The Ultimate Summer Skin Care Routine in 8 Simple Steps

Summer is a time for beach days, pool parties, and vacations. It’s also a great time for a skin care makeover.
Longer hours of daylight and hot, dry, or humid weather can affect our skin differently than the colder and darker days of winter.
Some summer skin care steps may depend on where you live.
The beauty tips below will help you enjoy the sunshine with skin health in mind.
Apply sunscreen often
If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, wear sunscreen.

Look for sunscreens that offer:
• at least SPF 30
• broad spectrum protection
• lip protection

It’s essential to apply sunscreen daily to reduce your risk of skin cancer, no matter the weather. Look for sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours. And don’t forget about your lips, too!
Keep moisturizing
Generally speaking, the air isn’t as dry in the summer as it is in the winter. Still, Goldman doesn’t suggest ditching moisturizer — your skin can still dry out in the summer.

That said, a heavy moisturizer can feel like it’s weighing your face down when it’s hot out. Goldman suggests finding a lighter one. Start by sampling some, if you can, in the beauty aisle of the drug store.
Go lighter on the makeup
On warmer days, wearing a ton of makeup can feel like an unnecessary extra layer. And, if you sweat, your makeup will come off more easily.
Use makeup with SPF

Look for moisturizers with the following qualities:
• tinted
• at least SPF 30
• lightweight

Exfoliate once or twice a week
Exfoliating more than once or twice per week can cause your skin to get tight and cracked. Never exfoliate sunburned skin.
Wear sun-protective accessories and clothing
Don’t just browse the beauty aisle when revamping your skin care routine for summer. Mullans and Goldman suggest venturing into the clothing section, too.

Summer duds to don include:
• wide brimmed hats
• UV-400 sunglasses
• dark-colored clothes with woven fabrics or UV absorbers

Wash your face — but not constantly
Shower just once per day and after exercise if needed. Wash your face morning and night to avoid drying out the skin.
Takeaway
Summer is typically warmer and sunnier than winter. It’s only natural that your skin has different needs.

When you’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to be mindful about sunscreen. Find a broad-spectrum SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours to protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.
Try a lightweight moisturizer and go lighter on the makeup, exfoliating no more than once per week.