Summertime is one of my favorite times of the year. I am a true water baby, so I love everything beach and lake related. Now if you are like me and can’t wait to have a great outdoor adventure, whether hiking, by the pool, at the beach, or what fits you best, I have a few recommendations to let you enjoy the sun without damaging your beautiful skin. In this blog, I will discuss some awesome and needed summer skincare essentials that will help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Sunscreen, Your Skin’s Superhero:
No summer skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. Sunscreen is summer skincare essential number 1! Daily application is important after your morning skincare routine and definitely before makeup application. It’s your ultimate defense against harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. When choosing a good sunscreen, you should first look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher. The higher SPF will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. But not all sunscreens are created alike, so do your due diligence and research what will work best for you. There are two forms of sunscreen to choose from. You have physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
- Physical Sunscreens are mineral based and provide a barrier between your skin and the sun. This barrier reflects the UV rays. These sunscreens are composed of minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This sunscreen is known for leaving a grey or purple cast on melanated skin.
- Chemical sunscreen, unlike physical sunscreens, is absorbed into the skin. The chemicals protect your skin by breaking down the UV rays. This process is done by a chemical reaction that converts the rays into heat which is then released from the body. The main chemicals found in sunscreen are oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
Choosing which sunscreen works best for you is a personal choice, but if you want to hear more about them, I will link here a YouTuber named Lab Muffin, who has a lot of information on these topics.
Remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or excessive sweating, after deciding which will work best for you.
Lightweight Moisturizer, the Hydration Boost:
Summer heat can dehydrate your skin, so a lightweight moisturizer is your best friend. Finding a light moisturizer is key to comfortable hydration versus feeling like your skin is suffocating under a blanket of oils.
For a comfortable moisturizer, look for oil-free or gel-based formulas that won’t clog your pores. In the last few years drug store brands have stepped up to the plate with some awesome choices, such as:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost
- Eucerin Daily Hydration Gel
- E.l.f SKIN Holy Hydration Hydro Gel Moisturizer
- Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream
If department store brands are your thing, there are some top-notch choices to:
- Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream
- belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Laneige Water Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizers work wonders by attracting moisture to your skin. This moisture helps in keeping your skin plump and hydrated throughout the day. All of these are awesome choices, and there are a lot more. My go-to is Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Cream Aqua Bomb (No affiliation, just a recommendation).
Aloe Vera, the Soothing Oasis:
If you accidentally spend too much time in the sun and end up with a sunburn, Aloe Vera is here to save the day. Its cooling properties help soothe sunburned skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Various brands can be found at your local Walmart or Target Stores, so that I won’t list them here. Aloe Vera plants are also great to keep around the house if you are more organic. Aloe Vera is a powerhouse plant and has a variety of uses.
Consider keeping an Aloe Vera gel or lotion in your fridge for an extra refreshing treat after a long day in the sun.
Hydrating Face Mist, Instant Refreshment:
There is nothing better than an instant cool down. Try a hydrating face mist for a refreshing pick-me-up in the summer heat. It’s like a refreshing breeze for your skin, providing instant hydration. You can purchase an empty mister and feel it with water or a mister with a fan attached. But we are talking about skincare.
To give your skin that burst of love, look for mists containing soothing ingredients like rosewater, cucumber, or green tea extract. Spritz it on whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up or to set your makeup in place.
Lip Balm with SPF, Pucker Up with Protection:
Pay attention to your lips during the summer! They are prone to dryness and sun damage too. I admit SPF for my lips is not something I always pay attention to, but the skin on your lips is as delicate as the skin under your eyes. Your lips need protection beyond ordinary lip balms and chapsticks.
Get a lip balm that contains SPF to shield your lips from the sun’s harmful rays. Opt for moisturizing formulas that include shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax to keep your lips soft and supple.
Lightweight Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer, Let Your Skin Breathe:
Heavy foundation can feel suffocating in the summer heat. Instead, opt for lightweight alternatives like tinted moisturizers or BB creams. These provide a touch of coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. Look for formulas with built-in SPF for added sun protection. But remember, the SPF in foundations and tinted moisturizers is insufficient to provide full protection. You should always apply a separate SPF after skincare and before makeup.
For more on my recommended lightweight foundations, tinted moisturizers, and summer makeup, Check out my blog on 8 Summer Makeup Essentials For A Fresh and Flawless Look.
Exfoliating Scrub, Reveal Your Inner Glow:
Exfoliation is key to achieving a summer-ready complexion. A gentle facial scrub helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores; this will help to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Look for natural exfoliants like sugar or jojoba beads to avoid harsh abrasion. Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times per week to avoid overdoing it. Also, pay attention to how your skin is reacting to facial scrubs.
Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is a recommendation, not a rule. If your skin is more delicate or dry and you don’t have issues with excess dead skin or clogged pores, you should decrease the frequency to maybe once a week or every other week. Everyone’s skin needs differ, so pay attention to your needs and scrub accordingly.
Body Scrub and Moisturizer, From Head to Toe:
Remember your body! Treat yourself to a luxurious body scrub to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, glowing skin. Nothing is more refreshing after a hot, sweaty day than a cool shower and some TLC to your whole body.
Afterward, moisturize with a lightweight body lotion or oil. Your skin will remain hydrated and soft as a result. To add more moisture, look for ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.
Summer skincare is showing your skin some summer love
With these summer skincare essentials in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to protect and pamper your skin during the sunny season. Remember to stay hydrated, seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing in addition to sunscreen. Take care of your skin, which will reward you with a radiant summer glow. So go out there, embrace the sunshine, and confidently enjoy the carefree summer days!
Live your life and love it!
