How to Build a Summer Skincare Ritual for Glowing, Balanced Skin

Hey Kiya Collective,

Let’s talk about summer skin. Because as much as we live for warm breezes and golden hours, the shift in weather can throw our skin out of balance. Dry patches suddenly turn into congestion. That rich winter cream? Suddenly too heavy. And if you’ve ever felt like your glow fades by 2PM, you’re not alone.

The solution? A summer skincare ritual that’s lighter, brighter, and more in tune with the season. Here’s how to build one that leaves you feeling fresh, hydrated, and radiant all summer long, no 10-step routines required.

☀️ Start With a Gentle Cleanse

Heat and humidity can increase sweat, oil, and congestion. Start your ritual with a gentle, balancing cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin.

If you’re prone to breakouts or excess oil, try cleansing once in the morning and again at night. If you’re drier or more sensitive, a nighttime cleanse may be all you need.

Pro tip: African Black Soap is ideal in the summer, it detoxifies without over-drying and helps with body acne too.

💧 Hydrate, Even in Humidity

Yes, your skin still needs hydration in summer. The heat can actually dehydrate your skin cells faster, especially if you’re in air-conditioned spaces.

Our go-to? The Tea Tree & Niacinamide Toner. It’s lightweight, calming, and preps your skin to absorb everything else you layer on.

Glow tip: Always apply toner or mist while your skin is slightly damp for max absorption.

✨ Nourish With Lightweight Serums

Instead of heavy creams, opt for a lightweight, non-greasy serum. Our Rejuvenating Facial Serum is perfect — infused with rosehip and grapeseed oils to boost glow, brighten tone, and soften fine lines without clogging pores.

Massage it in gently. Let your skin drink it up.

☔️ Seal It In (Without Overdoing It)

If your skin leans dry, you still need something to lock in hydration. But in summer, keep it light.

Swap rich butters for:

• A few drops of your favourite oil

• A light moisturiser

• Or follow your serum with SPF during the day

Note: We don’t recommend using Whipped Shea Butter on the face during hot months it’s best saved for nighttime rituals or dry body zones.

😺 Don’t Forget Your Body

Summer skincare is more than just your face.

• Exfoliate 2x/week with our Shea Body Scrub

• Shower with the African Body Net for a deeper cleanse

• Apply Sweet Nourishing Oil to damp skin post-shower

• Follow with Whipped Shea Butter on dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels

This layering technique locks in moisture while giving your skin that velvety-soft finish.

🤍 SPF, Always

Last but never least, protect your glow. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply if you're out in the sun. This helps prevent hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and keeps your skin tone even.

💭 Final Thoughts

Summer skin doesn’t need a shelf full of products, it just needs intention.

Hydrate deeply. Nourish gently. Protect always.

Your ritual is a way to reconnect with your skin, no matter how hot it gets. Let it be soft, sacred, and seasonal.