Summer Skincare for Your Sun-Kissed Summertime Skin
There’s nothing like the look of glowing skin touched by the sun. Unfortunately, you can get too much of a good thing when it comes to sun exposure. The right summer skincare routine nourishes and protects your skin from the effects of too much sun. Skin looks healthy and radiant, not stressed–as if you’d been on a relaxing summer vacation.
What the Sun Does to Your Skin in the Summertime
You can tell right away if you’ve gotten too much sun–your skin’s not just burned, but it feels dry and dehydrated, too. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that are absorbed by the melanin in your body. If you don’t have enough melanin to absorb the UV rays you’re exposed to, your skin will burn. (That’s why fairer skin is quicker to turn red, for instance.)
But the long-term effects of overexposure are more than skin deep–and by the time they finally do appear, they can have serious consequences.
There are two types of UV rays that affect the skin. UVA rays contribute to the signs of aging caused by sun damage: dark spots, lines and wrinkles, and saggier skin that results from a breakdown in collagen production. UVB rays also may cause problems in the form of skin cancer.
So staying out of the sun as much as possible can benefit the long-term condition of your skin. However, that can be difficult if you have an active lifestyle or love spending time outdoors. (And you need some regular sun exposure for your body to produce vitamin D.) Summer skincare essentials–along with a mindful approach to sun exposure–keep your skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Summer Skincare Tips and Essentials
Follow these strategies for a proactive and protective summer skincare regimen:
Always Use Sunscreen
How to protect your skin in the summer? Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. If there’s one summer skincare tip to incorporate into your daily routine without fail, it’s this one.
Your best bet is to use a product with a minimum SPF 30. It should also be broad spectrum so it protects against UVA and UVB rays. You can choose from physical or chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens use titanium oxide or zinc oxide and rest on top of your skin to help block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens work differently through skin absorption; key actives include oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Whichever sunscreen you choose, you must apply it properly for the greatest effectiveness. Make sure to cover your face, neck, and any other exposed skin, including the back of your hands and the tips of your ears. Reapply every couple of hours if you are spending a lot of time outdoors, or every time you get out of a pool, ocean, or other body of water. Use about two tablespoons of sunscreen on your entire body per application.
Apply a Daily Moisturizer
Moisturizing isn’t just for cold weather; you need superior hydration to support the skin’s water barrier for plumper- and smoother-looking skin that’s less susceptible to environmental damage.
Many people prefer a lightweight daytime moisturizer during the summer, when temperatures are hotter and the climate more humid. We offer a selection of powerful face moisturizers with lightweight options that glide on beautifully and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily.
Because you expose more of your skin during the summer, it’s important to use a good body moisturizer, too. The Body Lotion quickly absorbs to help prevent transepidermal water loss, soften and hydrate, and soothe the skin after too much sun. The Body Cream has a buttery, conditioning texture that calms and hydrates so your skin looks soft and supple.
Try Makeup with SPF
You may not want to layer too many products on your face on hotter days. Consolidate your routine without missing out on its summer skincare benefits by using makeup with SPF.
Tinted sunscreen is perhaps the most popular option. These products typically provide light to medium coverage so you can skip a heavier foundation. Advances in skincare technology have led to tinted sunscreens in a variety of shades, but without the whitish cast that’s often associated with mineral sunscreens. You can also try a powder sunscreen for some extra color, but it can be difficult to make sure you are applying enough. Don’t forget the delicate skin on your lips–use a tinted lip balm for a sun-kissed touch of color. Like regular sunscreen, makeup products should be at least SPF 30.
Nourish with Vitamin C Skin Serum
Vitamin C is a summer skincare essential. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which helps prevent oxidative stress caused by free radicals your skin is exposed to with UV rays. That means it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, while also supporting collagen production. Using vitamin C on a daily basis enhances the protection offered by your sunscreen.
A vitamin C serum is lightweight, making it ideal for summer. The Serum contains vitamin C as a key active, as well as other skin-nourishing ingredients such as pomegranate seed concentrate, resveratrol, and edelweiss extract. Use it after cleansing your face, but before applying your moisturizer. The Serum improves the overall appearance of your complexion for youthful-looking skin.
Make Sure to Exfoliate
Hot days and high humidity can make you sweat or, in some cases, exacerbate oiliness. That’s when it’s important to keep pores clog-free to prevent breakouts.
You should try exfoliating once or twice a week during the summer, depending on your skin type. This helps clear dead skin cells, debris, and irritants from the skin so it looks healthy and clean. If your complexion is feeling the effects of too much sun, The Essence gently exfoliates while soothing redness.If you use The Essence or an exfoliating acid, you have even more reason to protect your skin with sunscreen during the day.
Augustinus Bader: The Ultimate Skin Soother for Summer
If you need a skin savior this summer, use The Ultimate Soothing Cream. It hydrates dry skin, calms redness, supports the skin barrier, and improves the look of your complexion’s tone and texture for a vibrant summertime glow.
Purchase one of our game-changing formulas in skincare, supplements and haircare.