Ah, the golden summer sunshine! It’s time to bid goodbye to the dark and dreary winter days and say hello to beautiful summer days. But, before you plan those fun beach outings and dream of lounging poolside on a Friday evening, think about getting your skincare in place. The warm sunshine sure feels great on the skin, but it can accelerate signs of aging, making wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation appear more visible. Increased humidity also means more sweat, which can lead to breakouts and pimples. So, what are some things you can do to keep your skin cool, healthy, and hydrated all season long? We’d suggest switching up your skincare routine to account for all these skin issues that may crop up during this time of the year. Not sure where to start, or how to go about it? Here's some easy and effective ways to elevate your summer skincare routine.

Layer on SPF

Sunscreen should be worn all year round, but given that most people spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, sunscreen becomes more important during this season. Beauty experts recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The product goes on all exposed areas of the body, including the neck, arms, hands, feet, ears, and lips. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or working up a sweat. Confused about how much product you need to apply? We’d say about half a teaspoon for your face and neck, and a full teaspoon per limb.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

As much as we all enjoy the warmth of the sun, it’s important to shield the skin from harsh UV rays. If possible, avoid the sun during the peak hours or use an umbrella to prevent the direct rays of the sun from hitting your skin. Protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses are highly recommended if you’re going to be spending long hours out in the sun. Before making a dash outdoors, stock up on these summertime clothing essentials that’ll not just make you look hip, but also protect your sensitive skin from the damaging rays of the sun.

Use Lightweight Skincare Products

The sultry summer heat can make sebaceous glands in the skin more active, leading to more oiliness. It’s therefore important to swap out heavy-duty products for lighter and water-based formulations. This will prevent clogged pores and allow your skin to breathe better, ensuring problem-free skin throughout the hot summer months.

Cleanse Twice Daily

Come summer most people love spending more time outdoors, which also means increased exposure to dust, dirt, and environmental pollution. The hot weather makes you sweat more and all this–combined with the tendency of the skin to become oilier during the summer–can certainly wreak havoc on your complexion. Gentle cleansing twice daily is a must during this time. As soon as you wake up, use a gentle foam cleanser to wash away oil and sweat that may have accumulated overnight. Remember to use it at night as well before bed to clean traces of makeup, dirt, and grime, so the clean skin can repair itself as you enjoy restful slumber.

Don’t Skip the Moisturizer

Even though it’s hot and sweaty, your skin still requires hydration to keep it soft and supple. We recommend using a light, water-based moisturizer twice daily. A non-comedogenic formula is the best since it won’t clog your pores, preventing breakouts and acne. The best benefit of using a water-based moisturizer for summer is that it gets absorbed easily without making the skin feel greasy, which makes it super comfortable to wear. Bonus — unlike a cream formula, a lightweight moisturizer won’t run or drip even if you sweat in the hot weather. If using too many skincare products is not your thing, consider a two-in-one moisturizer that also includes SPF. So, you get the moisturizing benefits alongside sun protection in a single product. If you’re using a dual moisturizer+SPF, make sure it’s SPF 30 or above, and don’t forget to reapply every 2-3 hours.

Cut Down on Long Showers

Between workouts, beach days, and good old summer sweat, many of us shower more than once a day during the summer. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers short, around four to five minutes. Also, be cautious not to use very hot water when showering as this can lead to over-drying your skin, causing redness, inflammation, and even summertime eczema.

Use “Barely-There” Makeup

Keep your complexion looking fresh and breezy this summer with minimal makeup. Too much makeup can clog your pores, add to it sweat and oiliness, and you have the perfect recipe for unwanted breakouts and acne. Try using fewer products to keep things simple. For instance, instead of using a separate moisturizer and foundation, try a tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. This is a great way to get cake-free coverage that will hold up in the heat without blocking pores. The result? A flawless, fresh-faced finish that will last all day. All makeup products you use must be non comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.

Embrace summer in all its glory with our easy-to-follow skincare tips. Enjoy the long days and brilliant sunshine while taking optimal care of your skin!