In the winter my skin gets uncomfortably dry, but in the summer dehydration is my main concern. Keeping my skin well hydrated is crucial for me during the warm weather because if not, my skin can get scaly, irritated and dull. The summer sun can especially be harsh on the skin. Rising temperatures, brutal humidity, pollution and sun exposure can all wreak havoc on the skin and I have to make a definite effort to keep my skin protected and moisturized. When my skin is well-hydrated, it’s easy to keep any and all skin issues at bay so I thought I would share a few effective strategies and products to keep your skin hydrated all summer long.
How to Keep Skin Hydrated in Summer
Drinking enough water
I know this goes without saying but I will honestly forget to drink enough water and immediately feel the effects on my skin by the end of the day. So I swear by these electrolyte packs that I add to my water each day which taste delicious and make me want to drink plenty of water all day long. I also finally caved and bought a Stanley tumbler which holds 40oz and not having to constantly fill it up all day long is so helpful. Drinking just two of those a day hydrates me fully and my skin definitely feels and looks better.
Wearing a hat when you are out in the sun
Not only will wearing a hat provide immense sun protection to the face and upper chest, you will feel MUCH cooler when out in the sun. I have tested this multiple times and when I have a hat on my entire body temperature feels lower and I don’t overheat as quickly. Our body temperature is so connected to the head (i.e. wearing a warm hat in the winter can make you instantly feel warmer), so keeping it in the shade of a hat will make your entire body feel cooler and more comfortable. And that added layer of protection will keep the skin shielded thus allowing it to lose less water and which will help it not feel as dehydrated.
Wearing breathable clothing
This may seem like a no-brainer in the summer, but wearing breathable clothing that covers your skin can really help you feel cooler and ultimately protect the skin from extreme temperatures. A tank top may be what you feel like wearing because it is so hot but adding a gauzy cotton long sleeve blouse over it to cover your arms and upper chest would be the better option. Long loose fitting linen pants would be a better option than shorts because it shields your skin from the direct rays of the sun.
It would seem like wearing loose fitting long sleeves and pants in the sun would make you feel hotter, but it can actually have the opposite effect. When there is a layer of protection from the sun, your skin isn’t feeling the direct heat which can keep you cooler. And of course, your skin will lose less hydration and water when it’s not in direct sunlight. Choosing fabrics that are light in color and are made from such materials as cotton or linen will ultimately be the best option for your summer wardrobe.
Take showers with lukewarm or cool water
Personally this one is a huge struggle for me because I LOVE a hot shower but I have to force myself to keep the water closer to lukewarm because it is better for my skin. Very hot water can dry out the skin and further dehydrate it so always try to shower or bathe with lukewarm water and in some cases cool water if you can. I will often turn the water to cold in the last 1-2 minutes of my shower and while it takes some getting used to, my skin is much less dry and it really helps me wake up!
15 Best Skin Hydration Products
Cleansers
Cleansing balms and cleansing milks are the best at really hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Try to double cleanse every night to ensure you really remove all the makeup/sunscreen/sweat from the skin which will also contribute keeping the skin healthy and balanced. Here are a few of my must have cleansers for helping hydrate the skin in summer:
1. Elemis Cleansing Balm
I’ve been going strong with this cleansing balm for nearly 10 years. It’s incredibly rich and full of tons of nourishing and hydrating oils that will remove all the necessary makeup/dirt/grime from your face but still leave it hydrated, supple and smooth. I will never be without this!
2. Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm
Another staple in my skincare routine for 10 years. Formulated with moringa oil and loofah seed, this cleansing balm will give a thorough deep cleanse without stripping the skin.
3. Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser
This is the newest cleanser I’ve tried from Colleen Rothschild and I absolutely fell in love! It’s refreshing in scent and texture and really provides a great second cleanse without drying or stripping the skin. It does foam up after adding water but thankfully it doesn’t dry the skin out as a result and my skin actually felt balanced and well hydrated after. This will be definitely be a repurchase!
Face Mists/Toners/Essences
The toner/essence/face mist step can feel unnecessary to some, but I find that these products can really help keep the skin hydrated in the summer.
4. Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)
I use this toner as an essence by pouring a small amount into my hands and patting it into my skin. It helps immediately calm and soothe my skin – reducing any redness too.
5. HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)
I also use this toner as an essence and pat it into my skin right after the Anua toner. I’ve been testing out more Korean skincare and layering toners is a popular practice and I am testing it out in my own routine. I really enjoy this toner for helping plump my skin and add a ton of moisture.
6. Rhode Glazing Milk
I love great packaging and am intrigued by hype, but ultimately I need my skincare to WORK. I’m in my mid 40’s so I want products that are effective and deliver results that I can see and feel. I truly had no idea what to expect from the Rhode Skin Glazing Milk but I had heard great things about it so I ordered one to test and share my honest review. It’s a lightweight milky essence designed to prep the skin for product absorption, boost skin barrier function and provide instant hydration. And I can say after using it for nearly 6 months, it does all of these things and I absolutely LOVE IT! Ha!
7. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
I love this mist to use during my skincare routine! So hydrating and soothing.
Serums
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane are what you want to have in your summer skincare routine to help stay hydrated and retain water content in the skin! Here are two of my favorite hydrating serums:
8. Naturium Barrier Bounce
This is an absolute amazing and unique serum. Holy GLOW and radiant skin!! It can be used a ton of different ways (as an essence, as a serum, as a lightweight moisturizer) but I prefer to use it as a serum. It instantly plumps my skin, retains the moisture barrier and delivers intense long lasting hydration. And the price point is under $25 which absolutely blows my mind. This is 10x better than serums double and triple the price. Highly recommend!!!
9. L’Oreal Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A drugstore find but one that rivals the more expensive versions quite well! The texture of this is really nice and initially makes the skin look plump and dewy. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum contains vitamin c which is also essential in helping protect the skin from environmental aggressors (such as the sun).
Moisturizers
It’s good to switch up your moisturizers in the summer and opt for more gel creams. They feel great on the skin and many help to target dehydration.
10. Jones Road Oil-Free Moisturizer
Though I typically love a rich creamy moisturizer, I have been enjoying this lightweight gel cream. It’s fragrance-free and water based so I immediately feel a burst of moisture when I apply it. It’s not sticky and absorbs instantly. For those that live in a hot climate, I think you will absolutely LOVE this. And it’s a great price point at under $40.
11. Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream
I’ve been using this cream as my daytime moisturizer on and off for nearly 8 years! It’s oil-free so I love to use it in the summer, but it’s still manages to keep my skin hydrated all day long. It has a gorgeous soft matte finish so it wears beautifully under makeup and primes the skin nicely.
12. Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
I love the Medik8 skincare line and this is their newest launch. It’s formulated with prebiotic peptides to boost the skin barrier and deliver up to 100 hours of hydration. It manages to be rich enough to make the skin feel nourished but lightweight enough to wear during the warmer temperatures.
Face Masks
There is only one recommendation in this category and for good reason. It is truly my all time favorite hydrating mask.
13. Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Mask
My long time followers know that I am never without this holy grail hydrating face mask. To be honest, it’s nothing overly fancy or scientifically advanced but it hydrates my skin like no other. I apply a thick layer, leave on for 20 minutes and remove with a damp cloth. My face feels like I just had a facial and looks so healthy and radiant. Especially in the summer, I use this at least twice a week and my skin stays so balanced.
Sunscreen
Never is it more important to wear sunscreen than in the summer. Ensuring the skin is adequately protected from UV rays is one of the key ways to help keep the skin hydrated in the summer.
14. Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: MAREE)
This sunscreen is a new addition into my morning routine and it is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used! It has a slight tint that evens out my skin tone and gives my skin a healthy fresh glow. It is incredibly nourishing and my makeup literally glides on. I’ve tried it out with a ton of different foundations and skin tints and I’ve noticed that my makeup has been lasting longer and looking better throughout the day when I wear this underneath. It may be a bit too glowy if you have really oily skin but if you have normal to dry skin, this is absolute magic!
15. Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
There is a reason this is a cult classic and constant best seller. When I plan to be out in the sun all day and need a ton of protection, I will always reach for this SPF. It’s lightweight, oil-free and designed to protect acne-prone and sensitive skin. My skin type is more normal to dry and I still find it to be super moisturizing and amazing worn alone or under makeup.
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