A Beauty of Joseon summer routine should be lighter, more breathable and built around sun protection. In hot, humid weather, the best approach is a gentle gel cleanser, a watery toner or essence, one lightweight serum, a gel moisturiser such as the Red Bean Water Gel, and generous sunscreen that you reapply during the day, with a Matte Sun Stick for top-ups. In the evening, double cleanse to remove sunscreen and sweat, then hydrate and calm. This guide gives you full AM and PM summer routines, product swaps by skin type, tips for heat, sweat and humidity, and how to care for skin after too much sun.
This article is general skincare information, not medical advice. Seek medical care for severe sunburn, blistering, fever or a rash after sun exposure.
Why Your Skin Needs a Different Routine in Summer
Summer changes the way skin behaves. Heat and humidity increase oil and sweat production, so rich creams that felt perfect in winter can suddenly feel heavy or clog pores. UV levels are higher, and you likely spend more time outdoors. Air-conditioning can also dehydrate skin, which is why many people experience oily and dehydrated skin at the same time in summer.
The goals of a summer routine are therefore:
- Strong, consistent sun protection with easy reapplication.
- Lightweight hydration that does not feel greasy.
- Gentle oil control without stripping.
- Thorough but gentle cleansing in the evening.
- Calming support for heat-stressed skin.
Beauty of Joseon Summer Morning Routine
- Cleanse lightly. If you wake up oily, use a gentle gel cleanser such as the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. If your skin feels comfortable, a lukewarm water rinse is enough. See our Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser review.
- Toner or essence. A thin layer of Ginseng Essence Water or Glow Replenishing Rice Milk for hydration without weight.
- One light serum. Choose based on your goal: Glow Serum for oil balance, Light On Serum for antioxidant support, or Calming Serum for heat-induced redness.
- Gel moisturiser. The Red Bean Water Gel is the go-to summer moisturiser for oily and combination skin. Dry skin may still prefer a thin layer of Dynasty Cream.
- Sunscreen. Apply a generous amount of Relief Sun or, for a more watery and fresh feel, Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh. Our comparison of Relief Sun vs Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh explains which suits your skin.
How much sunscreen?
Most people under-apply sunscreen. A common guideline for the face is about two finger-lengths of product, or roughly a quarter teaspoon, for face and neck. Under-applying means you get much less protection than the SPF on the label suggests.
Reapplying Sunscreen During the Day
Sunscreen breaks down with sun exposure and is removed by sweat, touching your face and wiping. General guidance is to reapply about every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming, heavy sweating or towelling off.
Options for reapplication
- Relief Sun or Aqua-Fresh: reapply directly on bare skin, or gently pat over makeup with fingertips.
- Matte Sun Stick: convenient for reapplying over makeup or on the go. Read our Matte Sun Stick review for tips on getting enough product with a stick.
- Shade and accessories: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and seeking shade in the middle of the day add protection that sunscreen alone cannot provide.
Health Canada recommends combining sunscreen with protective clothing, shade and avoiding peak UV hours. You can find general sun safety guidance on the Government of Canada sun safety page.
Beauty of Joseon Summer Evening Routine
- First cleanse. Use the Radiance Cleansing Balm or Ginseng Cleansing Oil to dissolve sunscreen, sebum and sweat. Massage gently, emulsify with water and rinse.
- Second cleanse. Follow with a gentle gel cleanser to clean the skin fully.
- Toner or essence. Rehydrate with a watery layer.
- Serum. Use Calming Serum after a long day in the heat, or Glow Deep Serum if you are focused on dullness and uneven tone.
- Moisturiser. Red Bean Water Gel or a thin layer of Dynasty Cream.
Our guide to choosing between the Radiance Cleansing Balm and Ginseng Cleansing Oil can help you pick the right first cleanser for summer.
Weekly Extras for Summer
- Clay mask once or twice a week: the Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask on oily areas helps with congestion caused by sweat and sunscreen.
- Gentle exfoliation once a week: the Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel for smoother texture. Do not exfoliate right before or after intense sun exposure, and avoid exfoliating sunburned skin.
- Cooling hydration: applying your essence with cool hands or storing it somewhere cool can feel refreshing on hot days.
Summer Routine by Skin Type
Oily skin
Gel cleanser, essence, Glow Serum, Red Bean Water Gel, Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh. Blotting papers during the day remove excess shine without disturbing sunscreen too much. Avoid heavy creams.
Combination skin
Use the Red Bean Water Gel all over, then add a little Dynasty Cream on dry cheeks if needed. Clay mask on the T-zone only.
Dry skin
Even in summer, dry skin needs moisture. Keep a hydrating serum like Revive Serum and a thin layer of Dynasty Cream. Air-conditioning can make dryness worse, so do not skip moisturiser.
Sensitive skin
Heat can trigger redness. Focus on Calming Serum, a simple moisturiser and a sunscreen your skin tolerates well. Avoid hot water and introduce new products slowly. Our sensitive skin routine has more ideas.
