The Hot Weather Skincare Guide
The skincare products you use in winter aren’t always the best ones to use in summer. That’s because different seasonal conditions can affect skin in different ways, and you need to adjust your skincare regimen as the weather fluctuates.
In winter, for example, your cold-weather skincare regimen likely involves a dense layer of moisturizer, to seal off the skin from the parchingly dry air. A heavy layer of that same product in the summer might suffocate the pores, though, leading to excess sweat and potential pore blockage (and thus, acne). Instead you want something light and breathable to trap moisture inside the skin, while also defending against the sun’s UV rays.
With all of that in mind, you still might seek solace in a cold, air-conditioned room as you sleep. That changes the rules yet again, because then you’re back to needing a dense layer atop the skin, so that your pores don’t get as dried out as the air in the room.
Before we confuse you any further with this hot-and-cold loop, let’s lay out the most imperative skincare rules for summer, so that your regimen properly navigates the humidity, heat, and UV rays, and more.
1. Daily sun protection is imperative
We’re the ones telling you to wear sun protection year round—so you already know how we feel about sun defense in summer: Wear SPF every day. You can deflect 97% of the sun’s UV rays with a simple SPF 30 layer (the minimal recommended SPF value from the FDA). That prevents “photo-aging”, or visual signs of aging, like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity and suppleness. Even if you skirt around this on your workdays (when you might only be outside for 10 minutes, a few times a day), you can magnify that UV exposure times the amount of days in a month and see how quickly the time adds up. You might also underestimate these benefits until you see your peers some 10 or 20 years down the road; it’ll be pretty obvious who has been proactive about sun protection, and who hasn’t been.
The best news is that many face moisturizers come equipped with SPF 30+ already, so you can get your facial hydration defense and sun defense in the same fell swoop. Cardon’s SPF 30 moisturizer is one such example.
Shop the product
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
$22.00
2. Lightweight, soothing moisture is a must
To prevent sweating and breakouts, make sure your daily moisturizing methods are also lightweight—but no less hardworking. One of the key things to watch for is an oil-free moisturizer recipe.
Ideally, this moisturizer will also have soothing ingredients, like cactus extract, to calm and cradle the skin. Even after brief bouts with the sun, the skin experiences physical distress and can benefit from a cooling come-down. Our daily SPF 30 moisturizer uses cactus extract alongside sun protection in its oil-free recipe.
3. Get a gentle, deep-cleansing face wash
When you sweat more, you need to up the ante on your facial cleanser. That doesn’t mean the cleanser needs to be skin-stripping, though. Rather, it needs to be gentle on your sunkist skin while essentially flushing out the pores of any backlogged sebum, sweat, and grime. Everything points to clay asd the hero ingredient, here, for its ability to deep clean pores without drying skin. In fact, it’s as nourishing as it is cleansing. Few ingredients can claim that—which is why few products are deserving of being your summertime cleanser (and in Cardon’s case, the Purifying Clay Cleanser transitions seamlessly between seasons).
4. Adjust your nighttime skin regimen accordingly
You need to configure your bedtime skincare, depending on the environment in which you sleep—be it a swelter with the windows open, or a cool, air-conditioned room. If it’s the former, then you’ll want to stick with a lightweight layer of moisture (skipping the SPF at night is of course OK). However, if you’re sleeping in a cool, dry room, then wear a denser layer of moisture defense, and consider raising the temperature just a few degrees, to avoid drying out the skin (and hair, for that matter). Sure, it feels great to fall asleep in a cool, dry room, but this also means you’ll wake up with parched skin, hair, and even mouth moisture. Do what you can to find balance, because obviously it’s just as undesirable to fall asleep in a hot and humid space.
If you regularly use retinol products at night, then be doubly sure to wear SPF during the daytime, since retinol increases sensitivities to the sun. It might even be worth skipping retinol the night before and after intense sun exposure.
5. Have pimple patches ready—just in case
While the lightweight, oil-free moisturizer will go a long way to prevent pimples, chances are there will be one or two days where you sweat excessively, and just can’t wash your face right away. Suddenly, you’ve got a dreaded pimple, despite your best efforts. No stress, though: Gently cleanse the area (don’t pop it or press it!), and apply a salicylic acid-packed acne patch (like Cardon’s), to help dissolve and calm the area. They’re discreet by day, given their transparency, and can also be an overnight miracle when applied after your evening face wash. Always apply moisturizer after the patch, since you need the patch to stick onto freshly washed, dried skin.
6. Use toning wipes for a fast refresh
If you don’t have time for a face wash (or if you lack a towel), then you can get a thorough, fast reset with a toning face wipe. Toner balances the skin’s pH levels, meaning it calms and centers it on a chemical level, and when combined with a face wipe, it also doubles as a quick, hydrating cleanser. It can even balance oil production in the skin, which is a perennial benefit for oily skinned individuals, and a seasonal, hot-weather benefit for everyone else. Cardon’s toning wipes take it a step further by gently exfoliating the surface of the skin, so you’re as smoothed as your skin is soothed.
Shop the collection
Breakouts
Oily Skin Set
good for:
Oily and acne-prone skin, you’ve met your match. Our Oily Skin Set was built with your unique skin types in mind, with a protocol focused on balancing oil levels and keeping pores clear in just a few simple steps.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $74 $51.80 with code FIRSTSET
Oily Skin Set
good for:
Oily and acne-prone skin, you’ve met your match. Our Oily Skin Set was built with your unique skin types in mind, with a protocol focused on balancing oil levels and keeping pores clear in just a few simple steps.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $74 $51.80 with code FIRSTSET
Beginners
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $71 $49.70 with code FIRSTSET
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $71 $49.70 with code FIRSTSET
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Click "Notify Me" below to be the first to know when it's back!
Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
Due to demand, this product is temporarily out of stock. Click "Notify Me" below to be the first to know when it's back!
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
GIFT
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
“I really enjoyed this face mask from Cardon. The beard oil applies easily and the half mask for your cheeks, nose, and forehead fits well and stays in place. My skin looks and feels great after removing the mask. Well done, Cardon!” - Tyler S.
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
“I really enjoyed this face mask from Cardon. The beard oil applies easily and the half mask for your cheeks, nose, and forehead fits well and stays in place. My skin looks and feels great after removing the mask. Well done, Cardon!” - Tyler S.
NEW
NEW
+ Hair
+ Body
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $99 $69.30 with code FIRSTSET
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $99 $69.30 with code FIRSTSET
NEW
NEW
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $53 $37.10 with code FIRSTSET
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Get 30% OFF your first set subscription $53 $37.10 with code FIRSTSET
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.