Go-To Guide: Summer Skincare

What’s that feeling? Ah, yes, sweat. Is it just us, or is it actually nice to feel sweat after such a long winter? Just us, maybe? Warm weather is great, but it also means changes to our routines, especially skincare. Unless you’ve been nowhere near the Internet in the last few years (and if that’s the case, welcome!) you know that having a good skincare regimen is the secret to…basically everything.

Here’s how to switch things up for summer, and avoid breakouts, sunburn, flaky skin (yes, A/C is drying), and more.

See above. We’ll also say it again for good measure: SPF. We hate to repeat ourselves, but it’s that important. Ideally, you’ve been wearing your sunscreen every day, all winter long. If you haven’t, now is the time to start. Apply it daily, not just on beach days. That “healthy tan” you get in the summer isn’t really healthy at all—too much time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer. While you’re sporting a ‘youthful glow,’ the opposite is happening, as sun exposure leads to visible signs of aging. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen could very well be the best antiaging action you take for your skin.

Keep some sunscreen at home, in your purse, and in your beach bag. Don’t forget your lips! Choose a lip balm with SPF, and be sure to reapply often.

If you can’t live without that sun-kissed glow, invest in a tinted moisturizer or spray tan.

Wide-brimmed hats are totally in right now, and that’s a good thing. It’s also not a bad idea to hang out under an umbrella when you’re at the beach or pool. Future You will thank Current You, trust us.

We all mess up. And, even when we have the best intentions (and follow proper protocol!), sometimes we all get (at least a bit) sunburned. It’s hard to reach every single spot! (Don’t be afraid to ask for help.) Here’s what to do to soothe and heal a burn.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), applying a cold, damp towel on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day will help. In addition, products containing aloe vera can be soothing.

The AAD also recommends drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, since being sunburned dries out your skin, and staying out of the sun (and wearing protective clothing when you do go outside) until you’re healed.

To prevent breakouts, shower and wash your face more often since you’ll be sweating more. If you hit the gym or go for a run, don’t wait until post-brunch to shower. Do it right away. And, be sure to wash your face in the morning and at night, more often if your skin feels oily or grimy.

Skin tends to be dry and cracked during the winter. To combat this, you should use a thicker, heavier moisturizer. During the summer, your skin is likely to be oilier, so you don’t need the rich creams. If you haven’t switched to something lightweight, do so stat.

Even with all the bug sprays, netting, citronella candles, and DIY formulas your aunt swears by, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to escape summer completely unscathed from mosquito bites. Resist the urge to scratch. Do whatever it takes. Use anti-itch cream, an ice pack—wear gloves if you have to! Scratching mosquito bites may provide immediate relief, but it actually makes them worse in the long run. Too much scratching can also lead to scabbing and scarring.

Hydrated skin comes from within (hey, that rhymes!). Be sure to drink plenty of water daily (eight 8-ounce glasses is a good rule of thumb). Foods with a high water content (looking at you, watermelon, aka the best summer snack of all time) will also keep skin looking fresh.

We love a good makeup look as much as the next person. Smoky eyes, cat eyes, bold lips, rosy cheeks—we love them all. But it’s best to leave the heavy makeup for the cooler months. During the summer, makeup smudges and smears. Plus, it can make your skin more prone to breakouts. Save yourself the trouble and wear minimal makeup for a fresh-faced look. When you do apply it, opt for waterproof mascaras, which won’t smudge as easily, and cream blushes, which look more natural than their powder counterparts.