Summer is only a month away for most of us. The annual shift into the warmer months where we wear less clothing and spend more time outdoors means different things to different people. For many of us, it means refining our diet and exercise routine a bit — to look better in shorts and swimsuits. But one thing that should be on all of our minds is summer skincare and protection from the sun. 

The Art of Beauty has some sensible summer skincare tips for you along with a raft of products to help keep your skin protected and moisturized. Let’s get started!

How Can I Enjoy the Sun and Keep My Skin Safe?

Our parent’s and grandparent’s generations didn’t give skin damage from the sun’s UV rays much though. Getting a sunburn was part of childhood for many of us — a rite of passage even. But today we know better, don’t we? 

The sun’s intense rays contribute to free radicals. They can not only dry your skin and draw out wrinkles — they can also damage DNA and even contribute to skin cancer. But you don’t want to remain indoors all summer either, and many of us want that sun-kissed amber glow. 

Not to worry — there’s a way to have it all and keep your skin safe this summer, here is a comprehensive list of things to consider:

Choose the Right Time to Go Outside to Limit Your Skin’s UV Exposure

The best times of day to go outside in summer will be before 10 am and after 4 pm. Between 10 and 4 is generally when the sun’s UV rays are strongest in North America and most of Europe and Central Asia.  

Exercise earlier in the morning. Plan outdoor activities for the late afternoon-early evening when you can. Beaches are often less crowded as the sun gets low in the sky and it’s a lovely time of day with ideal lighting for photography.

  • Exercise outdoors or go to the beach in the early morning or late afternoon/evening.
  • Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (depending on latitude) 

Use a Premium, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen and Apply it Regularly

Which sunscreen you use really does matter. Don’t just buy something at CVS or Walgreens because the bottle looks interesting. You need a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a bare minimum SPF of 15. Reapply every 2 hours or so, especially if you are swimming or sweating and exercising. Even waterproof sunscreen can get rubbed off. 

The Art of Beauty also offers premium sunscreens with tinting or bronzing agents to give you a deeper, tanned appearance while protecting your skin from damaging UV rays. 

Here are our top recommendations for sunscreens to protect your skin this summer:

Apply Moisturizers and Reparatives for Sun-Exposed Skin

Naturally, you want to take pre-emptive measures to protect your skin from sun damage by limiting exposure between 10 am – 4 pm and using quality sunscreens but don’t forget to nourish your skin as well. The high-quality formulations below include not only powerful moisturizers but are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to counteract the damaging effects of the sun. 

Here are the best products to help care for sun-exposed skin:

Wear UV-protective Clothing When Possible

There is a broad range of clothing options available now that have effective UV radiation protection built-in. The sun can still damage your skin through conventional clothing, especially lighter, thinner fabrics worn in summer. 

Choosing some comfortable and stylish “cover-up” clothing with UV protection is a great way to keep your skin safe in between applying sunscreens. A broad-brimmed hat or tennis visor and a light jacket are lovely to have on hand. Look for items with the UV STANDARD 801 certification or similar third-party testing. 

  • Travel with a broad-brimmed hat or tennis visor at minimum.
  • Wear clothing with built-in certified UV protection when you can.

Staying Hydrated is Essential to Protect Your Skin — Especially in Summer

To keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful, take your hydration seriously. Most people do not drink nearly enough water. Products designed to moisturize and protect your skin work best if your body is properly hydrated. Be aware of any medications you are taking may make you more vulnerable to sun exposure. 

Avoid soft drinks and beverages containing caffeine when you’re in the sun if you can. Caffeine is a diuretic. If you drink caffeinated beverages, make sure to drink extra water to offset their effects. You should drink a minimum of 3 liters of water a day — if you’re in the sun and especially if you are active in the sun, you should drink more than 3 liters if possible. 

  • Carry an insulated 1-2 liter water bottle with you.
  • Drink at least 3 liters of water daily or more if active in the sun.
  • Try to stick to water rather than soft drinks, tea, or coffee when in the sun. 
  • Be aware of any medications you take which are impacted by sun exposure. 

Protect Your Skin with The Art of Beauty

The Art of Beauty is all about helping you look and feel your best from head to toe. The sun is stronger today than it was in the not-so-distant past. We must all take great care in protecting our skin from the sun. As long as you follow the recommended guidelines we provided above, there should be no reason you can’t enjoy the sun this summer responsibly. 

The Art of Beauty is here to help you look and feel fantastic. Treat yourself to some self-care today. Be sure to follow this blog for more advice and product information in the future!