacy.
Step 1: Cleanse — gently, twice a day
Sweat, sunscreen and city grime need washing away morning and night, but harsh cleansers strip the skin barrier and make oiliness worse.
- Normal to oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser lifts oil and SPF without stripping, thanks to ceramides and niacinamide.
- Dry or sensitive skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser cleans while keeping moisture in.
- Congested, bumpy skin: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser adds gentle salicylic acid to clear pores — ideal if summer sweat triggers breakouts.
Step 2: Treat — one targeted serum is plenty
- Oiliness, enlarged pores, post-spot marks: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the summer hero — it balances oil and calms redness.
- Dehydrated, tight-feeling skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 pulls water into the skin — apply to damp skin, then moisturise on top.
- Stubborn breakouts: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ targets blemishes and the marks they leave behind.
Step 3: Moisturise — yes, even oily skin in summer
Skipping moisturiser makes oily skin produce more oil. Go lighter, not without:
- Face and body, dry or eczema-prone: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M is a dermatologist favourite for hot-weather itch and irritation.
- Everyday all-rounder: CeraVe Moisturising Cream for drier skins, or a lighter lotion for humid days.
- Sensitive/reactive skin: Cetaphil textures are famously kind to easily-upset skin.
Step 4: SPF — the non-negotiable
Every treat-and-glow step above is undone by unprotected sun. Finish every morning with Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF50 — so light you'll actually wear it daily — or CeraVe SPF50 Moisturising Lotion to combine steps 3 and 4 in one.
Three summer skin mistakes to skip
- Over-exfoliating because skin feels oily — twice a week is plenty, and never on sunburnt skin.
- Layering five serums — in heat, less is more; one active serum plus SPF beats a ten-step routine.
- Forgetting your neck and hands — they see the same sun your face does.
New skincare, now in Liverpool
We've just added CeraVe, The Ordinary, La Roche-Posay and Cetaphil to our online store — genuine UK stock from a GPhC-registered pharmacy, with fast UK delivery and free Click & Collect at 140 Oakfield Road. Browse the full skincare range here, and if you're not sure what your skin needs, ask our team — honest advice, no upselling.
Patch test new skincare products. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, ask your pharmacist or GP before changing your routine.
