With warmer weather upon us, you might be looking for any opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. And no matter what activities you have planned—from hiking to biking to swimming to camping—learning how to prepare your skin for summer can help you ease into the sunshine confidently. This means protecting your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and preventing dry skin, acne, and other concerns that come with hot, humid weather.
Ready to curate your perfect summer skin care routine? Let's dive in.
Stock Up on a Good Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It lowers your risk of skin cancer by up to 50 percent and helps keep your skin bright, firm, and smooth as you get older.
Hopefully, you've been wearing sunscreen all year long. While the sun's rays are strongest in late spring and early summer, you can sustain sun damage, like sunburn and hyperpigmentation, at any time of year.
Even so, now's a great time to check your supplies. With proper application and reapplication, a family of four should go through a four-ounce bottle of sunscreen per person during a long day outdoors (think a pool day or camping trip), so stock up. Here's what to look for in a sunscreen.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Broad-spectrum formulas protect you from UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for skin aging and sunburn.
SPF 30
The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests choosing a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, while Dermatologists commonly recommend SPF 30 or higher. So, stick with at least SPF 30 to cover your bases.
Water Resistance
Look for a water-resistant formula to extend your sun protection when you're sweating or participating in water activities. EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ meets all the basic criteria plus 80 minutes of water resistance and hydrating Jojoba Esters to keep skin supple.
Formula
Consider sunscreens with nourishing skin care ingredients in formulas that suit your lifestyle. For example, EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 combines 360-degree sprayability, white-to-clear technology, and skin-rejuvenating antioxidants. EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is super portable and mess-free for easy reapplication on the go.
Rethink Your Summer Skin Care Routine
As spring turns to summer, you may want to modify your skin care regimen to protect your skin from increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity. Consider these basic adjustments.
Cleanser
Sweat and muggy weather can raise your risk of summertime acne, so opt for an oil-free facial cleanser for a refreshing cleanse. If you typically only cleanse once per day, you may want to consider bumping it up to morning and night in the summer (unless you have very dry or sensitive skin). For an extra boost, add a gentle exfoliator to your routine a couple of days a week to slough away dead skin cells and thoroughly melt debris, dirt, and sunscreen from your face in the evening.
Moisturizer
The sun dries out your skin (as does air conditioning), so moisturizer is key even in the summer. If you live in a hot or humid climate, switching to a lighter product that absorbs on contact may help you feel more comfortable and hydrated without clogging pores. Look for nourishing ingredients such as Niacinamide, Squalane, or Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen your skin barrier and maintain healthy hydration. EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer's refreshing, weightless formula checks all the boxes.
Body Lotion
Whether you shave, wax, or undergo laser treatments, hair removal can irritate your skin follicles and lead to bumpy, itchy skin that grows even more uncomfortable in the sun. Preempt those problems by picking a lotion that helps your skin retain moisture all over, especially around the legs, underarms, and bikini area.
Keep in mind that water can dry your skin, too. After a day of swimming, rinse off and reapply your face and body products to replenish hydration. Moisturizers do best when applied to damp skin, so it's a perfect time to get that extra hydration boost.
Know Your Skin and Check with Your Derm
Some people may need to take extra precautions during the summer, such as those with polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). Known for its itchy rash, PMLE tends to affect people in the spring and summer when they experience a sudden uptick in sun exposure, like on vacation. You'll also want to take extra precautions if you have skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or a sun allergy, as your skin may be extra sensitive to the sun.
Talk with your Derm to learn how to prepare your skin for summer based on your individual needs. And be sure to go in for your annual skin check to catch any signs of skin cancer early. As long as you practice safe skin care, you'll be hiking, biking, or swimming your way into another memorable summer.
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