It’s here and we’re having fun! Summer brings longer days, more sunshine, and a host of activities that beckon us outdoors. And though the warmer weather is welcome, the increased exposure to sun, heat, sweat, and potential dehydration can take a toll on your skin that you’ll feel and regret.
To help you maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all summer long, I’ve compiled 10 essential hot-weather skincare rules that you’ll be glad you followed. If you want to show up to the BBQ, picnic, hike, or summer soiree with a bright complexion and a healthy glow, read on for activities to include every day in your hot-weather skincare routine.
Then, to ensure a dewy and healthy complexion into next month and into fall, scroll down to learn the five mistakes to avoid that can dry out skin, clog pores, and cause skin irritations or sun damage that can wreak havoc on any anticipated starry-sky date night or backyard chillout session.
Summertime Skincare Essentials
Treat Your Skin to Healthy Helpers
Add these 5 practices during the year’s hottest months to ensure pampered, polished skin.
1. Apply Sunscreen Regularly
One of the most crucial steps in summer skincare is the consistent application of sunscreen. Before you leave the house, whether you’re headed out to run errands, hit the court for a round of tennis, or merge into morning traffic on your way to the office, be sure to first cover your face and any exposed skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to shield from damage.
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin in a.m. During the day, remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out is vital. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, more if you’re very active or spending a lot of time in the sun.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain your skin’s moisture balance and help flush out toxins.
3. Use Lightweight Moisturizers
Swap out heavy, winter creams for lighter, gel-based options that won’t clog your pores. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps your healthy smiling summertime face retain moisture without feeling greasy.
4. Exfoliate Gently
One of the most crucial steps in summer skincare is the consistent application of sunscreen. Before you leave the house, whether you’re headed out to run errands, hit the court for a round of tennis, or merge into morning traffic on your way to the office, be sure to first cover your face and any exposed skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to shield from damage.
5. Wear Protective Clothing
After sunscreen, you’ll want to wear protective clothing as physical barriers to provide additional protection against harmful UV rays. Long-sleeves, UV sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats are the three key summer wardrobe essentials I recommend.
In addition to providing protection from the sun, long sleeves can help to keep you cooler. When it’s hot, we sweat as a natural cooling mechanism. When you wear comfortable loose-fitting (UPF 50+) long sleeves in a wicking fabric, the shirt transfers sweat away from your skin and creates a small air flow between skin and fabric to keep it cool while protecting against sunburn and UV damage.
This summer, wherever you go, bring along sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts.
Definite “Don’ts”
Five Skincare Mistakes You Must Avoid at All Costs
Avoid certain practices during the season’s heat to treat your skin to a summer of love.
1. Skip Your Skincare Routine? Never!
Consistency is key in skincare. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin every day will help it stay healthy and resilient. Stay true to your schedule – caring for your skin every a.m. and p.m.
- During the lax days of summer: You may be tempted to skip your morning routine because you’ve got plans to run off to take a cool dip in a stream, meet a girlfriend for coffee, or get a head start on work so you can spend the afternoon outdoors. Each time you forget to nurture your body with what it needs every morning, your skin health will suffer. Don’t skip skincare.
- On summer evenings: It’s easy to forego skincare when you’re tired from a long day in the sun. Or if you’re on vacay, you may just want to chill out and cool off after golfing, biking or hiking all day in warm air. First, just take 5 minutes. Get thee a sink! With fresh water, clear away a day’s worth of sweat, cosmetics, and sun exposure before settling into your relaxing evening.
2. Apply Heavy Makeup? Just Say No.
Heavy makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially in the heat. So, be smart. Opt instead for lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup products that allow your skin to breathe. Excellent choices for summer include BB creams or tinted moisturizers with SPF.
3. Never Overlook After-Sun Care
Even if you diligently follow the #1 rule of summer skin care and apply sunscreen regularly, you can still sometimes get burned. If you do end up with a sunburn, take steps to soothe and repair your skin, immediately. It’s important.
Apply aloe vera gel or a cooling, hydrating lotion to affected areas; store it in the fridge for added comfort. Be sure to avoid hot showers or baths, which can further irritate sunburned skin.
4. Limit Your Hot Showers During Summer Months
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. So, during the summer months, opt for lukewarm showers. Use a gentle, hydrating body wash every time you shower to keep your skin soft and moisturized.
5. Forget Your Lips and Eyes? Never!
Protection is the name of the game in summer skin care. Lips and eyes are often overlooked, but they can be particularly vulnerable to sun damage. What can you do?
Use a lip balm with SPF under any lipstick or gloss you wear and always accessorize with UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes and the delicate skin around them from harmful rays.
Befriend your skin this summer – follow these essential skincare dos and don’ts to enjoy all the fun and sun that summer has to offer, while keeping your skin healthy and protected.
A pioneer in skin rejuvenation, Dr. Barr offers personalized treatments, regenerative injection therapies, neuromodulators, dermal fillers + medical facials. She sees health and vitality as the foundation of beauty and empowers patients to achieve longevity through extremely personalized treatments.
