8 Simple Steps for Ultimate Summer Skin Care Routine

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Summer is the season for beach days, pool parties, and vacations — and it’s also the perfect time for a skincare refresh. Longer hours of sunlight and hot, dry, or humid weather affect our skin differently than the colder, darker months of winter.

Some summer skincare adjustments depend on where you live. For example, someone in Colorado, where temperatures are generally moderate and humidity often exceeds 50%, may need fewer changes than someone in Houston. Other steps, such as applying sunscreen daily and avoiding excessive showering, matter for everyone.

The expert-backed tips below will help you enjoy the sunshine while protecting your skin’s health.

8 Simple Steps for an Ultimate Summer Skincare Routine

1. Apply sunscreen often

If you do only one thing for your skin this summer, make it sunscreen.

Look for sunscreens that offer:

• at least SPF 30
• broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
• lip protection

“You need to shield your skin from the sun,” says Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “If you don’t, your skin will age faster and your risk of skin cancer will rise.”

Daily use of SPF 15 can reduce melanoma risk by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma risk by about 40%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. In summer, when people spend more time outdoors, Dr. Mullans recommends SPF 30. “There’s a big jump in protection between SPF 15 and 30, but beyond 30 the difference is minimal,” she notes.

Choose a “broad-spectrum” formula to guard against both UVA and UVB rays. Try EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 or Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 100. Mineral options with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, such as Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc SPF 30 or Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30, are also excellent.

Reapply every two hours and use about a shot-glass amount for the body. Don’t forget your lips — many brands offer lip balms with SPF 30 or higher.

2. Keep moisturizing

Even though summer air is often more humid, your skin can still become dehydrated. Swap heavy winter creams for lighter lotions. Dr. Mullans suggests choosing a moisturizer that also contains SPF, but remember it is not a substitute for dedicated sunscreen — reapply the latter every two hours.

3. Go lighter on makeup

Heavy makeup can feel stifling in the heat and may clog pores when you sweat. Simplify your routine so your skin can breathe. “Wearing less makeup lets skin breathe,” says dermatologist Barry Goldman, MD.

4. Use makeup with SPF

When you need coverage for an outdoor event, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with at least SPF 30. Products such as bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 or EltaMD and Colorescience SPF powders work well over makeup. Remember that powder alone is not enough — reapply a proper sunscreen underneath.

5. Exfoliate once or twice a week

Sunscreen and sweat can clog pores, so gentle exfoliation helps. Limit it to once or twice weekly to avoid irritation. Skip exfoliation if you are sunburned. Good options include Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub or Clean & Clear Watermelon Juicy Scrub.

6. Self-tan for a healthy glow

There is no such thing as a “healthy tan” — any darkening is a sign of UV damage. Achieve a sun-kissed look safely with self-tanners such as Jergens, Skinerals Onyx Extra Dark Sunless Tanning Mousse, or Vita Liberata Gradual Lotion. Reapply daily until you reach your desired shade.

7. Wear sun-protective accessories and clothing

Broad-brimmed hats, UV-400 sunglasses, and tightly woven or UPF-rated clothing provide excellent additional protection. Dark colors and fabrics like denim block more UV rays. “I always wear a wide-brimmed hat outside in summer, even when walking my dog,” says Dr. Mullans.

8. Wash your face — but not constantly

Over-washing strips the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. Shower once daily and after workouts, and cleanse your face morning and night with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. On hot days, use oil-absorbing blotting papers instead of repeated washing. Try NYX Professional Makeup Matte Blotting Paper or Palladio Rice Paper Blotting Tissues.

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Takeaway

Summer brings more sun and heat, so your skin needs a lighter yet more protective routine. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply every two hours, choose a lightweight moisturizer, simplify makeup, exfoliate gently once or twice a week, and consider self-tanner or SPF makeup for color. Add protective clothing and accessories, and avoid overwashing. These simple steps help prevent premature aging and reduce skin-cancer risk while keeping your complexion healthy and glowing all season long.

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