How to Keep Your Skin Stunning During Hot Months

And the serum that's your summer skin's best friend.

By
Published July 23, 2025
AARP (Getty Images, 4; Stocksy, 2)
AARP (Getty Images, 4; Stocksy, 2)

Before the Industrial Revolution, fair skin was highly prized, as it signified a life free from outdoor labor. Then, with the advent of industrialization, many people began working indoors, and a suntan became a symbol of leisure and affluence.

This shift was popularized by figures like Coco Chanel, who famously sported a sun-kissed look. By my time in the sun in the 1960s, tanning was so popular that people greased up with baby oil and used reflectors (often tin-foil-covered album covers) to enhance the sun’s rays.

In the ensuing decades, as skin cancers are on the rise, we know that tanning is anything but healthy. (Thus the rise of bronzers that give us a healthy glow without the harmful rays.)

So how can you keep your skin moisturized, protected and stunning during the summer months? Read on!

· Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated from the inside out is one of the most effective ways to maintain skin moisture. The heat can cause dehydration, leading to dry and flaky skin. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, and consider adding hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumbers into your diet.

· Prep with Proper Cleansing

During summer, sweat, sunscreen and increased sebum production can clog pores. Pack away the cream cleanser you use in the fall and winter and use a gentle, lightweight foaming cleanser in the morning and again in the evening to remove sweat, dirt and makeup. And wash your face after sweating or exercising to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

· Vitamin C serum Can Be Your Summer Skin’s Best Friend

Vitamin C Serum brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone and boosts collagen production. It also works with sunscreen to protect against UV damage. Use it after cleansing and before applying moisturizer.

· Use a Lightweight Moisturizer

Heavy creams can feel suffocating in the summer. Switch to a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients attract moisture to the skin without making it oily.

· Sunscreen is a Must

One of the most critical steps in summer skincare is applying sunscreen. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. It’s essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Consider using a spray sunscreen for convenience.

· Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin

After showering, when your skin is still damp, apply your moisturizer. This technique helps seal in hydration. You can also consider using body oils, such as argan, sweet almond or coconut, which can provide an extra layer of moisture and leave your skin feeling super soft.

· Incorporate a Thick Cream for Heavier Areas

Apply a thicker cream or ointment to areas prone to dryness, like elbows and knees. This will create a barrier that locks in moisture throughout the day.

· Exfoliate wisely

Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows moisturizers to penetrate better. In summer, opt for exfoliating products with lactic or glycolic acid that won’t irritate your skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing and exfoliate no more than one to two times a week to keep skin from becoming irritated. Always follow up with moisturizer to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.

· Use Sheet Masks

Depending on your tolerance level and attitude, sheet masks can seem like a fun (and helpful) beauty boost or slightly annoying — having something cold and wet to put on your face. Still, using a hydrating sheet mask once a week during summer months boosts hydration and will cool and soothe skin after a day in the sun. Look for collagen gels or aloe-drenched sheet masks.

· Choose Summer-Friendly Makeup

During summer, switch to a lightweight, moisturizing foundation or a tinted moisturizer with SPF, which provides not only coverage but also hydrates your skin while protecting it from sun damage. To ensure your summer makeup stays in place even on hot days, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder or a setting spray.

· Don’t Forget About Your Lips and Eyes

Lips require moisture and protection too! Use a lip balm with SPF to keep lips hydrated and prevent chapping. The skin around the eyes is delicate, so use an eye cream containing antioxidants or hydrating ingredients like caffeine. A cooling eye gel can reduce puffiness and keep the area hydrated.

· Self tanners

Do not even think about hopping into a tanning bed — just one indoor tanning session increases a person’s risk of melanoma by a whopping 75%--not to mention that it prematurely ages the skin. Opt for sunless self-tanners. I like ones that include anti-aging properties to tighten pores and help reduce age spots. Whether I’m using self-tanning sprays, lotions or mousses, I always wait at least five minutes before getting dressed to make sure that my clothes remain un-stained. I like light or medium formulas—you can always build up your tan with multiple applications.

· Leg Makeup

Many women opt for leg makeup to provide a polished and even-toned appearance, especially during the summer months when we’re wearing shorts, skirts, or swimwear. Products designed specifically to cover up veins, scars and blemishes, or just to give your legs a shimmery glow, include foundations, bronzers and oils. If you want to give leg makeup a try and you’re planning on a beach day, make sure the product you use is water resistant and use a setting spray after application. Follow up with a shimmer oil or bronzer for a more subtle finish that blends with your skin. And be prepared to reapply as necessary after swimming.

· And remember, at the end of the (sunny) day, summer skincare should leave you glowing with confidence and ready to healthily take on the season. This is your cue to mix it up, try that juicy serum or shimmering SPF you’ve been eyeing, and maybe even chill a face mist in the fridge for an instant cool-down. Skincare in summer is about keeping things light, and giving your skin the love it deserves. So slather, spritz, and sparkle your way through summer. Your skin’s happy place comes from the care and attention you spend on it, and summer needs lots of both.

 

What skin care product is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Lynn Schnurnberger is a bestselling author, longtime contributor to major national publications, frequent TV guest, former NBC talk show producer, and founder of Foster Pride, a nonprofit empowering youth in foster care through mentoring and the arts.