Excess sebum, summer skin imperfections, and skin protection: the summer trio to fully understand
Every year, it's the same paradox. We associate summer with golden, healthy, and radiant skin… and yet, as soon as the first heatwaves arrive, many of us see shine, enlarged pores, and small breakouts reappear. This is not inevitable, nor is it a sign that your skin is "problematic." It is simply a physiological reaction to the season. Understanding what is really happening beneath the surface is the first step toward addressing it correctly, without being harsh to your skin. Follow the guide.
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Table of contents
the skin from within In summary Summer routine ☀️
Why does skin produce more sebum in summer?
Sebum is not our enemy; this oily film, secreted by the sebaceous glands, protects the skin and contributes to the hydrolipidic film that keeps it supple and resistant. The problem arises when it is produced in excess. However, in summer, several factors combine to ramp up this production.
Heat, first of all. Sebaceous glands are sensitive to temperature; the more the skin heats up, the more active they become. Dermatologists estimate that sebum production increases by about 10% for every additional degree of skin temperature. A simple heatwave is therefore enough to make the skin oilier and shinier.
Perspiration, then. Under the effect of heat and humidity, the skin sweats more. This sweat mixes with sebum, dead cells, and impurities (pollution, cream residue, dust), forming a mixture that tends to clog pores. As a result, comedones (blackheads and microcysts) and small breakouts appear, especially in the T-zone.
The sun, a false friend. Many notice that their skin seems to "clear up" during the first exposures. The sun has an immediate drying effect that temporarily mattifies the complexion. But it's an illusion. To defend itself, the skin thickens its horny layer (hyperkeratosis), pores become more clogged, and, a few weeks later, a rebound effect often occurs with a breakout of blemishes. This is the well-known mechanism of "summer acne."
The trap of over-cleansing. Faced with shine, the reflex is often to multiply drying products to "dry out" the skin. This is counterproductive; skin that is attacked and dehydrated will defend itself by producing... even more sebum. Contrary to popular belief, well-hydrated skin regulates its sebum production better. The key is therefore not to strip the skin, but to rebalance it.
The right summer routine: purifying without being harsh
The goal of a summer routine for combination to oily or blemish-prone skin can be summarized in one sentence: deeply cleanse, regulate sebum, and protect, all while respecting the skin's balance. Here is how to structure it with La Canopée skincare.
Double cleansing at night: the step that makes all the difference
Inspired by Japanese layering, double cleansing is practiced at night to rid the skin of everything it has accumulated, such as sebum, sweat, sunscreen, pollution, and makeup. It is done in two steps.
We start with an oil-based makeup removal using the gentle flower cleansing oil. This may seem counterintuitive when you have oily skin, but it is one of the biggest myths in cosmetics; oil does not make the skin oily, it dissolves excess sebum and greasy residues (including sunscreens) without damaging the hydrolipidic film.
Rich in Gascon plum kernel oil and macerated chamomile flowers, this fluid oil removes even sun protection very gently, while soothing the skin. Apply it to dry skin and hands, massage with fingertips, then rinse with lukewarm water.
We continue with a water-based cleanser, the black cleansing jelly with purifying active ingredients, our best-seller in this category.
Formulated with Binchotan charcoal, an outstanding detoxifier, combined with essential oils of lemon, fine lavender, and tea tree with purifying and antibacterial properties, it cleanses pores of the last remaining impurities. Thanks to its pH-balanced formula and low foaming agent content, it remains extremely gentle; it purifies without stripping. In three weeks, 92.2% of testers felt their skin was purified.
And don't forget the golden rule: all cleansers must be rinsed, without exception. A foaming product left on the skin prevents it from oxygenating and renewing itself properly.
The perfection lotion, morning and evening, to rebalance
After cleansing, the perfection lotion with purifying active ingredients purifies and rebalances the skin before subsequent skincare.
Pink clay absorbs excess sebum, tightens pores, and mattifies; orange blossom floral water soothes; clary sage helps rebalance skin prone to hormonal fluctuations, often the cause of blemishes; and tea tree targets the bacteria responsible for breakouts. Its light texture makes it an ideal step in hot weather, especially welcome on the T-zone.
