Summer Skin Care: 9 Things That Really Work—Including for Toddlers

There’s that moment in the summer when you come home in the evening and your skin feels different than it did in the morning. Salty. A little rough. As if the day had taken its toll.

That’s exactly what happens: more sun, more sweating, more frequent showers, plus chlorinated water or salt from the ocean. That’s why summer skincare doesn’t have to be more complicated. It just needs to be suited to these conditions.

We've summarized what has worked well for us over the years in these nine simple tips—without much effort and without an endless array of products.

1. Sunscreen comes first. Always.

Everything else is just a bonus. What’s important is using sunscreen with a high SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, applying a sufficient amount, and reapplying it regularly—especially after swimming, sweating, or drying off. In addition, seek shade during the intense midday sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and wear a hat that truly protects your face, ears, and neck.

And since this question comes up time and again: No, oil is not sunscreen. Our Monoï de Tahiti also does not contain any SPF. It’s best used later in the day—ideally in the evening—and only on healthy skin that isn’t red or sunburned.

2. Shower twice? Then please use a mild soap.

In the summer, many people simply shower more often. The problem isn't so much the showering itself as it is washing too vigorously. This can dry out the skin even more, until it eventually starts to feel tight.

Our Shower Gel Skin & Hair (200 ml) combines shower gel, shampoo, and bath additive in one product. The plant-based formula cleanses the skin and hair with a gentle lather.

To be honest, the travel aspect is almost just as important: one bottle for your body and hair, instead of packing several products in your luggage.

3. Lukewarm is better—and feels more comfortable in the summer anyway.

Very hot water can further dry out the skin. Lukewarm water is perfectly sufficient for cleansing; it refreshes on hot days and is gentler on the skin barrier.

Duration also matters: it’s better to take a short shower at a comfortable, slightly cool temperature than a long one at a very hot temperature.

4. The trick is timing, not quantity.

Apply lotion while your skin is still slightly damp—right after you dry off, not twenty minutes later. The lotion will spread more easily then, and you’ll usually need less of it.

Our Body lotion (200 ml) absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling nourished and non-greasy. This is important in the summer when you’re going to wear a linen dress, a T-shirt, or shorts over it.

5. In the summer, surprisingly little is often enough for the face.

In the morning, a small amount of our Anakena face cream—about the size of a pea—is usually enough. Let it absorb briefly, and then apply your sunscreen. In the evening, you can adjust the amount based on how your skin feels at the moment—more isn’t necessarily better.

Our Face cream (50 ml) contains, among other ingredients, turmeric, organic guava extract, organic algae extract, and coenzyme Q10. Its light, silky texture absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a heavy feeling on the skin, even in warm weather.

6. Rinse thoroughly once after swimming in the ocean or pool.

Saltwater and chlorinated water can leave your skin feeling dry or tight. That's why you should rinse off briefly with fresh water after bathing and then apply a light moisturizer.

That summer feeling lingers. The sandpaper-like sensation doesn't.

7. An oil that smells like an island in the evening.

After days of wind, water, and sun, your skincare routine can be a little richer. That's when our Monoï de Tahiti (100 ml) Next up: Fresh tiare flowers are macerated in coconut oil over several days. The oil is produced in Tahiti, bears the protected designation of origin „Appellation d’Origine,“ and each bottle contains a real tiare flower.

Warm a few drops between your palms and apply a thin layer to skin that is still slightly damp—for example, on your shoulders, arms, and shins.

If the Monoï has solidified in the bottle, place the bottle briefly in warm water. This is not a product defect, but a natural property of coconut oil, which solidifies at around 24°C.

For use on hair, there is a separate post about the Summer Hair Care with Monoï.

8. And yes: Our shower gel and Monoï have also been approved for use by even the youngest children.

According to the study conducted by our safety assessor, our Skin & Hair Shower Gel and our Monoï de Tahiti are also suitable for toddlers aged 0 to 3 years.

On a family vacation, this means: a shower gel for the body and hair, and an oil that can be used for a gentle massage for the whole family after bathing. In Polynesia, monoï is also traditionally used for the care of babies and young children.

There are still four things that are important:

– Start with a very small amount and use more only if necessary.

– Do not get in the eyes or mouth, and do not apply to sore, irritated, or sunburned skin.

– Test a new product on a small area of skin first. If you have very sensitive skin or existing skin problems, consult your pediatrician beforehand.

– Oil is never a substitute for sunscreen. Babies under one year of age should always stay in the shade. Toddlers should also avoid the intense midday sun as much as possible.

You can find the complete ingredient lists for our products at any time in our List of All Ingredients.

9. The most unspectacular tip is often the one that pays off the most.

Drinking. Shade. Breaks.

In the end, your skin also reveals how you got through a hot day: whether you spent too much time in the midday sun, didn’t drink enough, or didn’t give your body a break. No skincare product can reverse excessive UV exposure or a sunburn.

And it doesn't have to. Good summer skincare should support the skin—not promise to make up for everything else.

If you want to keep it simple, our Shower Gel and Body Lotion Set Cleansing and moisturizing in two steps. On some summer days, that’s the entire routine.