The Best Skincare Products for Summer
by Jordan Davis
Summer sunshine gets a bad rep for plenty of good reasons. Beyond the burn, there are the early aging effects of UV radiation (known as photo-aging) and the changes in skin color and texture that some of us experience whenever the mercury rises.
For a lucky few, the summer months also bring a break from winter’s dry, itchy skin and a clearer complexion thanks to the increased humidity, no product required. But for the rest of us – especially those with challenging combination skin – summer’s arrival simply means we’re trying to tackle a different set of skincare issues.
Remember that prevention should be the number one focus of your summer skincare regimen no matter what your skin type. It’s always better to avoid burns and dehydration than to treat them after the fact. So whether you have dry skin, oily skin or something in between, always wear an everyday antioxidant moisturizer that includes full spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
That said, caring for your skin should be about more than just sun protection! Here are some of the best warm-weather skincare tips that will help you love the skin you’re in all summer long.
Combo Skin? Think Light
If dry spots mean you slather on the thick stuff from fall until spring, you may find yourself breaking out in your oily spots like crazy come summer. As soon as the humidity starts to rise, switch to an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. Look for lightweight creams with ingredients like calming aloe and gentle algae extracts that keep dry skin healthy and won’t make oily zones feel slick.
Botanicals for Sensitive Skin
Organic aloe and lavender extracts can soothe and repair sensitive skin that is prone to changes in texture or color, but you may find that even products that claim to be gentle still irritate. In that case, it’s a simple matter go au naturel and make your own using aloe, almond oil, jojoba oil and vegetable glycerin. But if you don’t have time to DIY a good rule of thumb is to look for products with the fewest ingredients and avoid added fragrances at all costs.
Treat Oily Skin with Weekly Masks
A once-a-week clay-based oil absorbing mask can do wonders for skin and a balancing toner will help you keep warm weather breakouts from becoming a daily occurrence. When breakouts do occur, wash with a cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid – it will break down oils without drying out skin (which annoyingly can lead to even more breakouts).
Treat Dry Skin Gently, Too
A lot of people don’t realize that treating chronically dry skin means more than loading up on moisturizer. While summer humidity can be a break from itchiness and flaking, that’s not always the case because so many products strip away skin’s natural moisture. Start each day out right with a natural fragrance-free soap and then moisturize with plain coconut oil. Contrary to popular belief moisturizing with oil won’t make your face or body feel oily, even in humid weather.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
How many of us neglect our lips when thinking about summer skincare? Whatever your skin type, never forget that lips can get not just chapped but also painfully sun burnt when not protected. A tinted lip balm with broad spectrum sun protection, worn daily, will keep your kisser looking beautiful now and in the future.
Hydration for All
On the hottest days, the summer sun can dry out your skin even if you’ve been doing laps and drinking your eight glasses. A quick mist of spring water can do wonders in between applications of moisturizing sunscreen but don’t think of outside-in refreshment as a luxury – a spritzer filled with chilled water is all it takes.
In case you were worried, the effectiveness of your summer skincare products more than likely won’t be impacted by the season’s high temps. Even if you accidentally leave your sunscreen in a hot car or your favorite lotion in beach bag in full strength sunshine for hours, there’s no need to toss a mostly full bottle just in case.
And if you want more information about how to care for your unique skin type this summer, there are so many helpful skincare resources out, from GOOP (for trend hunters) to The Beauty Brains (for the info junkies) to Amway’s blog (for everything else). There’s a perfect product for every type of summertime skin – finding yours will be worth the time it takes!