Summer is a time for beach days, pool parties, and extended getaways. We tend to spend more time outside—and the excessive heat and humidity can make our skin cry for help. Think, rashes, sunburns, and acne. That’s why it’s a no-brainer to level up your summer skin care routine and avoid any unwanted skin issues.
Below we’re sharing five beauty tips which will allow you to still have fun in the sun, while still maintaining glowing, healthy skin.
Summer on Your Skin
This time of year, the warmer temps and humidity cause your skin’s sebaceous glands to kick into high gear, producing excess sebum (aka natural oil). Sometimes the oil gets stuck on the skin’s surface, leading to stickiness, grease, and clogged pores. It’s no surprise that acne breakouts are most common during summer. And those with oily skin are more acne-prone because the oils in the skin mix with bacteria and sweat, leading to more breakouts.
Fun fact: tanning is your skin’s way of protecting you from harmful UV rays. Sunlight causes the skin to produce more melanin, which has photoprotective qualities. It then darkens and boom—you have a sun-kissed glow. However, too much sun exposure can have adverse effects. And if your skin is particularly sensitive to sunlight, you’re more likely to experience tight, itchy skin, sunburn, and rashes. All this makes skin care in summer a delicate dance.
5 Ways to Care for Your Skin this Summer
We know you have #skincaregoals and summer can sometimes get in the way, so we’re sharing five essential ways to protect and nourish your skin all season.
1. Include Antioxidants
One of the best summer tips for skin is adding a good antioxidant serum to your beauty cabinet. They work wonders to hydrate your skin. They also shield your skin from environmental damage, help boost collagen and banish free radicals to prevent skin damage.
A vitamin C-rich body cream is a great way to pamper your skin during the summer months. Keep skin even and clear with an effective blend of fruit AHAs that exfoliate rough skin while visibly brightening too.
2. Slather on Sunscreen
If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often. A good rule of thumb is to slather enough sunscreen on your body to fill a shot glass. You’ll want to find ones with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection.
Also, don’t wait until summer. Sunscreen should be a part of your body care routine daily, but especially if you’re in the sun, even during the winter months.
3. Keep Moisturizing
While summer air isn’t as dry as winter air, be careful—your skin can still dry out. You need the right moisturizer, one that’s not too heavy. Try finding a lighter one, ideally with an SPF 30+. It’s one of the best summer skin care tips because it keeps skin moisturized while also providing an extra layer of protection for your skin. Apply it in the morning and reapply it every two hours when spending time in the sun.
And don’t forget your lips! Using a nourishing lip butter , can keep them smooth and kissable all summer long. Simply swipe on and enjoy. (Kissing optional, but highly encouraged.)
4. Exfoliate Regularly
While sunscreen is crucial and sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling off, both can do a number on your pores. That’s where exfoliation comes in—it helps unclog the pores and reduce blemishes. Still, you don’t want to overdo it. Your body sloughs off dead skin cells naturally. With exfoliation, you just want to remove the debris that forms when sweat, SPF and oil collide.
During the summer, it’s safe to exfoliate once or twice per week. Try gentle exfoliants, like a deliciously scented body scrub. This spa-worthy treat gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin. Plus, it’s microbead-free and will deliver your most summer-ready skin.
PSA: you don’t want to exfoliate if you’re sunburnt—that will only further irritate your skin. Instead, let your skin heal on its own.
5. Cleanse Only When Needed
When it’s hot, you may feel tempted to wash your face or shower constantly. Resist the urge. Experts say over-washing can strip your skin's natural moisture. When you wash natural oils away too frequently, the top of your skin can become dehydrated. A better body skincare routine is to shower once per day and/or after a workout. Bonus: grab a moisturizing shower cream-gel so you add moisture as you cleanse. For silky-smooth skin, gently massage onto wet skin to transform into a rich, luscious froth Then, rinse away completely!
Hot Summer Skin
It’s natural for your skin to have different needs in summer than in winter. The sunnier, warmer air just hits different. Plus, going into the heat from an air-conditioned setting (and vice versa), excessive exposure to sunlight, swimming to stay cool and the humidity—all of it can adversely affect your skin.
But there’s good news. You can restore your skin’s natural balance and luster with a little extra care.
More time in the sun means being much more sunscreen conscious. Find a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or more) and reapply it every two hours. This will also protect your skin from premature aging—that’s a win-win. Switch to a lightweight moisturizer and exfoliate up to twice per week. Be careful not to over-wash and add an antioxidant body cream to your routine for the essentials.
Want a little extra glow? Try body oils with shimmer to highlight your best assets and achieve an enviable sun-kissed look.
This summer-friendly beauty routine is a recipe for happy and healthy skin all season.
