SKIN DEEP

onD t Sweat it HERE COMES THE SUN. We've got you covered.

When the seasons change, our skincare routine should shift too. Use this easy-to-follow advice to keep your skin fresh, healthy and ready to face the coming heat.

tips

Warmer weather is here, and everyone is anxious to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Be ready for what increased temps, humidity and UV rays can do to your skin.

DITCH THE HEAVY CREAMS: Now that the dry, winter air is behind us, the heat and humidity are settling in. Even though oil production tends to increase in the summer, hydrating your skin is still essential, especially after long days in the sun. However, it’s time to move away from heavy creams that tend to clog pores. Instead, opt for a light, oil-free moisturizing lotion and find skin-boosting serums that include antioxidants to help your skin look its best.

KICK THE EXFOLIATION UP A NOTCH: You should exfoliate all year long, but the summer humidity helps the skin be less sensitive when using scrubs and peels. Take advantage of it! Find a facial peel that helps reduce pore size and leaves your skin with a summer glow. Even use a full body scrub before you shower to help slough away dry skin, especially around the knees and elbows.

FIGHT ACNE:

Heat and humidity, as well as salt water and chlorine, can wreak havoc on your skin. Add a glycolic mask once a week to soothe irritated skin and keep a professional grade, 5 percent benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment on call to clear away unwanted breakouts.

HELP THOSE EYES:

Delicate eye tissue is a common place for sunburns and is the first place you’ll notice premature wrinkles. Find an eye treatment for the summer that is lightweight and fastabsorbing to keep your peepers looking bright and alert after late nights or waterside days.

CONTROL THE SHINE: One of the best warm-weather skin care gems is an oil blotting cream. A lightweight mattifier and blotting cream will keep surface shine at bay. Not only can it be applied under makeup in the morning, it can be used over makeup as needed throughout the day—so keep it handy at all times.

GET SMART

Stash a pair of sunnies in the car to grab on the go. You'll be prepared and stylish.

SOFTEN DARK SPOTS:

Melasma—a common skin discoloration consisting of dark spots around the forehead, cheeks and upper lip—is a summertime annoyance. Apply a dark spot corrector and fade cream nightly to help diminish dark spots’ appearance.

Women age 49 and under are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer except breast.

Source: American Cancer Society

PREVENT SKIN DAMAGE: Sun damage is a primary cause of premature aging. Those wrinkles and brown spots are likely caused by too much time in the sun and not enough sun protection. For gorgeous skin now and later, use sunscreen all year long. Use plenty and reapply often—every two hours at a minimum if outside and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Many sunscreens are heavy and oily, which can contribute to breakouts and shine. Find a lightweight lotion or serum that will soak into skin without leaving a white cast. Also, be sure to make note of any medications or acne treatments that may increase sun sensitivity.

REMEMBER YOUR LIPS:

Many people forget to protect their lips in the summer. They’re already prone to sunburn, and reflective glosses can make the risk for sun damage to lips even worse. Find a clear lip topcoat that includes an SPF or use a tinted lip color SPF to keep those lips healthy. Don’t forget to reapply when you’re outside.

COOL OFF WITH A SPRITZ:

Another well-kept secret? A facial mist! Not only do they cool you down instantly on a hot summer day, facial mists offer nourishing ingredients to soothe, hydrate, protect and rejuvenate facial skin. They can be applied right after washing your face, over makeup and anytime you need to freshen up on-the-go!

DRINK YOUR H2O: This is probably the best skincare and overall health tip—drink plenty of water. Your skin contains about 64 percent water, so if you don’t get enough, your skin pays the price. Eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day is a good starting point for a daily hydration goal, but amp it up depending on your time outside and your activity level.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST.

TRY THIS NEW TRICK!

A GOOD 'OLE TRUTH: