Have you ever put on your morning moisturizer, left the house and instantly sweat it all off? Different seasons require different skin care routines. In summer you’ll find that the sun and heat can really take a toll on your complexion, much like you battle dry skin in the winter.

When you’re getting ready for the summer and switching out your wardrobe, use the following tips to also switch out skincare routine.

Full-body exfoliant 

You’re going to be showing a lot more skin soon, so it’s time to make sure your skin looks its best. A full-body exfoliant to use in the shower is a good starting point. 

Do you have those little bumps on the backs of your arms or legs? They’re not pimples or ingrown hairs, they’re a skin condition called keratosis pilaris. It’s a very common condition and completely harmless, but it can make you feel uncomfortable and you might not like the way it looks. 

Medical treatment isn’t necessary, but you can get medicated lotions to help clear it up if you wish. You can also use an exfoliator in the shower to remove dead skin and make your moisturizer more effective. Make this a part of your shower routine, and your skin will thank you this season. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliating can make your skin look brighter, keep you looking more youthful, and improve the effectiveness of topical skin treatments. All of these benefits are important, but in the summer when sunscreen is crucial, exfoliating is a key part of protecting your skin.

Use a moisturizer

You may already be using a moisturizer as part of your face care routine. When the summer rolls around, you’ll want to have one that’s designed for your face and one for the rest of your skin. 

The Simple Beauty Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer is a perfect way to moisturize and nourish your skin after you’ve cleansed and exfoliated. Not only do the natural botanicals provide the hydration your skin needs, but the retinal encourages and enhances collagen rejuvenation. This means your skin will feel refreshed as ever with a more soft, youthful-looking appearance.

Leg care with oil

Many people deal with legs that are constantly dry. You rub in moisturizer, and an hour later they’re just as dry as they were before. It’s time to turn to oil. 

Look for an oil that boosts glow to give you a fresh summer look. Make sure to keep it in your shower. Once you’re done showering and still damp, pat the oil on your legs and any other problem dry spots you have to get beneath the surface and soften.

Sunscreen

No article about skincare in the summer would be complete without mentioning sunscreen. While protecting your skin and appearance is important, protecting your health is vital. In the United States, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

When picking a sunscreen, look for one with UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays increase your risk for skin cancer while UVB rays cause sunburns and skin damage. 

If you’re confused about SPF levels, you’re not alone. SPF doesn’t increase proportionately. In fact, an SPF 30 absorbs about 97% of the sun’s rays and an SPF 50 absorbs about 98%. 

The numbers on sunscreen are meant to tell you how long you’re protected, not necessarily how much. As an example, if it takes 20 minutes for your skin to start turning red from the sun, with an SPF 15 it will take 15 times longer or about 5 hours.

Where it gets really confusing is that no sunscreen, even SPF 100 should be expected to last more than two hours and should also be reapplied after you’ve gone swimming or after sweating a lot.

To put it simply

Your skin has different requirements throughout the year. It goes through seasonal cycles that place demands on your skincare routine that you need to accommodate. 

Adjusting your process and using products designed to support the season will give you fantastic looking skin and will protect you from sun damage.

When it’s time to pull out your shorts and tank tops, it’s also time to begin a new exfoliating and moisturizing routine. The Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer is a perfect way to enhance your face care routine, but you’ll also need an oil that puts more attention on your exposed arms and legs. It’s also time to get serious about sun protection. Try a few sunscreens with an SPF over 30, until you find one you like. Getting one you like is key because you’re going to need to use it daily, and you’ll typically have to reapply it more than once for long days in the sun.