Summer brings warm weather, outdoor adventures, and plenty of sunshine—but it can also be tough on your skin. From increased sun exposure to sweat and the natural changes in temperature, your skin needs a little extra care during these months. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just looking for some easy tips to protect your skin, these 10 summer skincare habits will help you maintain a glowing, healthy complexion all season long.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen is non-negotiable for year-round skin protection, but it’s
especially important in summer when sun exposure is at its peak. UVA and UVB
rays from the sun can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin
cancer. In fact, too much sun can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and melasma
(those pesky age spots).
Even on cloudy days, remember: up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays can still
reach your skin.
What you should do:
- Choose a
broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This blocks around 97% of
UVB rays.
- For
outdoor activities, make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant and apply
it at least 15 minutes before heading outside.
- Don't
forget your ears, neck, and the back of your hands—places often
overlooked!
2. Opt for Lightweight,
Sun-Protective Clothing
If you’re sensitive to sunscreen or just want an extra layer of protection,
consider investing in sun-protective clothing. Look for fabrics designed to
block UV rays. If you’re on a hike or spending the day at the beach, a wide-brimmed
hat can shield your face, neck, and scalp from sun damage.
Pro tip: Darker clothing provides better UV protection than
lighter-colored fabrics. A dark denim shirt offers an SPF of about 1,700,
compared to just 7 from a white T-shirt!
Also, avoid tight-fitting or sweaty clothes that can irritate your skin.
When you sweat, tight clothes trap moisture, which can lead to breakouts,
rashes, or even fungal infections. Opt for loose-fitting cotton clothes
instead.
3. Wear a Hat for Extra
Protection
Even if you have a full head of hair, your scalp and face are still
vulnerable to sun damage. Research has shown that skin cancers often appear on
the head, particularly the face and scalp.
What to choose:
- Go for a
wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.
- Baseball
caps or straw hats don’t offer full coverage—make sure your hat provides
adequate shade all around.
Remember, a hat should complement your sunscreen, not replace it. Still,
it’s a fantastic extra line of defense.
4. Switch to a Lighter
Moisturizer
While you may need heavier creams in the colder months, summer often calls
for lighter hydration. You don’t want to clog your pores with thick, greasy
moisturizers, especially if you’re sweating more or using sunscreen daily.
Know your skin type:
- If you
have oily or acne-prone skin, a gel-based moisturizer with ingredients
like hyaluronic acid can hydrate without feeling heavy.
- If your
skin is more on the dry side, a cream with ceramides will help lock in
moisture.
And don’t forget about exfoliation! Summer is the best time to slough off
dead skin cells and keep your skin refreshed. Just be sure to exfoliate gently
to avoid over-drying your skin.
5. Stay Hydrated (For Your
Skin’s Sake)
It’s easy to forget how much hydration impacts your skin, but it’s
crucial—your skin is about 64% water! During summer, dehydration can leave your
skin looking dull, dry, and less elastic.
How to stay hydrated:
- Drink
plenty of water, especially after physical activity or time in the sun.
- You can also
eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and citrus fruits to keep
your skin nourished from the inside out.
6. Limit Hot Showers
While hot showers feel soothing, the high heat can strip your skin of its
natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for a lukewarm
shower to maintain skin hydration.
Bonus tip: Keep the bathroom door closed to trap humidity
in the air. After showering, immediately apply moisturizer to lock in moisture
while your skin is still damp.
7. Avoid Touching Your Face
It’s easy to touch your face—whether to rub tired eyes, scratch an itch, or
pick at a breakout. But all of these actions transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria
from your hands to your face, which can cause acne and other skin issues.
What you can do:
- Try to be
mindful of touching your face, especially when out and about.
- Wash your
hands regularly to reduce the risk of transferring germs to your skin.
8. Incorporate Antioxidants
into Your Routine
Antioxidants aren’t just great for your diet—they can also improve your
skin’s resilience to sun damage. By including antioxidant-rich foods and
products in your skincare routine, you may reduce the impact of photoaging (the
premature aging caused by sun exposure).
Antioxidants to look for:
- Vitamin C
and E
- Carotenoids
(like beta-carotene)
- Coenzyme
Q10
- Selenium,
manganese, and other minerals
Consider using skincare products that contain these ingredients to boost
your skin’s ability to fight oxidative stress from the sun.
9. Don’t Skip Your Evening
Routine
After a long day of sun exposure, sweat, and makeup, it’s essential to
cleanse your skin thoroughly. Double cleansing can help remove sunscreen, dirt,
and oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Finish with a
nourishing night cream or oil to replenish your skin while you sleep.
10. Take Extra Care of Your Eyes
and Lips
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive, so it’s important
to protect it from UV rays, which can lead to wrinkles, dark circles, and
puffiness. Look for eye creams with SPF or make sure to apply sunscreen gently
around the eyes.
Don’t forget your lips! They are just as susceptible to sun damage as the
rest of your skin, so use a lip balm with SPF to keep them protected