The fruit acid exfoliating mask, once or twice a week: refine and unclog
This is the key summer treatment against blemishes. The fruit acid exfoliating mask removes dead cells which, along with sebum and sweat, clog pores and dull the complexion. Its synergy of fruit acids (AHAs from blueberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple) promotes cell renewal, while plant-based salicylic acid purifies and helps unclog pores.
The hibiscus infusion provides antioxidants and vegetable glycerin preserves hydration, so the mask does not dry out on the skin. A perfect ally for refining the skin and reviving radiance after a hot day.
Sun protection: the most important summer skincare step
This is the one point you must never compromise on. The sun is the primary cause of skin aging; UVAs, which make up the majority, penetrate deeply and lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness. UVBs cause sunburns, and both (UVA and UVB) contribute to the development of skin cancers. Skin that doesn't burn is not necessarily protected skin; the damage is largely invisible and cumulative..
For combination to oily skin, the right move is not to skip the sun protection step for fear of "greasing," but to choose a suitable texture. The SPF30 or SPF50+ milky sun fluid from La Canopée is based on a 100% mineral filter (new generation zinc oxide) that reflects UV rays instead of absorbing them. It offers high tolerance, an invisible fluid texture without noticeable white streaks, and antioxidant plant active ingredients (karanja, lotus, licorice) to strengthen the skin's defenses.
Zinc oxide is also gentle and soothing; it absorbs excess sebum, calms inflammation, and mattifies the skin, making it an excellent active ingredient for blemish-prone skin. Apply it generously in the morning, as the final step, and reapply every two hours in case of exposure and after every swim. SPF30 is suitable for moderate exposure or daily use, while SPF50+ is for fair, sensitive skin or intense exposure.
Our naturopathic advice to support
the skin from within
Skin can also be treated through your diet and daily habits. These simple actions complement your routine.
• Hydrate properly. With the heat, water loss increases. Drinking enough helps the skin stay balanced and better regulate its sebum.
• Bet on good fats. Omega-3s, with their anti-inflammatory properties, are found in flax and chia seeds, nuts, or rapeseed oil. They support the comfort of skin prone to inflammation.
• Think about zinc. This trace element, known for its role in sebum regulation and soothing inflammation, is present in pumpkin seeds, legumes (lentils, chickpeas), and whole grains.
• Stock up on antioxidants. Colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables, and green tea help fight against oxidative stress, amplified by the sun, which is responsible for premature aging.
• Ease off on refined sugars. Some studies suggest that a high-glycemic index diet (sweets, sodas, refined flour) can promote acne breakouts. Prioritizing complex carbs and whole foods is a gentle and beneficial path.
• And regarding habits. Avoid touching and picking at pimples (it worsens inflammation and spreads bacteria), cleanse your skin after a sports session or heavy sweating, change your pillowcase regularly, and resist the temptation to over-cleanse. Gentleness, as always, remains the best strategy.
In summary
Excess sebum and summer blemishes are not inevitable; they are logical skin responses to heat, sweat, and the sun. By adopting a routine that purifies without aggression—using double cleansing in the evening, the rebalancing perfection lotion, the fruit acid mask for gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, and above all, protecting your skin daily—you can make it through the summer with a clear, fresh, and radiant complexion. All this with respect for the skin and nature; our skincare products are 100% natural, made in Grasse, and 100% vegan. Because taking care of your skin also means taking care of living things.
Summer routine ☀️
Juliette Munoz,
Co-founder, in charge of communication at La Canopée.
✔️ Master's degree in design and environments.
✔️ Certified in aromatherapy.
✔️ Trained in facialist massage and face yoga.
Passionate about skin biology, botany, and holistic beauty, Juliette founded La Canopée in 2017 alongside her sister Cécile, an expert in green chemistry. Driven by a commitment to her customers, Juliette tirelessly pursues excellence in all aspects of La Canopée, aiming to provide the best possible experience with the brand.
