As the days grow longer and the sun gets warmer, it’s time to shed those heavy winter jackets and cozy sweaters – and don’t forget to adjust your skincare routine along with your wardrobe! Summer brings with it a unique set of challenges for our skin. From scorching rays to increased sweating, the warmer months require a lighter touch to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
In this post, we’ll explore the key changes you should make to your skincare routine for summer, along with product recommendations and helpful tips to keep your skin looking its best all season long.
Hydration is King (and Queen)
- Drink Up: First and foremost, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for eight glasses per day, or more if you’re sweating heavily during exercise or spending extended periods outdoors.
- Drink Up: First and foremost, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for eight glasses per day, or more if you’re sweating heavily during exercise or spending extended periods outdoors.
- Lighter Moisturizer: Swap your rich winter cream for a lighter, oil-free moisturizer formulated for summer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which will draw moisture into your skin without clogging pores.
- Lighter Moisturizer: Swap your rich winter cream for a lighter, oil-free moisturizer formulated for summer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which will draw moisture into your skin without clogging pores.
- Hydrating Serums: Consider incorporating a hydrating serum into your routine. Serums are lightweight formulas packed with concentrated ingredients that deliver a deeper dose of hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums are a great option, as they hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water.
- Hydrating Serums: Consider incorporating a hydrating serum into your routine. Serums are lightweight formulas packed with concentrated ingredients that deliver a deeper dose of hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums are a great option, as they hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water.
Sunscreen: Your Summer Essential
Sun protection is crucial year-round, but it becomes especially important during the summer months when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Here’s what you need to know about sun protection in summer:
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher: Every day, regardless of the weather, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Broad-spectrum protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
- Water Resistance: Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you’ll be sweating or swimming. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher: Every day, regardless of the weather, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Broad-spectrum protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
- Water Resistance: Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you’ll be sweating or swimming. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Embrace the Minimalist Approach
During the summer months, your skin might appreciate a break from heavy makeup products. Consider opting for a more minimalist approach to makeup by:
- Tinted Moisturizer: Skip the foundation and use a tinted moisturizer for a touch of coverage and a healthy glow.
- Waterproof Formulas: For days at the beach or pool, use waterproof mascara and eyeliner to prevent smudging.
- Let Your Skin Breathe: When you’re not sweating it out, give your skin a break from makeup whenever possible. This allows your pores to breathe and helps prevent irritation.
- Tinted Moisturizer: Skip the foundation and use a tinted moisturizer for a touch of coverage and a healthy glow.
- Waterproof Formulas: For days at the beach or pool, use waterproof mascara and eyeliner to prevent smudging.
- Let Your Skin Breathe: When you’re not sweating it out, give your skin a break from makeup whenever possible. This allows your pores to breathe and helps prevent irritation.
Summer Skincare: Bonus Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep your skin looking its best all summer long:
- Sunglasses are a Must: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Diet Matters: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will nourish your skin from the inside out.
- After-Sun Care: After spending time outdoors, soothe your skin with a gentle after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel.
- Shower Smarts: Avoid hot showers, which can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and limit shower time to 10 minutes.
By making these adjustments to your skincare routine and incorporating sun protection habits, you can ensure your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and radiant all summer long. Remember, consistency is key! Sticking to your new routine will help your skin adapt to the warmer weather and keep you looking your best throughout the season.
Image credit: Photo by Ruizhe du; Photo by Maddi Bazzocco; Photo by kevin laminto; Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis; Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash