Summertime is in full swing. The longer days of spending time outdoors enjoying the sunshine is something we longingly wait for through the cold winter months. However, we must be extra careful with our skincare, especially with the heat and rays from the sun. Here are some important ways to take care of your skin this summer while still enjoying the sunshine.

Always use skin protection

There is nothing more important for skin health than protecting it daily. Remember to use your favorite sunscreen, and reapply it every few hours throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or in the water. Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, discoloration from sun damage, and, most importantly, it decreases the risk of skin cancer. So, if you take only one tip from this chat, make it this one! For extra protection from the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses, as your eyes can get sun damage as well.

Stay hydrated

Hydrating your skin is especially important during the summer months. Make sure to hydrate your body on the inside and the outside. It would be best if you aimed to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day and more on days that you sweat a lot. We often crave more refreshing foods in the summer, such as fruits and veggies, because they have higher water content. Eating and drinking your water throughout the day will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Your skin also needs hydration from the outside -- summer is a great time to invest in some hydrating serums and lotions to treat your skin well.  I really like the Ordinary’s products because they are both effective and extremely affordable.

Switch up your skincare routine

Just like our wardrobe, our skincare needs also change with the seasons. Although we need to use moisturizers year-round, our skin tends to be drier in the winter and craves thicker, more intense lotions. When the summer comes around, these products can be too heavy in the heat and can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Swap out your thick moisturizers for lighter ones, especially if your skin gets oily in the summer. Even though it may feel like you don’t need the extra moisturization with all that sweat and oil, your skin can still get dry in the summer. Moisturizing is an essential part of your skincare routine, whether it’s the winter or the summer. 

Maintain good hygiene

We tend to sweat and produce more oil in the summer heat. Cities get dustier, and that dirt tends to cling to our skin more easily when we’re sweaty. A proper hygiene routine is essential, especially in the summer, because leaving all that dirt and oil on your skin can cause irritation. If you have acne-prone skin, feel free to wash your face with water multiple times throughout the day to get that excess oil and dirt off your skin.