How to Build a Summer Skincare Routine for Ageing Skin
There's something about that first properly warm day that makes you reassess everything. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror – maybe the light's different, maybe you've been a bit slack over winter – and suddenly you're wondering if your skincare routine is actually doing its job.
If your skin is over 40 and already navigating the shifting terrain of hormonal changes, summer brings its own particular challenges…
Here's the truth most beauty brands won't tell you: the skincare rules you followed in your twenties and thirties simply don't apply anymore. Your skin has different needs now, and summer amplifies every single one of them.
Understanding What Summer Does to Mature Skin
Let's get scientific for a moment, because understanding the 'why' helps you make better choices. UV radiation doesn't just cause surface damage – it penetrates deep into your dermis, activating enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that actively break down collagen and elastin.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirms that excessive degradation of collagen and elastin proteins caused by MMP overproduction contributes to photoaging – thick wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of firmness.
For mature skin, this matters more than ever. Research shows intrinsic aging is characterised by collagen loss and elastic fibre degeneration – and UV exposure accelerates this exponentially. The cumulative sun exposure from decades of Australian summers has already left its mark; summer routines need to focus on protection and repair simultaneously.
Then there's the humidity factor – or lack thereof if you're spending time in air conditioning. The constant shift between outdoor heat and indoor cooling disrupts your skin barrier, leading to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Studies show this barrier disruption increases sensitivity and accelerates the appearance of fine lines.
The Hormonal Component You Can't Ignore
If you're in perimenopause or menopause, summer skincare becomes even more complex. Declining oestrogen levels directly impact skin health in ways that amplify summer damage.
Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that skin collagen content declines with menopausal age at approximately 2.1% per year. Women can lose up to 30% of their skin collagen within the first five years after menopause – and UV exposure during this vulnerable period compounds the damage significantly.
This is why cookie-cutter summer skincare advice falls short. Your skin isn't just dealing with seasonal challenges; it's navigating a fundamental biological shift that requires more targeted support.
Building Your Morning Ritual: Protection First
Notice I said 'ritual' rather than 'routine.' There's an important difference. A routine is something you rush through; a ritual is something you do with intention. When you approach skincare as a ritual, you're more likely to be thorough, more likely to notice how your skin responds, and more likely to actually enjoy the process.
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
Start with a cleanser that won't strip your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Look for powder-to-foam formulas that activate with water, like our Luminesq Dust. These gentle formulas remove overnight buildup without disrupting the acid mantle that protects your skin.
Step 2: Targeted Treatment
Summer mornings call for antioxidant protection. This is where botanical serums shine. Ingredients like prickly pear seed oil are rich in vitamin E – research shows prickly pear contains approximately 1.5 times more vitamin E than argan oil – and this antioxidant protection helps neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure before they can damage collagen.
A 2020 study in BioMed Research International found that prickly pear seed oil exhibited significant antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative damage in skin tissues and potentially preserving collagen and elastin fibres.
Step 3: Eye Care
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face and shows summer damage first. A targeted eye treatment with vitamin K can help address dark circles that become more pronounced with heat-induced blood pooling under the eyes.
Step 4: Hydration + SPF
Non-negotiable. Your moisturiser and SPF work together as your final defence. In Australia, this isn't optional – it's essential. Look for broad-spectrum protection that guards against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
Your Evening Ritual: Repair and Replenish
While morning is about protection, evening is about repair. This is when your skin does its heavy lifting – cell turnover increases at night, and your skin is more receptive to active ingredients.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
After a summer day, your skin carries sunscreen, sweat, pollution, and environmental debris. A double cleanse – oil-based first, then water-based – ensures you're starting with a truly clean canvas.
Step 2: Treatment Serum
Evening is the time for your most potent treatments. Our Illumino Youth Serum, made with 100% certified organic prickly pear seed oil, delivers concentrated nutrition while you sleep.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirms that linoleic acid – which comprises approximately 60-70% of prickly pear seed oil – plays a vital role in skin barrier formation and repair, making it essential for mature skin exposed to summer stressors.
Step 3: Facial Oil
This might feel counterintuitive in summer, but the right facial oil doesn't make skin oily – it actually helps regulate sebum production and locks in hydration. Our Signature Night Recovery Oil combines multiple botanical oils that support overnight repair.
As Susan, one of our customers, shared:
‘I have used oils for my skincare routine for years. I am 72 and my skin looks good for my age. I find the ritual of putting the oils on my face relaxing and sets me up for a restful sleep.’
Weekly Rituals for Deeper Care
Once or twice weekly, add a mask or more intensive treatment. After sun exposure, focus on calming and hydrating. Look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties – botanical oils rich in essential fatty acids are particularly effective.
This is also a good time for gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate faster in summer. But be gentle – over-exfoliation damages your skin barrier and increases sensitivity to UV radiation.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Here's what we've learned from working with thousands of women navigating skincare changes: the most effective approach combines good products with genuine self-care. When you rush through your routine, you miss things. You apply products too quickly for proper absorption. You don't notice early signs that something isn't working.
Kylie, who uses our products, captured this perfectly:
‘It's a time out, a pause for myself. This morning when I was applying my face serum, I was reminded how much I love using the products and how good it is for my soul.’
Summer skincare for mature skin isn't about fighting aging – it's about supporting your skin through a season that demands more while honouring the changes happening within. Your skin tells your story. Summer skincare is simply about making sure the next chapters are as beautiful as everything that's come before.
With love,
Cath x