The sun is out, temperatures are heating up, and it’s time to get outdoors and put your best skin forward. But getting the summery, glowy skin of your dreams takes work – and the right products in your repertoire.

Here’s how to switch up your skincare routine for the warm summer months.

1. Declutter and Reorganize

First, it’s important to get out with the old, and in with the new. After months of hibernating and cozying up through winter and spring, we’re sure that you have some products that are expired or past their prime.

That’s why we recommend that you go through your lotions, oils, creams, and brushes – and nix anything that you notice:

• Is beyond its expiration date / PAO
• Has a noticeable change in color, consistency, or scent
• Is unopened or something that you haven’t used in the last 6 months

And no, you’re not being wasteful. You’re doing your skin – and your counter space – a major favor.

2. Stick to Lighter Products

Next, it’s time to re-rack your beauty go-to products and prioritize lighter textures and formulations. Why? During summer, our skin tends to hold more water. On top of that, we’re sweating and producing oil much more frequently than we do in the winter and spring months. It’s important to update your routine accordingly and stick to:

• A restorative hyaluronic acid moisturizer
• A peptide-rich-yet-light nighttime face gel
• A refreshing and soothing facial toner
• An omega-rich, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich facial oil

3. Moisturize Regularly

Don’t. Skip. Your. Moisturizer.

We know it may be tempting - after running around in the sun, spending time in the water, and dealing with hot, sticky evenings, it may feel like you don’t need to slather on any extra hydration.

But lathering on moisturizer can not only keep your skin from drying out but also:

• Protect your skin against environmental stressors
• Prevent your skin from becoming irritated
• Lock in moisture from the day
• Keep skin clear and even-toned

Again, we just recommend that you stick to a light, airy formulation with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, MSM, and vitamin C.

4. Battle Environmental Stressors

Speaking of vitamin C, summer is an absolutely crucial time to make sure that you’re getting enough antioxidant protection.

Why? UV rays are the number one cause of free radical damage – in fact, UV is responsible for a full 80% of the visible signs of aging. And antioxidants are proven to stop that damage in its tracks, helping to:

• Correct the visible signs of aging
• Protect against sunburn
• Brighten skin
• Prevent damage and skin cancers
• Soothe and moisturize the skin

Find all the antioxidants you need in our Most Loved Starter Routine.

5. Stop Breakouts in Their Tracks

Again, heat and humidity are always going to increase oil and sweat production. Add to that more dust and debris from the environment, and you have a recipe for increased breakouts and irritation.

It’s important, then, that your summer routine includes some real acne-busters like:

• Glycolic acid
• Vitamin E
• Licorice root
• Green tea

We recommend that you find them in an active serum, like Soulmate, that contains glycolic acid, green tea, and licorice root benefits.

6. Slather on the SPF

Finally, you need to focus on preventing sunburn and skin damage. This can only be accomplished using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. If you’re looking to avoid that white caste, you can add your sunscreen to your moisturizer for a lighter touch.

Enjoy the summer sun!