Be light: how to change up your skincare for the summer

Being light might not be such a bad thing, especially when we're talking about summer skincare routines. When it comes to hot and humid summer days (and nights), it's best to ditch the heavy creams and moisturizers we love in winter in favor of lighter products. Finally warmer, and it's time to change skin care for the summer. 

USE A GEL CLEANSER

Between sweaty summer activities and sunscreen, our skin can have more oil and less radiance. Switching to a gel-based cleanser is a great way to freshen up your complexion. Look for one that removes impurities and purifies the skin without stripping it of moisture. We love Lancôme Pure Focus Gel. This gel formula activates in water to transform into a refreshing lather that leaves skin clear, soft and radiant.

Lancôme Pure Focus Gel. MSRP $26. 

MIST HUMIDIFICATION 

The hot summer sun can wreak havoc on our skin, which is why we love using facial sprays like Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist in our summer beauty routines. Using a facial spray can not only quickly moisturize the skin, but also provide relief on days when the heat seems unbearable. Formulated with lavender, geranium and rosemary essential oils, this cooling mist cleanses and hydrates skin for a fresh, healthy look. After spraying, your skin will be soft, smooth and fresh. Plus, it's small enough to easily fit in a purse, beach bag, or gym bag, so you can always refresh your skin on the go.

Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Moisture Mist. MSRP $27.

SWITCH TO A LIGHT MOISTURIZER 

During the summer months, replace heavy winter creams with lightweight moisturizers or serums such as Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum. Suitable for all skin types, this ultra hydrating serum can provide your skin with hydration without any greasy residue or stickiness. The light texture softens and soothes the skin, while the formula with Vichy Dynamic Hydration Technology helps distribute water to all areas of the face.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydrating Serum. MSRP $36.

APPLY AND REAPPLY SPF

Daily use of sunscreen is absolutely essential for overall skin health, especially in the summer when we spend more time outdoors. Look for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF, such as La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 60. Powered by Cell-OX Shield XL's proprietary antioxidant technology, this refreshing, water-like sunscreen is lightweight and perfect for the sweaty summer months. . Applying sunscreen in the morning is great, but in order to reap the benefits, you have to reapply it every couple of hours, after towel drying, after sweating, and after being in the water. Not sure if you are doing it right? Don't worry, we're coming through the right way to apply sunscreen. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Watery Sun Lotion SPF 60. MSRP $35.99.

DON'T FORGET THE LIPS 

To avoid dryness, be sure to protect your lips with SPF. There are many lip balms and conditioners with SPF, such as CeraVe Healing Lip Balm. This lip balm contains SPF 30 and can give your lips the protection they need. Remember to reapply regularly to keep your lips hydrated and protected all day long.

CeraVe Healing Lip Balm SPF 30 MSRP $4.97.

TAKE A COLD SHOWER

A cold shower on a hot day is not only very refreshing, but also good for the skin. Taking a hot shower can actually rob your skin of moisture, so stick to cool or lukewarm water for complete victory.

SCRIBE DRY FLAKES

Having dry, dull is never fun. Remove dead cells and dry flakes with an exfoliating body scrub twice a week. One of our favorites is Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub. The mild formula effectively exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin without overdrying it. Results? The skin is soft and smooth, ready to be moisturized.

Kiehl's Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub. MSRP $36.

Pamper Your Feet

In winter, we usually hide our legs in long pants. But now that summer is here, it's time to give your feet the pampering they've been missing out on for months. To remove unwanted body hair, try waxing or shaving, but be sure to exfoliate your skin first to keep it clean. Also, make sure you moisturize your feet daily to give your skin the hydration it needs. Carol's Daughter Ecstasy Frappé Body Lotion is a great choice to keep your feet smelling good all summer long.

Carol's Daughter Ecstasy Frappé Body Lotion. MSRP $14.40.

USE UNDER EYE CREAM

The harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can also affect the skin around the eyes. Protect the skin around the eyes with a sunscreen formulated specifically for the skin around the eyes, such as SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50.

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50. MSRP $30.

FAKE YOUR TANN

We all want to shine in the sun in summer, but lying in the sun is worth the risk. skin cancer? Absolutely not. Instead, skip the beach tanning sessions and opt for skin-friendly alternatives. Spray tanning is one of the best ways to get a subtle glow, not only in summer, but all year round. If you prefer to tan at home, try self-tanning. L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion leaves an instant, streak-free glow that dries quickly. 

L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion. MSRP $10.99.