Summer skincare tips

Summer skincare just for you

How to take care of your skin in the summer

There’s a lot to love about summer, like rooftop bars, beach days, and glowing skin. However, radiant skin can be short-lived if you don’t protect yourself against sun damage. If dry skin was your concern in the winter, warmer weather can present other skin issues, such as excess oil production, breakouts, and melasma.

If you have a skincare routine for the winter, making a few changes can help transition it from winter to summer. Choosing skincare and makeup products that work best for the summer can give you healthy and beautiful skin. Keep reading for the best summer skincare tips.

Summer skincare essentials

1. SPF

It's essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you plan to be outside. NUDESTIX's NUDESCREEN mineral SPF is oil-free, yet hydrating, and perfect for the hot summer days. It has an SPF 50 rating and can protect you from both the sun and blue light.

If you prefer powder, opt for Jane Iredale's Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen, which is a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face and body that comes in four shades. Remember to reapply every 2 hours, as prolonged exposure to the sun can cause long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

2. Choose a gel moisturizer

Gel moisturizers work better in the summer months because they're lightweight and don't have a tacky feel. They often have a cooling effect on your skin. You can try Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer by Summer Fridays, which has ceramides to provide hydration in the heat. At night, you can also choose a lighter night cream for summer if you tend to get too hot and sweaty.

3. Don’t stop moisturizing

Many people think it's not necessary to use moisturizers in the summer, but that's not true. Extreme heat can dehydrate your skin and cause it to produce more oil. COOLA Organic Dew Good Illuminating Probiotic Serum with SPF 30 is hydrating and has SPF 45 for sun protection.

4. Add a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serums help reduce hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production in the skin. Tatcha's Violet-C Brightening Serum can reduce sunspots and brighten your skin. Biopelle C+AHA Renewal Serum is light, oil-free, and great for oily skin as well.

5. Exfoliate once a week

It's recommended that you exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week in the summer to remove the top layer of dead skin to keep your skin soft. Choose a gentle exfoliant cleanser like Youth To The People one with vitamin C, three types of AHAs, and BHA to brighten, increase cell turnover, as it will help stimulate new cell growth, and even out your skin tone.

6. Switch to noncomedogenic makeup

Comedogenic products can cause blackheads and acne by clogging your pores. Choosing a non-comedogenic makeup line, such as ILIA, can help keep your skin blemish-free. Try ILIA Multi-Stick, which can be used as an eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick and is available in eight shades. It's suitable for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin.

7. Tan safely

To achieve a healthy tan, you don't need to overexpose your skin to the sun, which can leave you susceptible to sunburn. You can safely tan by using Self Tanning Drops by Isle of Paradise. These drops come in three shades, are free of sulfates and parabens and come in recyclable packaging.

8. Wear waterproof makeup

Humid weather can cause you to sweat more, making it challenging to keep your makeup on. If you plan on being out for extended periods, it's best to invest in waterproof makeup that can withstand the day. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara is sweat- and smudge-proof, and can last up to 24 hours without requiring touch-ups. Similarly, Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder provides a natural, matte finish that reduces the appearance of pores and texture.

Summer skincare FAQ

Is sun damage more intense in the summer than in the winter?

A. Yes. The sun's rays are strongest in the summer, so exposure to the sun without protection can damage your skin. You're less likely to get sun damage in the winter because the sun's rays are weaker, as they hit the earth at an angle. However, it's still important to wear SPF year-round.

Should I reapply SPF after sweating or swimming?

A. Yes, you should reapply SPF after sweating or swimming because sunscreen sweats off and is washed away by water. It's recommended you rinse your skin after sweating and swimming and reapply SPF.

What are the most common summer skin issues?

A. The most common summer skin issues are acne, melasma, heat rash, and sunburn.

Why do I get more acne in the summer?

A. During the summertime, people tend to sweat more and produce more sebum, which clogs their pores and results in acne.

*This article was originally published on Best Reviews in 2021. Some products have been updated and/or replaced from the original list.