11 Summer Skin Care Hacks

While we love a summer swim in the ocean and taking trips to the beach with our BFFs, the warm weather season isn’t exactly without its downsides. For starters, taking care of your skin during the summer months can come with its own set of challenges—it’s not all splashing under the sun and relaxing on the sand. The good news is, there are quite a few summer skin care hacks that can make your skin care routine a whole lot easier. So, what are you waiting for? Add these summer skin care hacks—ranging from changing your facial cleanser to relying on self-tanner for your beach body to hydrating your face with a water-based moisturizer—to your repertoire now! 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #1: SWITCH TO A GEL CLEANSER

After working up a sweat in the summer heat, you may find that your complexion looks overly oily. That’s why cleansing should be the first step in your skin care routine. This summer, consider using a gel facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser, which lifts dirt and impurities without over-drying skin. To use, wet your face and hands with lukewarm water, work a small amount of gel into a foamy lather and massage it onto your face in a gentle, circular motion, and rinse with lukewarm water.

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #2: TRY A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

When the heat and humidity start ramping up, you may want to consider using a different moisturizer. No, you shouldn’t skip moisturizer during the summer—it’s all about finding one that suits your needs this season. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Find your match below. Smooth your water-based moisturizer of choice over your face and neck after cleansing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is damp, as this can help lock in hydration—so don’t towel off when you’re done cleansing. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin: Normal and dry skin faces external factors like pollution and UV rays that can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin surface can lose its glow and become dull-looking. This moisturizer helps envelop skin with moisture and boost the look of radiance. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin: In normal and oily skin, external factors like pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and an increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can end up looking overly shiny. This moisturizer helps reduce the look of excess shine and has a matte finish. 

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin: Extra dry skin has a very fragile skin moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors such as pollution and UV rays. Skin can consequently lose its ability to retain moisture, becoming easily dehydrated and feeling tight and uncomfortable. This moisturizer helps make skin feel comfortable and nourished with moisture. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #3: TAKE SUN PROTECTION SERIOUSLY

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day—but that’s not the only sun protection measure you should take. In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, the FDA also advises reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating), limiting your time in the sun (especially during its peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, long pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. 

Editor’s tip: Want to streamline your skin care routine? Use one product for moisture and SPF! Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30.

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #4: EXFOLIATE FROM HEAD TO TOE

Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, causing your skin to look dull—which during the summer months is not ideal, as you’re likely interested in showing off your skin in your warm weather wardrobe. What can you do? It’s time to turn your attention to exfoliation! Exfoliate your face with a sugar scrub such as the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub. And don’t forget to exfoliate your body, too! Use a body scrub or exfoliating glove in the shower. As far as how often you should exfoliate, that depends. There’s no right or wrong answer—some people can handle daily exfoliation, while others may only be able to do so once or twice a week. Pay attention to how your skin responds to help determine what works best for you. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #5: BLEND BRONZER WITH FACIAL OIL

What’s summer without a sun-kissed glow? Achieve a subtle-looking bronze easily by mixing a drop of a shimmery liquid bronzer into a few drops of facial oil and applying it to your complexion. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #6: SPRITZ ON A FACIAL MIST

Running around all day in the heat and in need of a midday pick-me-up? Keep a bottle of facial mist on hand to help refresh your skin on the go. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #7: USE BLOTTING PAPERS TO HELP SOP UP EXCESS OIL

Blotting sheets can be really useful during the summer months. If you tend to start looking overly oily during the day, stash a pack in your purse to help absorb excess grease whenever needed. They’re convenient and don’t take up much space, making them a summer skin care must-have. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #8: STORE PRODUCTS IN THE FRIDGE

It’s time to chill out! We’re talking about putting a few key skin care products in your refrigerator this summer to help provide a cool treat for your skin. One such skin care product that you can store in your fridge is eye cream. So, pop in the L’Oréal Paris Eye Defense. This light, non-greasy gel-cream is specially formulated to defend against signs of aging around the eyes, including puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Once you’re ready to use it, take it out of the fridge and apply it in small dots around your eyes until thoroughly absorbed. 

Want to help cool off your complexion before you go to bed? Another skin care product you can stash in your refrigerator is an overnight face mask, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Intensive Overnight Mask. This creamy, leave-on face mask can immediately make skin feel hydrated and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles with continued use over time. After cleansing, use this overnight mask in place of your regular moisturizer, smoothing it over your face, neck, and jawline until absorbed. Leave it on overnight, then go about your regular skin care routine in the morning. 

SUMMER care SKIN care HACK #9: COOL DOWN YOUR SHOWERS

After spending a day out in the sun, we have a feeling that nothing will feel quite as nice as stepping into a cool shower. And this won’t just feel good—it’s also good for your skin. The thing is, hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, which is why it’s a good idea to turn down the dial and wash off in lukewarm temps instead. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #10: DITCH FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER FOR BB CREAM

If you’re looking to lay off the makeup over the summer but still want flawless-looking skin, try a BB cream. Does your skin tend to look red during the summer? The L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness has a green tint that transforms to a universal shade to help reduce the look of redness. BB cream is a multi-purpose product that can help cut down on the number of steps in your beauty routine. This one helps neutralize the look of redness, correct skin for an even-looking complexion, and provide long-lasting moisture. 

SUMMER SKIN care HACK #11: FAKE A BEACH BODY

When summer comes around, it’s time to show off those gorgeous legs! And there’s a simple way to get a golden glow that makes it look like you spent the day at the beach—use the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium. The gradual self-tanner provides a bronzed glow within hours, while continued use deepens skin tone for a buildable, streak-free glow.

Step 1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, and this buildup can cause self-tanner to go on patchy. To help ensure your fake tan looks believe, it’s a good idea to exfoliate in the shower beforehand. 

Step 2: Smooth the self-tanner on evenly over your entire body. Use sparingly around your ankles, knees, and elbows. These areas tend to get dry and can soak up color more easily, so a little goes along way. 

Step 3: Wash your hands thoroughly after use. You don’t want tan handprints around your house—or stained palms.

Step 4: Let your skin dry completely before putting on clothes. When you do get dressed, reach for loose, dark clothing to help prevent staining. 

Use the self-tanner in place of body lotion three times per week for best results.

Once you’ve had your fill of summer skin care hacks, click over to our article on 15 Sumer Makeup Hacks to Get You Ready for the Season.