11 Essential Skincare Tips For The Ultimate Summer Glow Up

You know what they say, you are what you eat. To fight against free radical damage from external summer stressors like the sun and climate, Licensed Esthetician for The New Knew Hayley Wood recommends consuming more antioxidant-rich, seasonal foods—like pomegranates, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, watermelon, carrots and leafy greens—to help combat those stressors, including excess UV rays.

You may also consider refreshing your daily and nighttime skincare routine with products packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as raspberry seed oil, green tea and kakuda plum, which has five times the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries, according to Wood.

While an SPF of 30+ is a must, you also need to check your sunscreen to be sure it says “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection”, notes Dr. Jeremy Brauer, a NY-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser. While he prefers sticks and lotions over spray sunscreens, if you’re going to use a spray—because let’s face it, they’re more convenient—be mindful of where you’re spraying. “They’re not designed to be inhaled, so you want to make sure you’re spraying parts of the body where you’re minimizing inhalation.”

For chemical sunscreens particularly, Brauer says the ideal time to apply them is 30 minutes before you leave the house. He also adds that, “The more areas covered by SPF protective clothing, the fewer areas you have to worry about missing (or inadequately applying) with sunscreen.”

Sunburnt hair, do care! “The sun's UV rays can damage hair cuticles, leading to dryness, frizz and color fading,” points out Dr. Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist and leading skincare educator. To protect your hair, he suggests wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. “Additionally, consider using a scalp sunscreen spray to shield your scalp from sunburn.”

According to Portela, summer heat and humidity create an optimal environment for fungal and bacterial infections to grow under skin folds, feet and the groin. This is why it’s so important to change out of those wet, sweaty clothes stat, especially your undergarments. Portela recommends showering and drying yourself after hot summer activities.

After a day at the beach, rinse off in a cold or lukewarm shower, as hot water can dry out your skin by stripping away the natural oils and moisture, disrupting the lipid barrier and increasing water loss through evaporation, advises Portela. “Taking shorter showers with lukewarm or cold water, and using moisturizers can help mitigate these effects and keep your skin hydrated,” he says. “Always apply moisturizer when getting out of the shower.”

It actually breaks down in sunlight and “can make the skin thinner and way more delicate, with a reduced defense mechanism against sun damage,” explains skincare specialist Pietro Simone, founder of Pietro Simone skincare. Instead, he prefers to pack the skin with hydration, antioxidants, peptides and moisurizing compounds during summer. If you absolutely must use it, do so at night and lather on the SPF 50 in the morning, remembering to reapply not just once a day, but often—and more frequently after swimming and sweating, he advises.

“Hands are often one of the most forgotten places to apply SPF, and also often one of the first areas to show aging,” says Portela. Applying SPF to your hands is key, especially when driving, as “our hands are exposed to UV rays through the windshield,” he notes. Whether you’re in sandals or barefoot on the beach, lathering the tops, sides and even in between your toes with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must too.

Taking off your sunscreen at the end of the day is equally as important as applying it in the AM. “A double cleanse is the most effective way to remove stubborn SPF from the face and avoid clogged pores,” tells Portela. “An oil cleanser or a cleansing balm work well to help break up those heavy layers of SPF or makeup on the face. A second cleanse with a gentle cleanser will help remove excess dirt and sweat.” And don’t forget to wash your body too!

Less is certainly more when it comes to your warm-weather skincare routine. “Summers are hot and sticky for most of us, so keep your skincare as simple as possible with a gentle cleanser, hydrating mist, antioxidant-rich serums, and a broad spectrum SPF,” advises Wood. “A focus on hydration and antioxidants are best, while fall and winter are great for supporting more cell turnover by reintroducing retinols and higher grade exfoliation.”

“Sweat can make our skin feel greasy, but with extra washing to remove sunscreen and sweat—combined with possible drying activities like going to a chlorinated pool—summer skin is in desperate need of water,” says Licensed Esthetician Ian Michael Crumm. In addition to upping your water intake and consuming more water-rich foods, he recommends replacing intensive treatments like professional peels with hydrating treatments like a hydrafacial or other soothing spa facial.

“Incorporate serums with hyaluronic acid to give some instant plumping, but lock it in with a soothing moisturizer at night with ceramides so the skin can calm itself down from any potential UV exposure.” Serums with niacinamide are also great to add hydration to the skin while calming inflammation, he notes.

Summer weather and increased outdoor activities can lead to overheating and fatigue, warns Beverly Hills-based Integrative Aesthetics Doctor Dr. Rahi Sarbaziha. To combat these issues, she suggests adding nutrients such as B-vitamins and vitamin C in your diet or as supplements. “These vitamins help boost energy levels and support immune function, ensuring you stay energized and healthy during the summer months.”