8 Essential Skincare Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

Whether you prefer to spend your summer days lounging poolside, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors with your family, protecting your skin from the harsh summer elements should always be a top priority. And while the allure of a glowing tan is undeniable, maintaining healthy and radiant skin as we age requires a bit of care. So, we’ve rounded up eight skincare tips to keep your skin protected and nourished all summer long.

1. Cool Down with Aloe Vera

With natural cooling properties that reduce inflammation and soothe sunburns, aloe vera is a summer skincare essential. To maximize those cooling properties, we recommend storing your aloe vera in the fridge. That way, when those inevitable summer sunburns strike, you have a refreshingly cool healing ointment that will provide instant relief. The best part about aloe vera? It’s 100% natural, so you can reapply several times a day to keep your skin hydrated and calm.

2. Hydrate from Within

Sun exposure can leave your skin feeling dehydrated and tight—and that chlorinated pool you’ve been swimming in isn’t helping matters. To replenish lost moisture (and avoid heatstroke) it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Need a way to make your water a bit more appetizing? Add slices of cucumber, fresh mint, or seasonal fruit for a refreshing twist that will cool your body from the inside out.

3. Gentle Cleansing Ritual

Between multiple sunscreen applications, pool time, and excess heat, the summer can be pretty harsh on our skin. To avoid putting any additional pressure on it, use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a sulfate-free cleanser that nourishes and hydrates while effectively removing sunscreen, sweat, and impurities. Gently massage the cleanser onto damp skin, then rinse with cold or lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin any further.

4. Soothing Bath with Oatmeal

If your sunburn is more severe, a soothing oatmeal bath can work wonders (especially for those who don’t like the stickiness of aloe vera). To create your own mix, simply grind plain oats into a fine powder. Sprinkle it into lukewarm bath water until it dissolves and soak for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as often as you like to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

5. Moisturize with After-Sun Lotion

While aloe vera and oatmeal are great for providing instant relief, you can’t exactly walk around all day covered in sticky aloe vera gel or spend hours in an oatmeal bath. That’s where after-sun lotions come into play. With nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, and antioxidants, after-sun lotions are specifically formulated to help repair damage caused by the sun. Apply generously all over your body, paying extra attention to areas that are most exposed to the sun (like your shoulders and ears).

6. Embrace the Power of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is well-known for its ability to attract and retain moisture—but did you know it’s a post-sun skincare superhero too? Adding a hyaluronic acid serum into your post-sun skincare routine will keep your skin hydrated from the inside and plump on the outside (which is code for youthful). Simply apply a few drops of your favorite hyaluronic acid serum to clean, damp skin and gently pat it in until fully absorbed. Then follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in all those juicy skincare benefits.

7. Don’t Forget Your Lips

While most of us slather sunscreen on our noses, ears, and shoulders multiple times a day, our lips typically don’t receive the same level of care—but they’re just as vulnerable to sun damage. That said, you don’t exactly want to slather your lips in sunscreen. Instead, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to shield against UV rays and prevent dryness. Reapply frequently, especially after eating or drinking, to maintain protection and keep your lips soft and supple.

8. Protect Your Skin for Tomorrow

Last but certainly not least, is our most important tip: protection. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before heading outdoors every day—yes, even when it’s cloudy. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating to ensure continuous protection against harmful UV rays and keep your skin healthy year-round.

Regardless of your summer plans, the appearance of your skin is a direct reflection of how well you treat it. Embracing these summer skincare rituals will keep your skin happy, healthy, and ready for your next summer adventure!