In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day this summer, there are other ways you need to protect your skin during the warmer months. Start by thinking about your current skin care products and how they should be adjusted for summer.

Cleanse and Tone

Normal and oily types should use a soap-free cleanser and follow with a non-alcohol toner. This ensures proper cleaning but won`t strip the skin. Don`t be tempted to treat your oily skin with aggressive alcohol-based products-- you`ll only create more problems than you started with.

Dry and sensitive types should continue using their winter cleanser. Also use a hydrating, non-alcohol toner after night cleansing to ensure proper removal of makeup. Look for ingredients like cooling and soothing aloe, cucumber, chamomile and other botanicals. Opt for a spray-on toner and you can spritz your skin throughout the day to keep it cool and hydrated.

Exfoliate

Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating tools. Aggressive exfoliation coupled with sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentaiton. Instead use an AHA or BHA cleanser or moisturizing lotion. This will promote more gradual--but uniform exfoliation--as well as improve your skin`s tone and texture. If you prefer something on the natural side, opt for a light enzyme peel or mask. Remember, exfoliation can temporarily make the skin more photosensitive. For extra insurance, exfoliate or use exfoliating products as part of your nighttime regimen.

Moisturize and Hydrate

Lighten up and replace heavy moisturizers and creams with an oil-free lotion. Most oil-free moisturizers contain ingredients like ceramides, silicone or glycerin that provide hydration without clogging the pores or feeling too heavy. During the day, use a moisturizer with SPF or a tinted moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF. Keep in mind that in order for SPF to be effective, it needs to be reapplied every few hours. If you’re really dry, you can still use your night cream for p.m. rejuvenation. However, if you live in an extremely humid area, you might be surprised to find that something lighter does the trick.

Avoid using moisturizer with SPF at night—give yourself a break from the extra chemicals.

Protect

Research has shown that UV rays cause 90 percent of premature skin aging and cancer. Yet, many people still sun sunscreen in the summer because of breakouts and irritation. For sun protection that you’ll actually wear, looks for one that:

·           Delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with no irritation

·           Contains antioxidants to neutralize free radicals

·           Resists water, sweat and humidity

·           Offers lasting coverage without feeling heavy or greasy

Keep it Simple

With the exception of antioxidants like grapeseed extract, Vitamin C, and green tea, take a summer vacation from aggressive active ingredients. Specifically, unless you plan to stay inside all summer, limit your use of retinoids, retinols and high-concentrations of AHAs. These actives make your skin much more sensitive to the sun—you could end up doing more damage to your skin by using them than avoiding them.

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