5 Summer Skincare Tips That Need to Be Stressed

A skincare guide for those hotter days. Let's have a hot girl summer, but make it safe.

1. SPF. I cannot stress this enough. SPF.

While the sun has benefits, excessive exposure can lead to painful and dangerous conditions such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the culprit behind such (this includes UVA and UVB rays). During the summertime, these UV rays are the strongest. SPF should be worn year-round, but it is vital during this hotter weather. The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen helps protect and block your skin from these damaging rays. SPF works by absorbing and reflecting them. The FDA recommends using sunscreen labeled “Broad Spectrum,” which means it includes ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and SPF 15 or higher, which applies specifically to protection from UVB rays (Steward, 2016).

2. Invest in a dual-purpose moisturizer.

To help lift some weight off your face, you can consider switching to a product that acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen during the summer. A lightweight moisturizer that has a SPF of 30 or higher is usually plenty for most people (Dr. Omer Ibrahim, board-certified dermatologist). Bear in mind that you should apply a generous amount and reapply every couple of hours. Try to stick with lightweight moisturizers. A favorite from Búsola, Itoju Ara’s founder, is Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.

3. Less is more. Lighten up your skincare routine.

Investing in products that carry multiple purposes means less products and your face and less weight on your face. A great product that acts as a daily serum and moisturizer is the Euda Elixir from Itoju Ara. It helps brighten and hydrate the skin without leaving it heavy. It is ridiculously lightweight, but moisturizing (and it’s the fan’s favorite). It contains prickly pear which is also a great ingredient in helping reduce inflammation, especially that of sunburn.

4. Invest in a quality vitamin C serum.

Referencing our Vitamin C Myths article, vitamin C paired with SPF enhances the protection that vitamin C provides as an antioxidant (protects against free radical damage from the sun). Dr. Steven Mandrea, a board-certified dermatologist & co-founder of Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago states, “Combining a vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect well against UVA rays has been shown to be more effective at neutralizing free radical damage from sun exposure than just using sunscreen alone."

5. I know you've heard this 1000 times before, but drink more H20. 

Staying hydrated is already a given when it comes to the skin and our overall health. During hotter weather, our bodies try to cool down by the natural process of sweating. Drinking water helps lower your body temperature and replace the fluid you lost during sweating. Everyone goes by some standard of how much liters or glasses of water you should drink, when in reality it really varies based on your size.

Generally, you should try to drink at least half an ounce of water for each pound you weigh everyday. For instance, if you weigh 160 pounds, that would be 80 ounces (approximately 2.4 liters) of water daily.