Tips to Get Your Skin Ready for Summer

Warmer weather has finally arrived and you’re probably already putting away your winter clothes in favor of swimsuits, shorts, and sandals. As you start planning your summer wardrobe, put some thought into your skincare routine. Your skin’s needs change with the seasons, so it’s always a good idea to make adjustments to your skincare routine a few times a year.

As the summer sun starts to shine, there are a few things you should do to prep and protect your skin. Here are 7 ways to get your skin ready for beach season.

After a long, tough winter your skin may not be ready for the summer sun. Winter skincare is focused on hydration and protection from harsh weather, but summer is a time to get your skin glowing. A summer skincare routine should include the basics (cleanse, tone, and hydrate) but your skin may need some intensive care to become truly summer-ready.

Here are some simple tips to get your skin summer-ready:

  1. Cleanse twice a day. The summer brings heat and humidity which can leave your skin looking greasy, so be sure to cleanse twice a day – ideally in the morning and evening.
  2. Switch to a lightweight moisturizer. In the winter months you probably used a rich cream moisturizer but in the summer it’s best to keep it light with a water-based formula.
  3. Always wear sunscreen. Whether you’re spending extended time outdoors or not, sunscreen is a must (use at least SPF 30).
  4. Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure. Tanning beds and sunbathing expose your skin to harmful UV rays, so try to limit your exposure to prevent skin damage.
  5. Include clay masks in your skincare routine. Natural clay masks help extract impurities from the skin while also balancing your oil production to help mattify the complexion.
  6. Exfoliate two to three times a week. Alternate clay masks with exfoliation in your weekly skincare routine to help unclog the pores and increase skin cell turnover.
  7. Go easy on the makeup. Heavy layers of makeup can clog the pores and leave your skin looking greasy – opt for light layers of makeup or use a bronzer instead for a glow.