7 Tips to Help You Get Your Skin Ready for Summer

Warmer weather is finally among us and summer is in sight. Yay! While you’re probably already planning your summer wardrobe of swimsuits, shorts, and sandals. But have you thought about how your skin care routine will 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 in your skin care regimen as well. Not sure where to start? Here are six 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 gentle cleanser, like micellar water. Pick one 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.

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 don’t want to commit, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Summer Express Wash-Off Body Makeup Lotion washes off with soap and water. 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 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 Treatment 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.

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 lightweight BB cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, 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.

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!