Summer Skin Care: How To Prep Your Skin For Summer

We wait all year for the warm summer months. Long nights by the campfire, days at the beach, weekend getaways, hiking, biking and barbecues. And making the most of this special time of year usually means spending lots of time outdoors. 

At Eminence Organics, we want you to enjoy being outside and stay protected with a proper summer skin care routine. We asked our esthetics experts to hand-pick a few favorite summer skin care essentials to help you prep and protect your skin as we move into the summer months. 

Summer Skin Care For The Daytime

Exfoliate To Prevent Ingrown Hairs

For many of us, one of the major bumps in the road to getting summer ready involves hair removal – and specifically ingrown hairs. These little spots can develop after shaving or waxing when the hair grows back into the skin instead of straight out. They usually show up as tiny bumps that can be painful and even end up swollen and infected.

Because cell turnover is much slower on your legs and underarms, dead skin cells can build up quickly, hiding stubborn ingrown hairs, clogging your razor and causing uncomfortable razor burn. Exfoliating your skin allows any hair that may be tucked under dead skin to be lifted and more easily removed. A scrub can help release ingrown hairs that are starting to form and prevent future ingrown hairs from developing. A couple of days before shaving or waxing, try the Coconut Sugar Scrub to slough off dead skin cells or use a swipe of the lactic acid-packed Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel to create a smooth and primed canvas.

Protect Skin With A Sunscreen Designed For Exercise

A sun-kissed glow might be a summer beauty goal, but proper sun protection is a non-negotiable part of any summer skin care routine. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.

And while we’re on the subject: Did you know that your risk of melanoma doubles if you have had more than five sunburns in your lifetime? If you’re planning to spend time in the sun, protecting your skin from sun damage should be priority number one.  

Shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, which is formulated with zinc oxide. Whether you’re swimming or playing sports outside, this sweat and water-resistant sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from UV rays throughout those hot days. Resistant through water activities and perspiration for up to 40 minutes, this sport formulation should be a permanent fixture in your beach bag to prevent sun damage. Just remember to apply it at least 15 minutes before you head outside and re-apply every two hours. More is more when it comes to protecting your skin. 

Use A Replenishing Mask To Hydrate Parched Skin

Chlorine (and salt water, if you’re a beach bunny) can strip away oil from the skin, leaving your summer complexion parched and dry. Consider treating your skin with a replenishing mask to rehydrate your complexion. If you’re suffering from too much sun and dry skin, our Strawberry Rhubarb Masque uses shea butter to provide the deep moisture you need for a plump and refreshed appearance. 

To help the look of drying environmental damage, try a boost of vitamins and a smoothie’s worth of citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil. Not only does the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque improve the appearance of dry, red skin, it leaves you looking bright, firm and plumped.

To rejuvenate your skin after masking, rehydrate your whole body with plenty of water. Down those eight glasses a day and keep your moisture levels topped up, inside and out.

Switch To A Moisturizer With SPF

Who doesn’t love the ease of a moisturizer that doubles as sun protection? Our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 is the multitasker you need this summer. This moisturizer uses natural minerals zinc oxide and titanium oxide to block UV rays. Lilikoi seed oil helps with the visible signs of aging, so the Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer not only protects the skin from the elements, it also leaves you lightly hydrated and looking fresh and natural. 

And since we’re really into SPF around here, it can’t hurt to mention another all mineral SPF moisturizer that is silicone-free and formulated specifically for the face and neck. The Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 has shea butter and a light scent of vanilla – you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a tropical oasis.

Apply Makeup That Doubles As Sun Care

If you’re looking for another multi-purpose product, our mineral powders pull double duty as skin care and makeup. For a more natural look this summer, swap out your traditional finishing powder for our Sun Defense Minerals. With five versatile shades plus one translucent powder to choose from, you’ll find just the right option for you. And don’t forget to protect your lips, which are highly susceptible to sunburn. Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15 is infused with rosehip oil, lavender and zinc oxide to keep your pucker perfectly moisturized and protected.

At Night: Repair Your Skin For An Ongoing Glow

Nighttime Skin Care Starts With Cleansing 

You’re doing everything right during the day, but even the most protected skin can use some overnight care. Whether it’s chlorine, salt water or a bit too much time with a bit too little sunscreen, your skin will always benefit from some TLC. To help keep the skin clear this summer, make sure that you never go to bed without washing your face. Skipping the occasional wash might not seem like a big deal, but between sweat, oil, sand and SPF, your face sees a lot on a summer day and needs a good cleanse to get rid of all the surface buildup and impurities. Try the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser and head to bed with a fresh face.

The sun’s harmful impact on the body doesn’t stop once you’ve sought out shade; the effects of UV exposure, including dry and itchy skin, can take from two to four hours to fully develop. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to follow time spent in the sun with the replenishing moisture from these Eminence Organics after-sun essentials.

Replenish Moisture

If your skin is suffering from sun exposure, hydrate and gently resurface dry skin with our Mangosteen Body Lotion. Infused with antioxidant-rich mangosteen and our Lactic Acid Complex, this lightweight lotion will leave your skin soft and moisturized.

Give dry, dull, itchy skin across your body some relief with Yuzu Solid Body Oil. This transformative solid body oil infuses dry, dull skin with dreamy yuzu and vitamin-rich camu camu for radiant skin. Refining PHA and lush tropical oils enhance hydration for all skin types to leave even the most sun-parched skin supple and glowing. Plus this body oil has a light yet irresistible citrus scent that feels as bright and uplifting as the summer sun.

How do you protect your skin from the sun? Browse our full list of summer essentials and find even more summer skin care tips and recommendations at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.