What’s not to love about summertime – sunshine, warmth, swimming, traveling, outdoor activities – the list could go on. Along with the joys of summer comes a slew of potentially dangerous skin issues. From sweating to sunburns, it’s important to pay extra attention to our skin during the hottest months of the year!

To maintain your healthy, youthful skin, the name of the skincare game is preventative measures. Here are five common mistakes that people tend to make with their skin during the summer, and what you should do to avoid them:

1. Believing “tan-screen” is actually safe: Many start the summer with the best of intentions and apply sunscreen liberally before heading outside, only to fall victim to complacency once they begin to see some color. While you may not visibly burn, remember: there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Without sunscreen, even perfectly tanned skin will readily absorb the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which cause deadly skin cancers and premature aging. Fully embracing the sunscreen lifestyle will be the most important decision you’ll ever make for the health and look of your skin. Pro-tip: Always choose a medical-grade sunscreen with zinc oxide—the only ingredient that will block cancer-causing UVA rays, and reapply every 90 minutes.
2. Failing to hydrate your skin properly: It’s easy to assume your skin is well-hydrated during the summer months, as it is more prone to overproduction of oil. Unfortunately, oily skin does NOT equate to a healthy, intact moisture barrier. Excess oil can result in clogged pores and acne, and a lack of moisture can cause skin to become dehydrated over time. It’s critical to maintain a proper balance of both water and oil, especially during the hottest part of the summer when your skin may play tricks on you. Pro-tip: The absolute best way to hydrate your skin is to use a high-quality hyaluronic acid with the necessary pharmaceutical-grade lipids to address your skin’s needs. A one-size-fits-all approach to hydration will not produce desired results!
3. Neglecting regular exfoliation: It’s true: over-exfoliating skin during the summer months can increase sun sensitivity, and even leave your skin feeling irritable and dry. However, it’s an important part of achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Try to exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells and avoid clogged pores (remember: summertime = shiny/oily skin). If done properly and regularly, exfoliation should leave skin looking fresh and bright – the perfect look for summer! Pro-tip: The best time to exfoliate is in the evening before bed, as the skin repairs itself during the night while you sleep!
4. Misusing makeup: Whether you’re headed to the beach or out running a few errands, no one will blame you for wanting to look your best. However, heavily applying powder and foundation can wreak havoc on your skin health when it’s hot outside, as pores tend to open up while sweating. What works well for you in the winter may be a recipe for disaster during the summer, so rethink your makeup routine if you start experiencing issues with blackheads or breakouts. Pro-tip: If you’re headed out into the sun, skip the over-the-counter makeup and try Sunforgettable by Colorescience, a mineral makeup brush with broad spectrum SPF 50 for added sun protection!
5. Not getting enough liquids: Aside from obvious health issues related to dehydration during the summer, your skin will also pay the price if you fail to get enough liquids. Simply put, water helps your body function better, which helps your skin function better. Staying hydrated will help the skin respond better to topically applied moisturizing products, which are important to maintain the health of the skin. Pro-tip: Water is certainly good for the skin, but incorporating a diet rich in nutrients, as well as supplements to promote healthy skin, will enhance its overall appearance and function.

Remember – the biggest skincare mistake you can make, especially in the summer, is not using medical-grade sunscreen. Head over to our Skincare Store to shop several our favorite sunscreen products!