Preparing your skin for summer: 5 common mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)

How can you best prepare your skin for the arrival of summer and the sun? It's not just about sunscreen. Summer brings changes to your skin: heat, UV rays, perspiration, pollution… all factors that weaken the epidermis.

If you're wondering what beauty routine to adopt in the summer , or which facial treatments to use when it's hot , this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls while adopting a cleaner, more effective, and minimalist routine. Bonus: we explain how to incorporate MONO Skincare's super-effective products into your summer ritual.

Over-exfoliating your skin before summer

Why is this a common mistake?

Many people believe that exfoliating before summer helps them tan better or gives them clearer skin. In reality, excessive exfoliation weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity to the sun.

To do instead

• Exfoliate once a week with fresh and gentle antibacterial ingredients.

• Avoid scrubs with overly abrasive grains.

• Always moisturize immediately afterwards.

Using a cream that is too rich for the season

Why is this not suitable for summer?

In summer, skin sweats more. A cream that's too rich can clog pores and cause shine or blemishes. A skincare routine adapted to summer must take these new conditions into account.

The ideal alternative

• Opt for light gel, serum or emulsion textures.

• Look for non-greasy moisturizing ingredients : hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or inulin.

• Avoid comedogenic oils if you have combination or oily skin.

Set aside antioxidants (such as astaxanthin )

Should we stop using active serums in the summer?

Not at all. In fact, it's in the summer that we need antioxidants the most , because UV rays and pollution generate free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging.

The serum routine to adopt

• In the morning: an astaxanthin serum to protect, brighten and even out skin tone.

• In the evening: a gentle combination of inulin and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate.

Good to know: MONO Skincare's Moisturizing Lotion releases fresh astaxanthin with every use, for maximum effectiveness without oxidation.

Relying solely on sun protection as a skincare product

Why is this not enough?

UV protection is essential, but it doesn't replace a proper skincare routine . Sunscreen doesn't nourish, regulate excess sebum, or repair daily micro-aggressions.

The right order for your summer skincare routine

1. Gentle cleaning

2. Hydrating or antioxidant serum

3. Light cream (if necessary)

4. Sun protection

5. Refreshing spray or mist during the day

Forget about body areas… until you get sunburned

What we often overlook

The décolletage , shoulders , arms , and even the backs of the hands are exposed daily. And these are often the first areas to show signs of sun damage.

What to do

• Extend your facial routine to these exposed areas.

• Use a light body moisturizer every night.

• Apply sunscreen to your hands, neck, and torso as well.

How to build a summer skincare routine?

Summer requires a specific, but not complicated, skincare routine :

• Clean without stripping

• Hydrate with lightweight textures

• Protect your skin

• Add a dose of antioxidants

• Maintain a regular routine, even on vacation

With MONO Skincare , each product is designed to adapt to your skin, your routine, and your season. Based on powerful, water-activated active ingredients and delivered in an eco-friendly format, our skin-mind approach is ideal for summer.

Don't know where to start?

Discover my MONO routine in 3 steps