Summer is almost here which means long beach days, margaritas, patio lunches and, above all, sun. Over exposure to the sun and heat can leave your skin dehydrated, acne prone, and at risk to premature ageing due to harmful UVA/UVB rays. Now’s the perfect time get ready to face the sun’s rays with our top 7 summer skin tips.

Not sure where to start? Our dermatologists share their top tips to help your skin stay glowing, gorgeous, and well-protected all summer long.

DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS

Yes, your lips need sunscreen, too! The sun can be extremely drying, so ti keep your lips soft and smooth use a rich lip balm with SPF 15 or higher like EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31. Don’t forget to reapply it when you’re outside.

KEEP SKIN HYDRATED

Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are a great fit, working best when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are a refreshing moisturizer prep, working to even out skin porosity.

Tip: Refresh with a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym, on the plane!

APPLY & REAPPLY

It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen.: you must apply enough, and apply frequently. Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.

Tip: Re-apply every two hours. Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can.

DRINK UP

Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells! Eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assist in detoxification.

Tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink!

COOL OFF

Hot showers after sun exposure further dry skin. Turn down the temperature and you’ll pick up a few added benefits.

EXFOLIATE FOR SMOOTH SKIN

Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers. Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application.

Tip: After you exfoliate, follow with a hydrating body cream to seal in moisture, and always shield freshly exfoliated skin with an SPF (as recommended by the FDA). 

REPAIR AND TREAT SUN DAMAGE

A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates damage. For a more intensive post-summer treatment, we suggest trying a laser skin revitalization treatment like Fraxel or PicoSure to truly exfoliate, cleanse and improve your skin. High levels of sun exposure can cause excess pigmentation and damage to skin cells. Lasers like PicoSure and Fraxel work to reduce signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, as well as pigment and age spots by increasing collagen and elastin production – without cosmetic surgery.