Looking For Light Exfoliation This Summer With Few Sun-Based Side Effects? We’ve Got Top K-Beauty Picks

Tackling skin concerns in the summer is easy-breezy.

Exfoliating is a must in any skincare routine- oily, sensitive, normal, combo, you name it.

Skin benefits from regular exfoliation that encourages healthy layers of skin to come forth and shine through. But sometimes, it can be counter-intuitive to exfoliate in the summer, given the increased time spent in the sun and the strength of UV rays in general.

Strong percentages of skin care acids, like AHAs and BHAs, when applied during the summer can lead to sensitization, dryness, damage, and peeling. That’s why we’re so focused on finding gentle exfoliating products for summer that promote a gentle turnover of cells for a healthy barrier without sensitization.

Ahead, we suggest some easy-to-incorporate gentle exfoliating products for summer that will allow you to exfoliate with minimal sun sensitivity. That said, we always encourage the use of sunscreen, no matter what!

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

This toner has been a personal holy grail for over a year now and I buy the toner in bulk when possible. It does a fantastic job of sweeping up excess dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and other debris, while ingredients like licorice extract work to brighten your overall complexion and reduce acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Simultaneously, green tea will go to work calming irritated or inflamed skin to reduce the overall look of dark spots, too! With a pH of 5.5, this toner will balance your skin perfectly while being the perfect gentle exfoliating summer step you can do both morning and night.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Pore Clarifying

There’s a reason the Banila Clean It Zero cleansing balm line has a cult following. This particular product, the Pore Clarifying Balm, contains a Tri-Acid blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, for the ultimate trifecta of chemical exfoliants to do their work on your skin. These acids work to remove dead skin cells, lessen excess sebum, and in turn, prevent acne and breakouts overall, from the very first step in your routine. With the addition of vitamin C and E, this balm also adds in protective antioxidants, and since it’s a wash off, it’s safe to use on a daily basis!

Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

When it comes to double-cleansing, I tend to be way more particular with my oil cleanse and simply treat my gel cleanse as a way to remove excess debris. That was until I met this Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel (and no, a pun was not intended). By now you’ve probably noticed a repeat in ingredients, and that’s because certain extracts really do the job of a chemical exfoliant with a fraction of the risk of irritation. This cleansing gel contains the fermented rice water as the primary ingredient, and contains the infamous licorice root and green tea, as well as some PHAs! To say this cleanser is jam-packed with goodness is an understatement, and it’s why I cherish my gel cleansing step now.

Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Clay Mask to Foam Cleanser

Rice extract makes a fantastic gently exfoliating ingredient that helps lighten dark spots over time without intense sun sensitization. Paired with bentonite and kaolin clays, this mask-to-cleanser formula is perfect for lifting oil and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Oat extracts work to soothe and soften the skin from any signs of irritation and an antioxidant-rich fig extract adds nourishment and necessary warriors against pollutants to the skin.

Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea

In a pinch, these pads make a great alternative and hit multiple steps in your routine. Tea tree extract works to lightly exfoliate and promote antibacterial properties to the skin while green tea works to reduce dark spots and aloe extract works to calm inflammation. Follow up with a barrier supporting moisturizer, and this is a great hack for skin care on the go.

Of course, sun screen is incredibly important, but it’s even more so when exfoliating the skin and exposing new cells to the sunlight. Be sure to follow up all of the above with a barrier enhancing moisturizer, like the Olivarrier Comfort Barrier Cream, and a solid SPF, like Neogen’s Day-Light Airy Sunscreen.

Do you prefer physical of chemical exfoliation? Let us know below!