skin care essentials 7 Tips to Help You Get Your Skin Ready for Summer

Warmer weather is finally among us and summer is in sight. Yay! You’re probably already planning your summer wardrobe of swimsuits, shorts, and sandals. But have you thought about how your skin care routine should change with the season? Just as you switch your clothes once the temperature starts to rise, you may want to consider making a few swaps, like to your facial cleanser, moisturizer, and face mask, in your skin care routine as well. Not sure where to start? Here are seven tips to help you prep your skin for summer.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #1: CLEANSE MORNING AND NIGHT

All that sticky humidity can leave your face looking a bit, well, greasy. Help sweep away dirt, oils, and impurities from the surface of your skin morning and night with a clay facial cleanser or micellar water. If you have enough time to work a traditional lather and rinse cleanse into your routine, try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. If you’re on the go, pick a micellar water that’s mattifying, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin. Just pour some out onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face—no rinsing required! Store a bottle near your nightstand so you can easily cleanse if you’re pressed for time. You can also toss one in your tote if you think you’ll need to cleanse on the go.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #2: TRY A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

In the colder winter and spring months, you may find yourself finding you need to use a richer cream to help keep your skin hydrated. But when it’s warmer outside, you may find that a lightweight face lotion is all you need. Consider using a water-based moisturizer with a matte finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Smooth it gently over your face after cleansing.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #3: TAKE SUN PROTECTION MEASURES

It’s important to take sun protection measures year-round, but if this hasn’t been on your radar, now’s a good time to start since you may be spending more time outdoors these days. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher regularly as directed. But that’s not all. In addition to wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, make sure to reapply every two hours (and immediately after swimming or sweating), limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. If you’re pressed for time, look for a moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #4: FAKE A FAUX GLOW WITH SELF-TANNER

Go ahead and show off those gorgeous gams! Fake a summer tan by using a self-tanner. To find your ideal self-tanner formula, start by asking yourself what kind of coverage you want. If you want to gradually build your tan, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium will do the trick. If you’re travelling, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Towelettes are individually wrapped so you can throw a few in your suitcase. Just remember to cleanse, exfoliate, and use an oil-free moisturizer beforehand to help ensure the color goes on smoothly.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #5: ADD A MATTIFYING FACE MASK and face scrub TO YOUR ROUTINE

Impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oily. So, add a mattifying face mask to your weekly beauty routine. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Purify & Mattify Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava) and enhanced with eucalyptus leaf extract to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and reduce the look of excess shine. To use, apply an even layer to clean dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then remove with water. For best results, use three times a week. And, on the days you’re not masking, try adding a mattifying face scrub to your routine. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub is formulated with three pure sugars and kiwi to provide skin with gently exfoliation for tighter-looking pores and a less shiny visage with every use.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #6: CUT BACK ON THE FACE MAKEUP

Summer is the perfect time to opt for low-key makeup. Instead of foundation, try using a luminous, lightweight cream, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, instead. This do-it-all product primes to smooth skin’s texture, corrects the look of skin for an even complexion, hydrates, and perfects to hide imperfections. Apply it with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender once you’ve gone through your skin care routine. For an added glow, dab a drop or two of the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops onto your cheekbones and go about your day.

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIP #7: TREAT YOURSELF TO A PEDICURE

With sandal season quickly approaching, that means your feet are about to be front and center. Pamper yourself by scheduling an appointment at your local nail salon for a pedicure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the foot massage—you deserve it! No time to head to the salon? Try buffing a gentle body scrub into your feet, rinse, and follow up with the nail polish of your choice.

Now that you know how to tailor your skin care routine in preparation of summer, why not take the time to learn all the ways to keep it looking its best all summer long? Learn what you need to know by reading our article, Summer Skin SPF Tips: Don’t Miss These 5 Spots.