Summer Glow Up - Summer Skin

Prep, Protect, and Perfect Your Way to Glowing Skin

By Tina Peckahm

As the sun comes out to play, so do we — and our skin deserves to glow just as brightly. Whether beach bound or brunching with besties, radiant skin (and an easy, breezy skincare routine) is the ultimate summer accessory. Lucky for us, minimal makeup is a must — because no one wants to spend more time than necessary working up a sweat while getting ready in the restroom. Read on for a few of our favorite ways to prep, protect, and perfect your skin so you can be beautifully bare faced and confident throughout the warmest months of the year.

(Includes Amazon Affiliate links to some of our favorites!)

Prep Your Skin

Exfoliate wisely

Exfoliate wisely. Glowing skin starts with a smooth surface. Exfoliating a couple of times a week after cleansing helps slough off dead skin cells that can dull your complexion, revealing brighter, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. Skin experts suggest chemical exfoliants with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) over physical facial scrubs because they give a more even result and don’t cause micro tears in the skin. Physical scrubs can be used sparingly as long as they’re finely grained and non-abrasive. (We are shuddering at the St. Ives Apricot Scrub from our youth!)

Pro Tip: Always apply sunscreen after exfoliating, as your skin can be more sensitive to the sun.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating, Brightening and Smoothing Toner, $13 - Check it out on Amazon.

Hydrate, Hydrate, then Hydrate Some More

Serums and prescription actives are great (we love vitamin C serum and Rx tretinoin or retinol), but for the purposes of this piece, we’d like to focus on hydrating during the often-dry summer months. Excessive sun exposure and swimming in chlorinated pools can strip our skin, leaving it dry and dull — which is why moisturizer is a must to keep that plump, dewy, lit-from-within complexion. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without feeling heavy or greasy. Essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, while glycerin helps lock it in. Bonus points for skin health heroes like ceramides and peptides, which boost hydration, protect the skin barrier, and stimulate collagen production.

Pro Tip: To maximize your moisturizer’s effectiveness, apply it to clean, damp skin after cleansing.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide, $25. - Check it out on Amazon

Protect

One word. Sunscreen.

If you apply only one product this summer, please let it be sunscreen. Long gone are the days of slathering baby oil all over our bodies and lounging in the backyard for hours. Sun protection isn’t optional — it's essential, no matter the age. (Just ask any Gen X or Millennial friend about their ’90s tanning bed use — nothing but regrets.) Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors. Don’t forget easy-to-overlook areas like your ears, neck, and the backs of your hands. For double duty, look for makeup products with built-in sun protection — but don’t rely on SPF makeup alone, as it won’t be as strong as a bona fide sunscreen. Not only will applying (and reapplying!) SPF improve the appearance of your complexion, making it more youthful and even-toned, the risk of skin cancer will be significantly reduced. Talk about a skin win-win!As for mineral vs. chemical sunscreen? The choice is yours. Both have their pros and cons, just do your research and try a few formulas until you find one that’s right for you.

Pro Tip: Try a tinted SPF for sun protection, light coverage, and a dewy glow in one step

ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, $79 - Check it out on Amazon

The Why Behind SPF

SPF literally means “sun protection factor,” as it determines how much your skin is protected from UV light. SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s harmful rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%. Contrary to popular belief, the higher number doesn’t mean that you get a double whammy of protection. Above 30, the difference is minimal — SPF 50 blocks 98% and SPF 100 blocks 99%.

Perfect

Get that summer glow!

Get that perfect summer glow! Want to level up the luminosity? Consider adding that aforementioned vitamin C serum to your morning skincare routine to brighten dullness and even skin tone. The most important part is to start with a solid skincare routine — cleansing, exfoliating, serums as needed, and moisturizer — and get glowing from there. Once your skincare is set, layer on a luminous primer or tinted moisturizer for a dewy complexion. For an instant highlight, dab a cream highlighter on top of your cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow. Oh, and make sure to drink lots of water! You skin will instantly thank you.

Pro Tip: Mix a few drops of your favorite illuminator or glow serum with your moisturizer for extra radiant coverage.