Summer is calling, and we’re ready for poolside afternoons, weekend braais and beach days that turn into favourite memories. As you reach for your sunglasses and update your warm-weather wardrobe, give your skincare routine a little attention too. Whether your plans involve a seaside escape or simply enjoying more time outdoors, sun protection deserves a place alongside your summer essentials.
A good summer skincare routine starts with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum protection covers both UVA and UVB rays, helping protect against sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. This matters for every skin tone, and not just when the weather is hot and cloudless. Apply sunscreen to skin that clothing does not cover whenever you will be outdoors, including on overcast days. Think of it as an everyday habit rather than something reserved for your next holiday.
For sun protection that also puts hydration on the agenda, Vichy Capital Soleil SPF30 Hydrating Skin Milk 300ml and Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50 Hydrating Milk Skin Cell Sun Protection 300ml are worth making room for. Both provide protection for the face and body in hydrating formulas, with lightweight, non-greasy finishes. Their generous 300ml sizes make them practical additions to your summer supply, whether you are getting ready for an outdoor lunch or packing for a family getaway.
An everyday routine can also benefit from a straightforward sunscreen that combines protection with moisturising care. IQ Sun Care SPF30 Daily Defence Cream 100ml offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a non-greasy, water-resistant formula with moisturising ingredients. It is an option to consider when you want sun care that fits comfortably into your morning routine without making skincare feel like another complicated task on your to-do list.
When choosing sunscreen for your face, let your skin’s needs help guide you. Avène Cleanance SPF50+ Sunscreen 50ml is designed for oily, blemish-prone skin and offers a mattifying, non-shiny finish, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a less glossy look. Bioderma Photoderm Crème SPF50+ 40ml offers a moisturising, unfragranced formula with a non-greasy finish and can also be used as a make-up base. These options bring different benefits to the dressing table, so you can choose a texture and finish that suit your routine.
The little ones need their own place on the summer checklist, too. Cetaphil Sun Kids SPF50+ Very High Protection Lotion 150ml offers UVA and UVB protection in a fragrance-free, very water-resistant formula developed for children’s sensitive skin. NIVEA Sun Kids SPF50 Kids Moisturising Lotion 200ml combines sun protection with moisturising care for children’s delicate skin and is also water-resistant. Follow the age guidance and application instructions on the packaging, pair sunscreen with protective clothing and shade, and keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
Of course, even a well-chosen sunscreen needs to be used properly. Apply it generously before going outside, following the timing and application directions on the pack. Remember easily missed areas such as your ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet. Reapply approximately every two hours while outdoors and after swimming, sweating or towelling, as directed. A higher SPF does not mean you can leave longer gaps between applications, and water-resistant does not mean that one morning application will last through every swim.
Your sun-care routine should extend beyond the bottle. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses and clothing that covers exposed skin all help, while shade gives you another layer of protection. CANSA advises staying out of direct sun between 10am and 4pm. Planning outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day is a practical way to enjoy summer without relying on sunscreen alone. Your sunhat can be both a style statement and a sensible addition to your outfit.
Once the swimming and sightseeing are done, give your skin some gentle care. Summer does not automatically mean skin stays well moisturised; swimming pools and air conditioning can contribute to dryness and irritation. Rinse off after swimming, use a mild cleanser and choose warm rather than hot water when showering. Applying a fragrance-free moisturiser soon afterwards helps trap moisture in the skin. There is no need to scrub your way to a summer glow when a gentler approach can help keep skin comfortable.
For an additional after-sun option, SUNprotect After Sun Spray 200ml contains aloe vera and allantoin and is designed to help cool and soothe the skin. Follow the product’s directions, including its advice to test for skin sensitivity before use. Remember that after-sun care is about comfort: it does not replace sunscreen or undo UV damage. Protecting your skin before and during exposure remains the priority, rather than relying on a product afterwards to make up for too much sun.
This summer, give your skincare essentials the same attention as your holiday plans. Explore the sun-care range at Clicks and choose products that suit your daily routine, from facial protection and family-friendly lotions to after-sun care. Make looking after your skin part of getting ready, so it becomes a familiar habit rather than an afterthought.
