Skincare rules I break every summer (and why it’s totally okay)

Taking a little summer break — from perfect skincare, that is! ☀️

You know how summer just invites us to slow down, soak up the sun, and maybe bend a few rules? Well, I’m all for giving your skincare routine a little summer break too. It’s the perfect excuse to skip a step here and there and enjoy the season without feeling guilty.

Skincare rules I break every summer

Let’s be real for a second—summer is not the season for 10-step skincare routines and strict rules. Between travel, heat, and let’s face it… pure laziness (guilty ✋), some days I just don’t do it all.

And guess what? My skin has survived. Thrived, even.

So today, I want to share a few skincare “rules” I break every summer—and why you might want to break them too.

1. I don’t exfoliate as often

Look, I love a good exfoliation moment. That smooth, fresh glow? Yes, please.

But in the summer? When I’ve been in the sun, sweating more, or even just walking the dog at 3pm like a human piece of toast 🌞—I skip it.

Why?

Because exfoliating when your skin is already a little sensitized can backfire. Think: redness, irritation, or that tight feeling that makes you want to dunk your face in yogurt.

💡 My tip: Listen to your skin. If it feels calm and you haven’t been baking in the sun, go ahead and exfoliate (remember, only once or twice a week). Otherwise, give it a few days. Hydration might be what it really needs.

2. I use a moisturizer with SPF… and that’s it

On some mornings when I'm running a bit behind (or just not feeling it), I wash my face, slap on a moisturizer with SPF, and run out the door. No serum, no toner, no frills.

And that’s okay.

Because protecting your skin from the sun is the non-negotiable part. If you’re in a rush or it’s too hot for layers, your skin will forgive you for skipping a few steps.

🤫 Confession: Sometimes I even reapply my SPF with a stick or powder while standing in the shade and hoping no one’s watching. It’s not fancy—but it works.

💡 My tip: Find a sunscreen you actually like wearing. It’ll make this shortcut feel way more intentional.

3. I use my eye cream on… not my eyes

Yep. Smile lines. The “11s” between my brows. Sometimes even my décolleté.

Eye creams are packed with ingredients that target delicate, aging skin—so why not use them where you need it most?

🤔 Have you ever tried this?

💡 My tip: Gently pat your eye cream wherever you’re feeling a little crepey or dry. It’s not against the rules—I promise.

Moral of the story?

Your skincare doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective.

Summer is about living. It’s okay to pare back, skip a step, or bend a few “rules” when life (and the weather) gets a little chaotic.

Your skin will still love you.

And if you are craving a little structure? I’ve got you there too 😉 (P.S. I made this printable skincare routine tracker just for that.)

Tell me—what skincare rule do you break every summer?

Hit reply and let me know. Or if you’re silently nodding along in your pajamas with last night’s face cream still on… I see you. 💛

Ava-Ann