Acne-prone skin
Sweat and occlusive products can contribute to breakouts. Cleanse after workouts, choose lighter textures, and double cleanse in the evening.
Dealing With Sweat, Heat and Humidity
- Rinse after exercise. Sweat left on skin can irritate and contribute to breakouts. A quick rinse or gentle cleanse afterwards helps.
- Change pillowcases more often. Summer nights mean more sweat and oil on fabrics.
- Keep hands off your face. Wiping sweat with your hands can transfer dirt and remove sunscreen.
- Hydrate from inside too. Drinking enough water in hot weather supports overall wellbeing.
- Use less product. In humid weather, thinner layers absorb better and feel more comfortable.
If You Get Too Much Sun
Even with good habits, a day at the beach or on a patio can leave skin red and warm. For mild sunburn:
- Get out of the sun and cool the skin with a cool (not icy) compress or shower.
- Pause exfoliants, retinoids, vitamin C and other actives until skin recovers.
- Use only gentle products: a mild cleanser, Calming Serum and a simple moisturiser.
- Drink water and protect the area from further sun exposure.
- Seek medical attention for blistering, severe pain, fever, chills or if a large area is affected.
Travelling in Summer
For road trips, cottage weekends and flights, pack a compact version of your routine: a cleanser, one serum, a gel moisturiser and plenty of sunscreen, plus the Matte Sun Stick for reapplication. Our Beauty of Joseon travel kit guide covers what to pack and how to keep products in good condition. Avoid leaving skincare in a hot car, as heat can affect sunscreen and other formulas.
Common Summer Skincare Mistakes
- Applying too little sunscreen.
- Forgetting to reapply after swimming or sweating.
- Skipping moisturiser because skin feels oily.
- Over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers to fight shine.
- Over-exfoliating, which can increase sensitivity to the sun.
- Forgetting the ears, neck, back of the neck and the backs of the hands.
- Relying on makeup with SPF alone instead of a proper sunscreen layer.
Transitioning Back to Fall
As temperatures drop, gradually reintroduce richer textures, such as switching from the Red Bean Water Gel to the Dynasty Cream at night, and reduce clay mask frequency. Keep sunscreen every day all year long.
A Simple Summer Routine for Busy Days
Not every summer day allows for a full routine. On busy mornings, festival days or camping trips, this minimal version covers the essentials:
- Morning: water rinse, Red Bean Water Gel, Relief Sun applied generously.
- During the day: Matte Sun Stick or sunscreen top-ups, plus blotting paper for shine.
- Evening: cleansing oil or balm, gentle cleanser, Calming Serum, moisturiser.
Three or four products are enough to protect and comfort your skin. The step you should never drop is sunscreen.
Summer Routine for Outdoor Sports and Swimming
If you run, cycle, play sports or swim in summer, your skin faces extra sweat, friction and water exposure. A few adjustments help:
- Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going out so it can settle, and choose a water-resistant formula when you will be swimming or sweating heavily.
- Reapply after swimming or towelling. Water-resistant does not mean waterproof; label directions tell you how long protection lasts in water.
- Cleanse soon after the activity. Sweat and chlorine can leave skin feeling tight or irritated.
- Use a lip product with SPF. Lips burn easily and are often forgotten.
- Moisturise after swimming. Chlorinated and salt water can be drying.
Protecting the body, not just the face
Summer clothing exposes more skin. Apply body sunscreen to the arms, legs, chest, back of the neck and feet, and reapply as directed. Protective clothing, hats and shade remain the simplest ways to reduce UV exposure for large areas of the body.
Choosing the right sunscreen texture for summer
The best summer sunscreen is the one you will apply generously and reapply without complaint. If a formula feels greasy, pills under makeup or stings your eyes when you sweat, you are less likely to use enough of it. Try a few textures in the spring, note how each one behaves in heat, and keep your favourite in your bag all season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is best for summer?
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh tends to appeal to oily skin and humid weather because of its lighter, fresher feel, while Relief Sun suits most skin types. Choose the one you enjoy enough to apply generously every day.
Is the Red Bean Water Gel enough moisturiser in summer?
For oily and combination skin, usually yes. Dry skin may need a thin layer of a richer cream, especially in air-conditioned spaces.
How often should I reapply sunscreen in summer?
About every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off. Follow the directions on your sunscreen label.
Should I exfoliate more in summer?
Not necessarily. Once a week is enough for most people, and you should avoid exfoliating sunburned or irritated skin.
Can I use vitamin C in summer?
Yes. Vitamin C serums such as Light On are often used in the morning under sunscreen for antioxidant support. Sunscreen remains essential.
Do I need to double cleanse every night in summer?
If you wear sunscreen daily, especially water-resistant formulas, double cleansing in the evening helps remove it thoroughly. Keep both cleanses gentle.