Summer skin care tips

Taking care of your skin is important all year-round, so don’t let summer take its toll on your gorgeous skin. Instead, keep it beautiful, healthy and safe with these easy tips.

Protect your skin from the sun

Summer is a great time for some fun in the sun, but don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen. Daily use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 will help prevent sun damage, such as burns, premature aging and skin cancer. Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so it can be absorbed by the skin, reapply it often and use a generous amount of product so it will cover all exposed areas completely.

Exfoliate and moisturize

The warm summer months are the perfect time to flaunt your glowing skin, so you need to make sure it looks its best by moisturizing daily and exfoliating regularly. Daily moisturizer will keep your skin soft and supple and provide a moisture barrier that will protect your skin from the drying effects of the summer heat and sun. Use an exfoliating scrub two or three times per week to gently rub away the dead skin cells that can build up, clog your pores and make your complexion look dull.

Find out how to get your skin glowing for summer >>

Switch up your skin care products

To combat dry winter air, you may have been relying on a heavy moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, but during the summer, you can often switch to a lighter or oil-free product for the moisture your skin needs. If you’re not already using a toner after washing your face, summer is a good time to start. Choose an alcohol-free product to refresh your skin as well as to tighten and unclog pores, which will help keep your skin clear and blemish free.

Drink up

In the heat of the summer, we tend to perspire more, and this means moisture loss to your body. But you can help replenish your system while boosting your skin’s health and appearance by drinking plenty of water. Use your thirst as a guide, but be sure to take in at least the commonly recommended eight glasses per day.

A few more summer skin care tips

• Although it might not be possible, to further protect your skin from the sun, avoid being outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the damaging rays of the sun are the strongest.
• Don’t neglect your lips. Use a moisturizing lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping and sun damage.
• Scratching bug bites and other minor skin irritations could lead to an infection or scarring, so treat any affected areas with an anti-itch lotion or cream to soothe your skin and give you temporary relief from the itching.
• Keep your skin refreshed with short, cool showers. Long showers or baths and hot water can dry out your skin, so take short showers in cool or cold water to prevent moisture loss. Additionally, cold water can help regulate your body temperature and will tighten pores to prevent them from becoming clogged.

More on skin care

Tips to prevent dry skin
Skin care tips to boost your natural beauty
5 Easy ways to boost the appearance of your skin