The Ultimate Guide to Summer Skin Care

Looking for some summer skin care advice? Look no further! We’ve gathered the tips and tricks you need to know about to keep your skin looking flawless all season long.

With summer soon approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how best to care for your skin during the season of backyard BBQs and beach trips. We all know SPF is a crucial part of any summer skin care routine, but that’s not all there is to know. From the lightweight products you should add in to your routine (if you haven’t already) to safer ways to achieve sun-kissed skin, we’re sharing the ultimate guide to taking care of your skin this summer, ahead.

TIP #1: PROTECT AGAINST HARMFUL UV RAYS

First things first: apply broad-spectrum sunscreen! If you’re heading outdoors and know your skin will be exposed to UV rays (even for just a few minutes), it’s important to apply (and reapply) Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher and take other sun protection measures to help keep your skin protected against premature skin aging and even some cancers. Plus, not all sunscreens weigh down the skin and leave behind a greasy residue. Reach for one that’s water-resistant, formulated for your skin type, and offers Broad Spectrum protection. Luckily, there are plenty of sunscreens out there formulated for every skin type and available in a variety of textures and consistencies. We share a few of our favorites, here!

Editor’s note: Sunscreens are mandatory, of course, but there’s currently no sunscreen on the market that can fully protect the skin against UV harm. For the best line of protection for your skin, pair your daily sunscreen use with additional sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—when the ray’s are strongest.

TIP #2: ACHIEVE A FAUX TAN

Instead of basking out under the sun’s harmful UV rays to give your skin some color this summer, reach for a sunless tanning formula such as The Body Shop’s Honey Bronze Drops of Sun for the face or Lancome’s Flash Bronzer for the body. Not only are self-tanners a safer option for your skin, they’ll still allow you to achieve the bronzed glow you desire. Plus, the public will likely be none the wiser!

Editor’s note: A common misconception to steer clear of, especially in the summer months, is that a base tan—real or fake— will protect you from a sunburn. There is currently no research that supports this idea, so no matter how tan you look you must always apply Broad Spectrum SPF and reapply at least every two hours.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

Don’t be fooled by the idea that a good moisturizer is only necessary during the dry winter months. Moisturizer is necessary year-round, but is subject to change with the seasons. We recommend swapping out your heavy-duty moisturizer from winter for a lighter formula during the summer. Try Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant that has the ability to attract and hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water!

TIP #4: DON’T FORGET YOUR EYES AND LIPS

Swapping out your usual eye cream for one that’s formulated with SPF is a smart move. This can help keep the delicate skin around the eye contour protected from damaging UV rays. It’s also not a bad idea to invest in a pair of UV-safe sunglasses, as well as wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun out of your eyes. For the lips, grab a lip conditioner formulated with SPF like Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment with SPF 25 to help combat unwanted dryness while keeping the skin protected.

TIP #5: STAY HYDRATED

And by that we mean, stay hydrated inside and out! Be sure to drink the recommended amount of water per day. Not a fan of plain ol’ H20? Jazz up your drink with additional flavor by way of fresh fruits and herbs. We share spa-inspired fruit water recipes and up your H2O game this summer, here!

TIP #6: GET AN INSTANT GLOW

During the summer months, when we dare to bare our legs or want a dewy-looking complexion, we love using an oil for an added boost of radiance. Try Decléor Aromessence Circularome. Not only can the oil help hydrate the skin, it also adds a subtle shimmer to any exposed areas of skin on the body!