How to Care for Your Skin in Summer: Your Glow-Ready Guide

Summer means sunshine, beach days, and more time outdoors—but it also brings unique challenges for your skin. From sun exposure and sweat to increased oil production and dehydration, your skin needs extra TLC to stay clear, hydrated, and protected.

Here’s your go-to guide on how to care for your skin during the summer months so you can keep that healthy, radiant glow all season long.

1. Prioritize Sunscreen—Every Single Day

Let’s start with the golden rule of summer skincare: never skip sunscreen. UV rays are stronger during the summer and can cause premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer.

Tips:

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors or swimming

Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas: ears, neck, hands, and feet

Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula for your face

Pro Tip: If you're wearing makeup, try a setting spray with SPF for easy reapplication.

We recommend Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide - Vegan

2. Switch to Lighter Products

Summer calls for a lighter skincare routine. Swap thick creams and heavy moisturizers for gel-based or water-based formulas that absorb quickly and won’t clog your pores.

Consider using:

A foaming or gel cleanser to control sweat and oil

A hydrating toner to balance and refresh

A lightweight moisturizer with added SPF during the day

Less is more during hot, humid months—let your skin breathe!

Gel Cleanser - La Roche-Posay Acne Skin Care Set, Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer

Toner - The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner

Moisturizer - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, with 4.5% Squalane to Strengthen Skin's Moisture Barrier

3. Stay Hydrated (Inside and Out)

Hydration is key to keeping your skin plump and healthy. The heat and sun can easily dehydrate your skin, so make sure you’re replenishing fluids from the inside and outside.

How to hydrate:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Eat water-rich foods (like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges)

Use a hyaluronic acid serum before moisturizer to lock in moisture

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)

Mist your face with a facial spray for an instant refresh

4. Exfoliate (But Don’t Overdo It)

Dead skin, sunscreen, and sweat can clog pores—so gentle exfoliation is essential. However, over-exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Summer exfoliation tips:

Exfoliate 1–2 times a week

Choose a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs

Follow with SPF to protect your fresh new skin

If your skin is already sunburned or irritated, skip exfoliating until it recovers.

Gentle Scrub - Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Tropical Mango

5. Watch Out for Breakouts

Hot weather = sweat + oil + bacteria buildup, which can easily lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The best way to prevent this is by keeping your skin (and anything that touches it) clean.

Breakout prevention tips:

Wash your face morning and night

Clean sunglasses, hats, and pillowcases regularly

Avoid touching your face throughout the day

Use non-comedogenic sunscreen and skincare products

For body breakouts, use a gentle body wash with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

6. Repair with Antioxidants

Sun exposure can lead to free radical damage, which causes premature aging and dullness. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and niacinamide can help protect, brighten, and repair your skin.

Add to your routine:

A Vitamin C serum in the morning (under sunscreen)

Niacinamide for oil control and pore refining

Green tea or resveratrol-based products for extra defense

7. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Eyes

The delicate skin around your lips and eyes is prone to sunburn and dehydration.

Summer care:

Use a lip balm with SPF

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent crow’s feet

Apply a light eye cream with hydrating and brightening ingredients

Bonus: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat adds even more protection!

SPF Lip Bomb - SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Lip Sun Protector Rosy – Pack of 2

8. Treat Sunburn Gently

Even with the best precautions, sunburns can happen. If you get one, treat your skin gently to reduce pain, redness, and peeling.

What to do:

Apply aloe vera gel or a calming after-sun lotion

Avoid further sun exposure while your skin heals

Stay hydrated and cool to aid recovery

Skip exfoliants, retinoids, and harsh ingredients until your skin is back to normal

9. Stick to Clean Beauty Habits

Sweat and excess oil can make your skin more sensitive to dirt and bacteria. Keeping your beauty tools and routines clean will help prevent irritation and breakouts.

Quick hygiene tips:

Wash makeup brushes weekly

Replace or clean face towels daily

Use blotting papers instead of touching your face

Clean your phone screen often

10. Know When to Simplify

When your skin feels overwhelmed or irritated in the heat, it might be time to simplify your routine. Cut back to the basics: gentle cleanser, light moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin calms down, you can add more targeted treatments again.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Cool, Simple, and Protected

Summer skincare isn’t about perfection—it’s about staying mindful of how the season affects your skin and making small changes that go a long way.

Remember:

Hydrate often

Protect daily

Listen to your skin’s needs

With the right approach, your skin can stay clear, calm, and glowing all summer long. 🌞✨

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