Summer is just around the corner and, among many other things, that means thinking about, and treating, our skin differently than we do during cooler months. There are obvious reasons for that: Heat means sweat, sweat means dirt, dirt means baaaaaaadddddd for skin. Therefore, a lighter touch is required. Now, all that being said, we still need to pamper our skin and keep up with our anti-aging skincare regime. But how? And what?

Knowing how seriously we take our skincare, as well we should, it’s critical to hear what skincare experts have to say:

Sunscreen is a must

Ok, so let’s get this one out of the way; SPF, SPF, SPF. it’s actually important all times of the year, not just summer.. experts all agree a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin is a must. That includes hands, feet, ears, and lips.

Make sure sunscreen is the last step in your skin-care routine. And. don’t forget, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every few hours.

a lighter formula for summer skincare

Summertime isn’t just about wearing lighter clothing, your skincare should be more lightweight as well. Leave your heavier cleansers stored away with your Christmas decorations, in favor of a gentle, foaming option. The Best of Beauty Award-winning AHC Hyaluronic Cleanser is highly recommended by experts.

adopt a multi-purpose skincare regime

Try a combination skincare sunscreen product, in order to reduce the amount of product on your face in the heat. Just make sure the SPF is 30 or higher and remember, re-apply every few hours. Olay, a brand always in the top 5-10 for most experts, is a top recommendation here as well. Olay Regenerist Whip Active Moisturizer With Sunscreen smooths the skin while providing hydration protection and doesn’t weigh heavy on the skin. 

Don’t think the heat means you should skip the moisturizing step, every day, no matter what the temperature is, should include cleaning followed by moisturizing.

vitamin c has even more impact in summer

Vitamin C is a rockstar of the skincare industry. It helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improves the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production, all things that can be damaged by the sun, hence, Vitamin C is even more important in the summer. Layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and moisturizer. Honestly, this one is probably the most consistently touted as a must in skincare, by most experts I follow. That says a lot and tells me I should always make sure I don’t run out.

Skin Benefits of Vitamin C, According to Dermatologists

“One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance,” according to Harvard Health Publishing

From the same Harvard Health Publishing article, “Vitamin C may also help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Clinical studies have shown that combining vitamin C with other topical ingredients, namely ferulic acid and vitamin E, can diminish redness and help protect the skin from long-term damage caused by harmful sun rays.”

product your skin from the sun

Finally, try to stay out of the sun as much as you can. Ultimately, the best way to protect your skin in the summer is to avoid that which is causing the damage.

What’s your favorite summer skincare tip?