During the cold winter months, you dream of healthy, glowing summer skin. But the reality is that summer means hot weather, humidity, and increased sun exposure which can result in sweat-induced clogged pores, dark spots, dehydration, and sunburns.

Whatever the season, healthy skin is ALWAYS the goal. No matter if you have dry, combination, or oily skin – sun, surf, sweat, and sunscreen can all play havoc with your skin.

With consistency, the perfect skincare routine will work for you year-round. However, there are a few changes you can make to help minimize the side effects that the summer season can have on your skin.  Read on to find out how to keep your skin looking its best throughout the summer season — and beyond.

6 Essential Summer Skincare Tips

1. Don’t Over Wash Your Face

Though it might be tempting to wash your face more in the summer, especially when you’ve been sweating outside in the sun.

If you add an extra wash in here and there that’s fine, but in general, most people only need to wash twice a day.  Anything more can lead to dehydrated and even irritated skin!

2. Don’t Forget to Moisturize!

In the summer, just like changing your seasonal wardrobe, your skincare routine should also become a little more lightweight.

Many people wrongly assume that it’s now too hot for moisturizer, or that their skin doesn’t need it if they live in a humid climate. Both assumptions are untrue.

The need for preventing winter dryness is over so you can stop using rich creams. But your summer skincare still requires hydration, so start using oil free and water based moisturizers instead.

Ideally, skin experts advise looking for formulas that specifically contain glycerin and sodium hyaluronate —Hyaluronic Acid.

Why hyaluronic acid? This potent ingredient — not only attracts, but locks in moisture — it is able to hold nearly 1000 times its weight in water. It can be found in formulas that are water-based and nearly weightless which is perfect for summer!

3. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Hydration is so important. We’ve already talked about how important moisturizer is in your summer skincare routine, but you should start hydrating your skin from the inside out.

Make sure to drink enough water during the day! With the summer heat and time outside, it’s easy to become dehydrated. If you want that glowing, gorgeous summer skin, make hydration a priority.

Want to know a pro tip? Drinking lots of water also helps your skin heal much faster from a sunburn.

4. Invest in a Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is great year-round, but even more important in the  summer. This antioxidant helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improves the appearance of fine lines, and helps boost collagen production.

For the best results, layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and moisturizing.

5. Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

To keep it simple, if you want healthy- glowy skin? Wear sunscreen.

Proper UV protection is by far the most important step in any skincare routine year-round, but especially during the summer when the days are longer and you inevitably spending more time in the sun.

Experts recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin. Don't forget about hands, feet, ears, and lips.

It’s also recommended to add Vitamin C into your summer skincare routine alongside your SPF to help further protect your skin from the photo damage caused by those ultra-violet rays. As an antioxidant, it helps fight against pollutants and helps boost your SPF.

Start using Raybae Skin Brightening C Serum alongside your daily sunscreen to keep your face looking young and glowing!

6. Make Sure Your Products Are Non-Comedogenic

Clogged pores can lead to breakouts in the summer. An easy way to prevent sweat and oil build up is to use skincare and makeup products that are “non-comedogenic”. Which is just a fancy word for a product formulated without pore-clogging ingredients.

Take a close look at your makeup product labels and only keep those that are noncomedogenic. For the best results, look for powder sunscreen (or non-comedogenic sunscreen), oil-free primers, and lightweight, oil-free foundations or tinted moisturizers.

The Bottom Line…

Enjoy the gorgeous weather you've been waiting all year for —just keep these summer skincare tips in mind.

• Consider switching any heavier products out with lighter counterparts for the summer. Remember, if you're not wearing a winter coat, why should your skin?
• Hydrate! Drink water, and don’t skip the moisturizer.
• Oil free and water based products are going to be your skins hero.
• Nourish and protect your skin. Add a Vitamin C Serum into your routine and don’t forget the SPF!