Everything you need to know for your summer skincare routine.
Warmer weather means long days out enjoying the beach, picnics and barbecues, pool days, and more favorite outdoor activities. However, taking care of your skin should be on the top of your summer to-do list, too! More time outside is great, but it’s also a leading cause of sunburn and skin damage that leads to premature aging and skin cancer. Before you throw on the swimsuit and flip-flops, take note of these summer skin tips for healthier skin all season long.
What happens to your skin in the sun?
Being outside is obviously one of the best parts of summertime. However, overexposure to the sun and other elements can cause long-term skin damage! Spending lots of time in the sun without protective measures leaves you at risk for a nasty, painful sunburn. And it also causes deeper damage that you can’t necessarily see right away. Long hours in the sun increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society®, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally. On average, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Even if you don’t develop skin cancer, improper summer skincare can have other effects, too. Dermatologists agree that increased sun exposure is a leading cause of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging.
But don’t worry! You don’t need to stay inside all season to avoid these summer skin woes. The key to healthy skin is preventing damage in the first place. Check out these skin safety tips, and get ready for the best (and safest) summer glow ever.
8 Summer Skin Tips for a Better Glow
Want the key to glowing summer skin – that lasts all year long? Follow these summer skincare tips for a healthy, youthful complexion.
1. Lather on the sunscreen
Sunscreen helps protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause skin damage. Even if it’s cloudy out, UV rays can still reach your skin. So it’s important to wear sunscreen no matter what the forecast calls for! Making sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine is a great way to ensure you’re always covered. You’ll want to apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading into the sunshine, too.
Pro tip: Keep sunscreen within easy reach so you’re never caught unprepared. Have a bottle on your vanity for easy AM application. Stash sunscreen in your car (avoid aerosol sunscreen bottles that might burst in the heat). Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your purse or backpack, too.
2. Choose the right sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal! When choosing a sunscreen for summer skincare, look for “broad spectrum,” which means the sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. For the best protection, always choose a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. If you plan on sweating or swimming, a waterproof sunscreen is a smart choice. Also, make sure to reapply your sunscreen frequently, every 2 hours. Yes, even the waterproof ones!
3. Always wear a hat and sunglasses
While sunscreen is great, preventing the sun from even getting to your skin is even better. A hat with at least a 2-inch or 3-inch brim shades your face and eyes for summer skin protection. You should also invest in a pair of 100% UV protection sunglasses. Eyes are very sensitive to the sun, and the delicate skin around your eyes needs extra protection from harmful rays.
Pro tip: Cover the rest of your body with protective clothing, too. For the best protection, look for clothing with 25+ UPF protection. Darker colors are also more protective. The best part? Your clothing won’t wear off, and you never have to reapply like sunscreen!
4. Avoid sunbathing for healthier summer skin
Even with sunscreen, laying out in the sun for extended periods of time is a risky move. Sunscreen still doesn’t give you 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays. So spending hours in the sun will still expose your skin to harmful radiation. If you plan on being outside for most of the day, be prepared with some shade! Find a spot under a tree, or bring a beach umbrella. Remember, even in the shade the sun’s UV rays can still reach your skin, so you still need to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
5. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The sun’s rays are strongest during these hours. For small activities, such as running errands or walking the dog, it’s best to avoid those peak sun hours. We know you can’t be inside ALL that time, so take extra protective measures when you venture out. It’s especially important to seek shade, wear sunscreen, and use your summer skin safety tips if you’ll be out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
6. Never use a tanning bed or sun lamp
We know you want a glowing summer tan. But tanning beds and sun lamps are a dangerous risk for your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just one indoor tanning bed session in your lifetime can increase your chance of developing skin cancer by 20%. Many people turn to these artificial tanning devices in colder months to maintain their summer glow, but it’s not worth the risk! To keep your skin healthy and prevent irreversible damage, avoid tanning beds at all costs.
Pro tip: If you still want a safe bronzed glow, use a tanning lotion or spray. For an even application, start with an exfoliating facial and body scrub first. For a full-body glow without streaks, book a professional spray tan. Soothe now offers at-home spray tanning with a licensed professional!
7. Get regular skincare facials
One of the best ways to ensure glowing skin without the harmful rays of the sun is to get a facial! Regular skincare facials slough away dead skin and imperfections, revealing a more youthful, brighter complexion. When it comes to preventing premature aging, facials can help, too! Your professional esthetician can recommend the best types of products and treatments for your skin type and goals.
If getting to a local spa is difficult for your busy schedule, at-home skincare services may be a better fit. Mobile wellness companies like Soothe now offer on-demand facials with licensed skincare experts. Now you don’t even need to leave the house to get amazing skin!
8. Check your skin, especially during summer
The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone perform self-exams about once a month, especially in the summer. In addition, adults should see a dermatologist for yearly skin exams. Use this guide to learn how to do a skin examination at home. If you notice new skin spots, changes to any existing spots or anything else that looks suspicious, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
Prep your skin for summer
Before heading out to all your beach days and barbeques, make sure your skin is prepped and ready for the warmer days ahead. Scheduling regular facials with a professional esthetician is a great way to ensure a healthy summer skincare routine. And if you want a bronzed look, don’t forget a safe, professional spray tan! But we know how hard it can be to find time in your busy day. That’s why Soothe makes it easy to book on-demand facials and spray tans with top skincare experts in your area! Soothe Skincare and Beauty services are the perfect way to get your best summer skin. Choose from five different facials and three shades of spray tan to personalize your experience. Book a professional at-home facial now to improve your skin texture, treat a specific concern, or to achieve your best-ever summer skin!
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