If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, wear sunscreen.

“The most important thing is that you need to protect your skin from the sun,” says Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a board certified dermatologist. If you don’t do that, “your skin will age faster and increase your risk of skin cancer.”

It’s essential to apply sunscreen any time you are in the sun, including during the winter months. We tend to spend more time outside when it’s warmer out, typically from June through September in the United States. Reapply every 2 hours when you’re in the sun and water.

Another phrase you’ll want to look for on the bottle is “broad-spectrum,” which means the sunscreen protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Vitamin C is great year-round, but all the more important in the summer. Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production. Layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and moisturizer.

Generally speaking, the air isn’t as dry in the summer as it is in the winter. But don’t ditch the moisturizer — your skin can still dry out in the summer., especially after spending time on the beach, by the pool or in the garden.

That said, a heavy moisturizer can feel like it’s weighing your face & body down when it’s hot out, find a lighter one.

You can also combine your moisturizer with an SPF to provide extra protection. Just don’t put it on in the morning and expect it to last all day. You need to reapply every 2 hours, if you’re in the sun and water.

We like enhancing our sun-kissed glow, as well as nourishing it.

If you're not wearing a winter coat, why should your skin? "In the summer, I generally remind patients that, just like their wardrobe, their skin-care routine may need to be a little more lightweight," says Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist and co-director of clinical research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. The heat and humidity of summer means you can swap out a heavier cleanser (think cream or oil cleanser) in favor of a gentle, foaming option.

Rinse your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water in the morning and at night. You can also wash with lukewarm water after sweat sessions.

Sunscreen is important, and sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling off. But both can do a number on your pores. That’s where exfoliation comes in.

“It helps unclog the pores and reduces blemishes,” . Barry Goldman, MD, an NYC-based board certified dermatologist, says, but he warns against overdoing it.

It’s best not to exfoliate if you’re sunburned. Let the skin heal on its own without an added irritant.

While it’s OK to exfoliate more frequently in the summer than in the winter, Goldman still suggests limiting it to once or twice per week.

“You’ll get a windburned look, and the skin gets tight, cracked, and scaly, if you do it too often,” he says. “Your skin is turning over anyway. You just want to remove the debris from the sweat, SPF, and oil.”

On warmer days, wearing a ton of makeup can feel like an unnecessary extra layer. And, if you sweat, your makeup will come off more easily.

Embrace the season and pare down your makeup routine. Your skin will enjoy the break.

“Wearing less makeup lets the skin breathe,” Goldman says. “It’s like how sleeping without socks lets your feet breathe. Makeup can also be clogging.”

How about one universal shade designed to adjust to the skins natural complexion allowing flawless, light coverage AND may help reduce fine lines & wrinkles? YES, PLEASE!

It’s important to replace the water we lose from sweating in the summer months. Do whatever it takes to drink more water.

We like our soda stream, but sometimes a plain, cold glass of water is so refreshing on a hot day. You can also add fruit, lemons, oranges, limes, cucumbers and berries are all good choices.

Or mix it up a little with Aloe Vera juice. One of the most concentrated aloe products on the market, the aloe vera in Ultimate Aloe is harvested and processed according to sanitary manufacturing practices that use specific time and temperature guidelines. This preserves the natural properties of the aloe vera plant. Help heal your skin from the inside out!

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100% aloe vera concentration in all 4 flavors

If you do forget your sunscreen and get a little sunburn, it’s important to take care of it. Make sure your shower is not too hot (you’ll definitely know if it is!) and help your skin heal with Ultimate Aloe Gel.

A rejuvenating formula made using a unique whole leaf process. With over 200 nutrients which are rich in enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, Ultimate Aloe Gel works to soothe irritated skin caused by dry skin, sunburn, and insect bites.

“When it’s hot, you may feel the need to wash your face or shower constantly. Experts advise against it.

Your body makes natural moisturizing factors that hold water in the skin,” Barry Goldman, MD, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, says. “When you wash those away, the top of the skin can be dehydrated.”

Instead, Goldman advises sticking to showering once per day and after exercise. Keep your showers short, around four to five minutes and make sure the water is not too hot, this may lead to over-drying your skin, leading to inflammation and even summertime eczema.

Also try a nourishing shower gel, instead of soap, which can be drying.