Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, simpler is often better. A new Pediatrics study analyzed viral skincare videos on TikTok and found that many routines, featured by young creators, were packed with products that could do more harm than good—and most skipped sunscreen entirely. The takeaway is clear: when it comes to your skin, less is more.
Enter skinimalism. It’s about choosing fewer, smarter products and ingredients that work harder, especially when sun, sweat and heat are daily factors.
This streamlined three-step routine protects skin before sun exposure, soothes and brightens after long days outdoors, and aids overnight recovery. Think of it as your warm weather reset that’s light on effort and high on results.
Step 1: Prepare and Protect Before the Sun
The most important part of your routine is the one you do before you even walk out the door. Sunscreen should always be the first line of defense. Not only does it shield your skin from sunburn and dark spots, but it also helps preserve collagen and prevent long-term damage.
Look for lightweight, breathable SPFs that offer broad-spectrum coverage of SPF 50 or higher. Bonus points for formulas that hydrate while they protect, especially if you’ll be reapplying throughout the day.
- Try: TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Screen SPF 50+ PA++++
This ultra-light, vegan sunscreen wears more like skincare than sunblock. It layers seamlessly under makeup and leaves no white cast, even on deeper skin tones. Hyaluronic acid delivers lasting hydration, while advanced UV filters provide reliable, high-level sun protection without the heaviness or stickiness of traditional formulas.
Step 2: Brighten + Rebalance After Sun Exposure
Even the best sunscreen can’t block 100 percent of UV damage. That’s where your evening routine comes in. After a day in the sun, your skin craves ingredients that calm inflammation, fade discoloration and restore balance. Think vitamin C to revive dullness, niacinamide to minimize redness and centella asiatica to soothe sensitivity.
- Try: Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Serum
This gentle, non-irritating serum is ideal for post-sun repair. It’s packed with antioxidants and formulated to even skin tone without overwhelming sensitive or combination skin. If you’re new to brightening serums, this is an affordable, beginner-friendly option.
Step 3: Restore + Recharge Overnight
At night, your skin gets to work. Cellular repair kicks into high gear while you sleep, making this the ideal time to apply rich, restorative formulas. Look for creams that support the skin barrier and promote elasticity, especially if your skin feels dry or depleted.
- Try: Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Enriched Cream
This nutrient-dense night cream brings together fermented black tea, peptides and ceramides to deeply nourish and firm. It’s the kind of product you reach for when your skin feels tired, overexposed or simply in need of a reset.
The Takeaway
Long days in the sun are one of the best parts of summer, but they can also take a toll on your skin. Whether you’re planning a beach trip, a music festival or just more time outside, your skincare routine should work as hard as you do.
These three steps keep things simple without compromising on results. With the right products in rotation, you can protect, hydrate and restore all season long.
