With the temperatures rising and the sun shining brighter, you’re probably spending more time outside soaking up those rays. As you transition into summer mode, make sure you revamp your summer skincare routine to support your skin’s health.
7 summer skincare tips
Follow these tips to support a healthy complexion all summer long.
Wear, and reapply, sunscreen every day
Sunscreen should be worn all year, but it’s especially important during the summer. We’ve all experienced how painful a sunburn can be, and sun exposure can also dry out the skin and cause it to age prematurely. So make sunscreen—30 SPF or higher—your best friend this summer and reapply every few hours on days you’re out in the sun all day.
Drink extra water
During the summer, our bodies lose more water through sweating, so you’ll need to drink a bit more water to make up for what you’ve lost. Water not only helps to flush out toxins, it also helps keep skin hydrated and counteract dry and flaky skin, an all-too-common experience on hot days, especially if you live in a dry climate.
Support your skin from the inside out
Creams, lotions, and serums are everywhere, but what you put in your body actually does more for your skin health than what you put on it. Eat antioxidant-rich foods, especially foods high in vitamin C and E, throughout the summer. (This includes berries, which are a summer staple for many during this time of year!) A supplement like Oasis can also help you get that antioxidant boost, as well as extra support for hydration and collagen production, both of which are necessary for overall skin health.
Stay in the shade and wear longer layers
You won’t always be able to stay out of the sun’s spotlight—nor should you!—but seek shade or wear long sleeves/pants when you can. Enjoy visiting with loved ones underneath a tarp, roof, or tree, and consider covering up with hats and light layers if you’ll be out in the sun for longer than an hour or so. Try to get most of your sun exposure outside of peak sunshine hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), too.
Post-sun skincare
Prevention is always better than treatment, but sometimes things happen. If you’ve had a long day in the sun, working or playing, it’s worth it to take some time to give your skin some extra care afterward. If you can, take a short, cool shower to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen. Follow that up with plenty of lotion to rehydrate your skin. If you’re feeling the effects of the dreaded sunburn start up, an aloe vera cream can help soothe and cool your skin.
Take cool showers
Back to the cool showers thing . . . A hot shower on a hot day just isn't as satisfying as a hot shower on a cold day. Plus, all that hot water dries out your skin even more. So try taking more cool showers during the summer to help keep your skin from drying out.
Mind the bugs
Humans aren’t the only ones who love summer mornings and summer evenings; mosquitos do, too. Protect your skin from these pests by wearing long layers when you’re out during peak mosquito-gathering time (usually during the cooler parts of the day) and always use a mosquito repellant. Your itch-free skin will thank you.
Make skincare part of your summer routine
Your summer skincare routine doesn’t have to take a lot of time, as long as you’re consistent. So enjoy healthy, hydrated skin alongside those sunny days! For more skincare ideas to support you year round, see these essential tips for healthy skin.