Summer Skincare Guide: Sunscreen, Lightweight Makeup, and Hacks for a Radiant, Acne Free Complexion

Revitalize Your Glow: Essential Summer Skincare Tips for Healthy, Hydrated Skin

Feel Confident In Your Complexion All Summer Long With These Summer Skincare Solutions

Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing amidst the heat and humidity. But fear not, because the perfect summer skincare routine is within your reach! Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the beach, your skin deserves special attention during these sunny months. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential skincare tips for the summer that will not only protect your skin but also enhance its natural radiance. From selecting the right sunscreen to embracing hydrating masks, let’s dive into the secrets of summertime skincare that will have you shining all season long!

Why Do I Need To Change My Skincare Routine In The Summer?

Before we start diving into how to best care for your skin during the summer, it’s essential to understand why your routine needs to be tweaked.  While there’s no need (and certainly not recommended) to toss out your entire routine and get all-new products, the longer & warmer days of summer change what your skin needs.  Spending more time outdoors exposed to harsh UV rays and higher humidity levels can make our skin act out a little bit.  Higher humidity levels also cause an oiler-looking complexion since less moisture evaporates off the skin during the course of the day.  By making some changes to our skincare routine, we can avoid the consequences of summer which are clogged pores and oily complexions! 

But First, Sunscreen

While sunscreen needs to be worn every single day, it’s essential to be wearing it diligently and reapplying consistently during the summer months.

Sunscreen should be put on 15-20 minutes before going outside and reapplied once every 2-3 hours.  This is especially true if you’re spending time outdoors, sweating, or swimming.  Be sure to apply sunscreen to every body part that’s exposed to the sun, including hands and ears!  If you have thinner hair, be sure to wear a hat to avoid scalp sunburn.  You could also use a spray on sunscreen if hats aren’t really your thing! Experiment and find what works best for you! 

When picking out the perfect summer sunscreen, it’s important to keep skin type in mind.  Most sunscreens are either Mineral or Chemical.  Mineral sunscreens are a bit better suited for sensitive and oily skin types and can also be a bit drying.  On the other hand, Chemical sunscreens do feel lighter on the skin but can cause breakouts if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.  Regardless of which type of sunscreen you go for, be sure to check that it’s non-comedogenic.  This means that it’s been specifically formulated to prevent clogging pores – a MUST for acne-prone skin.  

In the summer, I like to avoid wearing makeup as much as I can.  With my already oily skin, adding more products on top can be a dangerous game resulting in clogged pores and angry breakouts.  This is especially true when the weather is hot and sweat increases.  So to still get a little bit of coverage on days when I’m meeting up with friends or going out, I opt for tinted sunscreen!  And there are currently so many great options on the market!

Check out our top picks:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Opting for Lightweight Makeup Options

Speaking of tinted sunscreens, swapping out heavy foundations for a tinted moisturizer can be extremely beneficial when it comes to minimizing the possibility of clogged pores.

With high humidity levels, heavy foundations and products on top of the skin are a risk for clogged pores.  This buildup of debris in the pore is a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.  By keeping your makeup light, you’ll minimize the amount of product that can get stuck in pores – stopping acne before it has a chance to begin! 

Tinted sunscreens make a great base for a glowing complexion.  For a little bit more coverage, follow up with a tinted BB cream! My personal favorite is the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue.  It’s lightweight, buildable, and doesn’t feel like it’s melting off my face in the hot summer months!  Another plus, it includes SPF 30 for some extra sun protection, as well as Hyaluronic Acid to aid in plumping the skin for the perfect, dewy glow! 

Check out our top picks: 

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

Dr. Jart + Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 22

Swap Out Heavy Moisturizers for Something More Lightweight

Thick creams and heavy moisturizers are an absolute godsend in dry winter months. In summer, however, your skin does not need as much hydration as it did in the winter. Your heavy-duty moisturizers could contribute to clogged pores and oiliness.

To better fit the needs of your skin while humidity levels are high, opt for a gel-based moisturizer.  Lightweight formulations are easier for your skin to absorb in the summer. Leaving you feeling hydrated and refreshed without the feeling of the product just sitting on top of your skin.  Use of heavy moisturizers in the summer when your skin does not need as much hydration can also lead to the development of milia.  

“If you use something too rich in the summer, you may break out, or you may get those little milia, everybody hates those little white tiny cysts that they get from too rich of a moisturizer — from kids all the way to adults, it’s not an age thing. Everybody thinks it is, but it’s not.

-Dr. Amy Kassouf, dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic

Milia are tiny skin-colored bumps that occur when keratin gets trapped under the skin.  They can be exacerbated by heavy creams and lotions when the skin is already adequately hydrated.

Check out our top picks: 

COSRX Oil Free Moisturizer With Birch Sap

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (My ALL TIME FAVORITE for oily, acne-prone skin!!)

Power Up Your Summer Skincare With Antioxidants

The hot summer months not only mean an increase in the strenght of UV rays but also an increased exposure to pollutants.

Both lead to oxidative stress on the skin. Meaning a breakdown in collagen production, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, and a duller complexion.  To fight these environmental irritants, it’s essential to include a high-quality antioxidant in your skincare routine, one of the most popular of which being Vitamin C!  Antioxidants are an essential line of defense because they neutralize harmful free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and brighten the skin.  

Check out our top picks: 

Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum for Sensitive Skin

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (Best for sensitive & drier skin types)

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our guide to summer skincare, let’s remember that the season calls for some vital shifts in our routine.

Embracing consistent sunscreen use, opting for lightweight makeup, choosing lighter moisturizers, and incorporating antioxidants like Vitamin C can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your skin. By following these essential tips, you’re not just adapting to the demands of summer; you’re elevating your skincare game to ensure a radiant, youthful, and hydrated complexion all season long. So enjoy the sun, the beach, and the outdoors this summer without worry. Here’s to a glowing summer!

*Disclosure: I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own.  This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase from one of the links.  You can read my full disclaimer here. *


What are your favorite summer skincare tips?

I want to hear what summer skincare tips have helped to transform your skincare routine! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried any of these summer skincare tips.