5 Skin Care Tips You Need for This Summer

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The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and all you want to do is kick back by the pool or relax in the sand.

But If you’re not careful, these hot summer days can wreak havoc on your skin.

To keep your skin looking its best, you should be following a regular skincare routine that nourishes and protects your face. But even your everyday routine might not be enough to defend your skin against the summertime heat.

It’s past time to change up your skin care regimen to keep up with the changing seasons! If you’re looking for healthy ways to protect your skin and maintain its natural glow, you’ll need these summer skin care tips.

1. Wear Sunscreen

You’ve heard this tip before. And if you’re like most people, you do remember to wear sunscreen when it counts most, like poolside days or beach adventures.

But you might not be doing as much as you should.

This tip is first on the list because it bears saying again and again: protecting your skin from the sun is the single most important thing you can do to keep it healthy.

Regardless of your skin type or the weather outside, you should be working to protect your skin from harsh UV radiation, which can cause long-term damage, create signs of premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer later in life.

Remember that when it comes to skin protection, a good sunscreen is crucial. Slather or spray it on daily, regardless of how cloudy it looks outside!

To pick the right sunscreen, choose a brand with broad-spectrum protection that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and make sure it’s a water-resistant formula if you plan to sweat or spend time in the water. Don’t forget to apply it correctly all over your body at least 30 minutes before your sun exposure.

And while everyone loves a glowing summer tan, exposing your skin to the sun for the sake of a little bronzing might not be the best idea. Instead, consider self-tanners over sunbathing or tanning beds, as these products are much safer options for getting bronze skin without the lasting damage.

2. Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Yes, you’ve got the sunscreen part down—but in the summer heat, you need to take further steps! No sunscreen can protect you from 100% of the sun’s rays, and your sunscreen wears down over time (which is why experts recommend frequent reapplication).

Whenever possible, limit your time in the sun, especially during the peak hours of sunlight—around 10 AM to 2 PM. During these times, you should stick to the shade when you can.

In addition, you’ll want to protect your skin by covering up with long sleeves in addition to your sunscreen. Don’t forget to protect commonly neglected areas: use an SPF lip balm on your lips, cover your scalp with a hat, protect your eyelids with sunglasses, and wear shoes that protect the tops of your feet.

3. Treat Sun Damage If It Happens

Despite your best efforts, the summer sun may get the better of you.

If you find yourself suffering from a painful sunburn, don’t just endure and wait for it to fade. Treating your sunburn can help prevent skin damage while helping your cells repair themselves quickly.

Get out of the sun and use aloe vera, which is great for soothing mild to moderate sunburns. Soak in a cold bath (not a shower, as the pounding water can exacerbate damage) with ground oatmeal or baking soda for an easy natural remedy. Follow up this treatment with lotion, which can help your skin heal itself more quickly.

If your symptoms are especially painful, or if you have a severe sunburn that causes nausea or fever, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to get more specific steps to heal yourself and your damaged skin.

4. Moisturize Your Skin

You may already know that moisturizing is key during the dry winter months when the cold weather can sap the hydration from your skin. However, moisturizer is no less important during summertime, so make it part of your daily regimen!

After you’ve cleaned your face once a day with a purifying cleanser, you should apply a hypoallergenic facial moisturizer and use lotion on the rest of your body. Try to find products with soothing aloe vera and vitamin E to hydrate and nourish your skin.

If you want to combine your hydration with protection, you can also opt for moisturizers and lotions that have an appropriate SPF level. Adding products like these to your morning skincare routine can kill two birds with one stone, making your sunscreen application an automatic part of your day!

5. Opt for Non-Comedogenic Skin Care Products

Products that are non-comedogenic are designed not to clog your pores, which can be more of a problem during the summertime when you’re already prone to sweating.

Using non-comedogenic products is an easy way to ensure clear skin, though it may involve avoiding a few products currently on your shelves. Instead, you might want to reach for a powder sunscreen, a lighter foundation, or oil-free cleanser.

Non-comedogenic mineral makeups can be a great option as well, as these products can actually enhance your sun protection strategy. Mineral makeup is formulated with inorganic materials that naturally reflect UV radiation as an extra shield against sun damage.

Commit to These Skin Care Tips

To defend your skin’s natural healthy glow from the damaging effects of your summertime fun, it’s important to keep these skin care tips in mind. Make skin protection a habit that you weave into your morning and night skin care regimen to keep your skin looking its best all season long.

For more tips on keeping your skin (and the rest of you!) healthy for years to come, check out our other posts.