7 Summer Skin Care Mistakes You Should Try to Avoid

Summer is officially here—and between barbecues, beach trips, and river floats, you may not be paying quite as much attention to your skin care routine now that your schedule is packed with outdoor activities. But as delightful as it might feel to spend time outside in the warmer weather, it can do a number on your complexion. The good news is, maintaining a consistent summer skin care routine consisting of facial cleanser, moisturizer with SPF, and face masks doesn’t have to be difficult. Here, we share some of the common summer skin care mistakes you could be making and what to do instead to help get your summer skin care routine on track.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #1: SKIPPING CLEANSING

When you’re running around town in the heat, you may notice that your skin starts to look overly oily come midday. That’s because throughout the day, dirt, oils, and makeup can build up on the surface of your skin—which is why you should cleanse your complexion morning and night as part of your skin care routine. Whether you’re traveling or simply have a lot on your plate, reaching for a no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water could be a convenient option during the summer months. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof for All Skin Types combats even the most stubborn long-lasting makeup formulas. All of these formulas are powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oils, and makeup up and away from the skin. Just saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad across your face.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #2: Avoiding exfoliating

If days spent in the sun and sand leave your skin looking and feeling dry, that’s a pretty good indicator that it’s time to exfoliate. Instead of using a chemical exfoliator, try transforming your skin care routine—not to mention your skin—with a face scrub. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub are formulated with three types of sugar and one unique ingredient each to target everything from dry skin and texture issues to slightly shinier skin care concerns.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #3: DITCHING YOUR MOISTURIZER

If you find that your skin looks oilier during the summer months, don’t take moisturizing out of your skin care routine. Instead, look for a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin’s needs this season. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin is oil-free, non-greasy, and has a matte finish. Smooth it over your face and neck after cleansing. And, if you want to use a lightweight moisturizer but don’t have oily skin, you’re in luck because we also have the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #4: NOT TAKING SUN PROTECTION MEASURES

Although sun protection should be top of mind in your skin care routine year-round, you may be thinking about it more often in the summer when it’s hot outside. But if you tend to skip out on applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and taking other sun protection measures during the warm weather months, it’s time to add these measures to your skin care routine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as well as reapplying every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating), limiting your amount of time in the sun (especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Make your skin care routine easier by using a moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #5: missing out on the magic of masking

Summer, as beautiful as a season it may be, can wreak some pretty unsightly havoc on skin. One of the best ways to cater to your seasonal complexion concerns is with a face mask. See below for our best face masks—we have a feeling you’ll fall in love with your new self-care skin care routine.

If your skin looks dull…try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask.

If your skin looks stressed…try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask.

If your skin texture looks rough…try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask or the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask.

If your skin looks overly oily…try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask.

If you want a face mask that works magic overnight…try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Intensive Overnight Mask.

If you have mature skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Face Mask.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #6: FORGETTING ABOUT YOUR FEET

Do you reach for a body lotion when you hop out of the shower but neglect to apply it to your feet? Well, it’s time to show your tootsies some love! Think about it: Chances are, you spend quite a bit of time with your feet in flip flops and sandals during the summer—so why not help them look and feel their best? Apply a thick cream to your feet before bed and put on a pair of socks to help soften the feel of your skin while you sleep.

SUMMER SKIN CARE MISTAKE #7: RUSHING YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

We get it: Summer isn’t as long as many of us wish it was, so you may find yourself rushing through your skin care routine in an effort to spend as much time as you can outside. The thing is, when you do that, you may overlook certain areas of your body—like your ears, lips, and feet—when it comes to sun protection. So, take the time to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed area, pack your bottle of broad-spectrum sunscreen in your tote, and have accessories with you so that you can cover up before heading out for the day. Your skin will thank you!

Loved learning about summer’s top skin care mistakes? Now, read our article, No-Sweat Summer Makeup Ideas, to keep your summer makeup routine on lock, too.