Why your skin needs more than SPF this Summer
SPF is a non-negotiable, it’s your strongest defence against UV damage, which is the number one cause of premature ageing. But even the best sunscreen can’t shield your skin from all the environmental aggressors that place extra stress on the skin (nor is it designed to address them). To keep your complexion healthy, resilient and radiant throughout summer long, your routine needs more than sun protection alone.
Skin stressors throughout summer
Summer exposes your skin to more than just the sun. The three biggest stressors are:
1. Heat & humidity
High temperatures and humidity accelerate water loss, leaving your skin dehydrated beneath the surface. This weakens the skin barrier, causing dryness, dullness and increased sensitivity, even if you wear SPF every day. When the barrier is stressed, skin struggles to stay balanced, plump and comfortable.
2. Sweat & excess oil
Warmer weather increases sweat and sebum production, which can mix with SPF, makeup and environmental debris. The result? Congestion, enlarged pores, breakouts and an uneven texture. It’s not a sign your skin is ‘too oily’, it’s simply your skin working harder to regulate itself in the heat.
3. Environmental damage
Pollution, infrared heat and oxidative stress all contribute to premature ageing and inflammation. Free radicals break down collagen and accelerate lines, wrinkles and pigmentation… Sunscreen alone can’t block them. This is where antioxidants and barrier-strengthening ingredients become essential in your summer routine.
Why SPF alone can't solve all these problems
SPF does the most critical job of all by protecting against UV, but it can’t:
- Hydrate your skin (some SPF formulas may even zap moisture)
- Keep skin resilient against heat, sweat and air-conditioning
- Repair or soothe the skin after sun exposure or support an even tone
What your skin needs in summer
To protect against everything SPF can’t, include these key ingredients in your daily routine:
1. Deep long-lasting hydration: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and plant oils keep the skin plump without heaviness.
2. Barrier support & repair: Ceramides, niacinamide and squalane help maintain elasticity and calm heat-induced sensitivity.
3. Antioxidant protection: Kakadu Plum (the world’s richest source of vitamin C), Green Tea, Finger Lime and Vitamin C help to shield the skin against pollution, infrared heat and free radical damage.
4. Gentle exfoliation: AHA exfoliants with soft rounded beads remove sweat and sunscreen build-up while supporting the barrier.
5. Soothing & anti-inflammatory heroes: Chamomile, Tea Tree, Green Coffee and Aloe Vera calm redness and irritation.
Ideal summer skin ritual
Protect your skin with more than SPF with this daily ritual:
MORNING:
1. Radiance Cream Cleanser (or Purifying Gel Cleanser for oily/combination skin)
2. Kakadu Brightening Serum
3. Ultra Rich Moisturiser
4. Firming Eye Contour Cream
EVENING:
1. Double cleanse (to remove SPF + sweat/oils)
2. Kakadu Brightening Serum
3. Restore Serum
4. Ultra Rich Moisturiser
Tip: Use a gently exfoliating Muslin Cloth to remove your cleanser more effectively.
There’s no arguing: SPF is your first line of defence and should NEVER be skipped. But it’s not the only step to protecting your skin. Combining sun protection with hydration, antioxidants and barrier-supporting skincare is the real secret to youthful summer skin.
