Day to Night Summer Skincare Essentials for the Ultimate Summertime Glow Up

Summertime means going outdoors and enjoying everything the sunny season has to offer — hiking, surfing, swimming, barbecuing, biking, and so much more. It can also mean breakouts and sun damage for your skin. But this doesn’t have to be the case. While dermatologists still recommend using moisturizer during the summer, even if your skin gets a little oilier, you can stock up on other products y for the warmer months. Our advice? Get in the habit of using sunscreen on your face every single day — even if you’re inside. This should be done year round, but if you haven’t started doing so yet, summer is a great time to start.

Sunscreen

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: sunscreen is the number one product you should use daily to prevent any damage from the sun. Plus, it’ll help with signs of aging.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Price: $29 at Macy's

Not only is this sunscreen stick water resistant for up to 80 minutes, but it’s also free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and is compliant with Hawaii’s regulations for the ocean. It goes on clear, will leave your skin moisturized, and is lightweight enough that it can be worn under makeup. It’s also been tested by both dermatologists and opthamologists.

Sun Bum Face Lotion

Price: $12.99 at Target

Looking for a face sunscreen that is hypoallergenic, vegan, non-comedogenic, and free of phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrance? Sun Bum’s face lotion really does it all and more. It’s also great for your skin as it’s oil-free, has Vitamin E, and protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Just be sure to apply it 15 minutes before you go out in the sun and reapply every two hours.

Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion

Price: $32 at Kiehl's

What’s worse than applying sunscreen that’s been sitting in your bag in the heat while you’re already sweating? Kiehl’s remedies this with its cooling lotion. The texture is so lightweight, it’ll remind you of water and it can be used on your face and body. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is great for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion

Price: $31 at Sam's Club

Soothe your skin while you’re fighting off the harsh sun rays with Peter Thomas Roth’s sunscreen. It’s packed with vitamins including Vitamin C, A, E, and B5. It’s oil-free so you won’t need to worry about your skin feeling greasy even when you’re sweating from the heat. It also contains aloe and offers lasting hydration.

Cleansers

Whether you just got back from a long day in the sun or you’re getting ready to go out and enjoy the day, it’s important to start and end your routine with a great cleanser to wash away any dirt and impurities.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Price: $11.40 at Amazon

It may seem like a more basic choice, but believe it or not this is a dermatologist tried-and-true cleanser. It’s great for everyone from people suffering from acne or people who have sensitive skin. Plus, it’s very affordable at just over $10. It’s also fragrance free and so gentle you don’t even need to use it with water.

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

Price: $5.99 at Kohl's

Before you go right into washing your face, try using a cleansing towelette to help remove excess dirt and makeup. This way, you’ll have most of the impurities cleansed before you grab your facial cleanser and begin your skincare regimen. These towelettes are free of phthalates, parabens, and petroleum, and are tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

Custom Facial Cleanser

Price: $24.99 at Function of Beauty

Can’t find a cleanser that works for your skin? Function of Beauty offers a completely custom cleanser made just for you. Simply take the skin quiz and you’ll be set to purchase a cleanser that will leave your skin feeling soft and clean. Plus, it’s non-drying, offers a deep clean, and is non-irritating for the more sensitive skincare types.

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Price: $44 at Dermstore

This cleanser will not only clean your skin, but it’ll also retexture your skin and help with any blemishes you may be struggling with. The white willow bark ingredient exfoliates your skin and unclog pores. For men, the resurfacing gel can help assist in shaving.

Moisturizers

Although it may seem counterintuitive to add more moisture to your skin when you might find that you’re oilier during the summer months, it can actually help to rectify that and keep your skin glowing all season long.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

Price: $17.54 at Walmart

For those with dry skin, this hyaluronic acid moisturizer will take your skin’s hydration to the next level. It’s oil-free and will quickly absorb into the skin. That’s not to say it won’t last long — it will. And it can be worn on its own or even under makeup as a primer, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth.

High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Serum

Price: $129 at ULTA Beauty

Not only will this serum help to moisturize your skin, but it also assists in lifting and firming your skin as well. It’ll also improve how plump your skin is and its strength and resiliency. During the clinical trials, the majority of participants saw a noticeable difference in their skin’s brightness, tone, fine lines, and more.

Oils of Life Sleeping Cream

Price: $39 at The Body Shop

Enriched with Italian olive oil and seed oils, this night cream will help revitalize your skin after a long day of playing in the sun. It’s gentle enough to be used every night and will nourish dry or dehydrated skin. Each night, use a small amount and massage it into your skin on your face, neck, and décolleté in an upward motion. In the morning, you’ll reap the benefits.

Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil

Price: $105 at Sephora

You’ve probably seen influencers on social media rave about Sunday Riley and there’s a reason why — it works. This oil contains retinol and is great for anti-aging purposes as well as dry, normal, oily, or combination skin. It will help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, pores, and redness.

Exfoliation

Not only will exfoliating your face brighten your complexion, but it will also help your skin absorb your other skincare products more effectively as well.

Perlier Black Rice Facial Scrub

Price: $30 at HSN

The black rice peptides and acai extract combine forces to bring this ultimate facial scrub to you. The exfoliating cream will leave you with a fresh, smooth, and soft complexion unlike anything you’ve had before. Note: it’s recommended you only use this product one to two times a week as it can irritate your skin if you use it more than that.

MultiUse Exfoliating Clay for the Face

Price: $65 at Diptyque

Not only does Diptyque sell amazing smelling candles, but they also have a line of skincare. This exfoliating clay uses antioxidants and marble powder to help detoxify and regenerate your skin, both cleaning and leaving it fresh. The apricot kernel oil will also be soothing to your skin.

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash

Price: $29 at Macy's

In just 30 seconds, this exfoliating facial wash will give you a mini peel. The gentle wash removes dead skin and other impurities to reveal fresh, smooth skin. It’s great for sensitive skin and all other skin types as well. All you have to do is slightly dampen your face and use the wash for up to a minute.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Price: $80 at Amazon

The ratings on this product speak for themselves. Use this Drunk Elephant exfoliator as an at-home facial. It uses matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple to help tighten your skin as well as brighten it and remove fine lines and wrinkles. It’s free of silicone, drying alcohol, and more.

After Sun Care

Whether you’re noticing more dark spots, got a little burnt after your day worshipping the sun, or just want to calm down your skin, these after sun care products are essential for treating your skin.

Soothe & Strengthen Mini Clean Skincare Trio

Price: $34 at bareMinerals

This three-step system will help to soothe your skin after a day out in the sun. Going on vacation? This is a travel size set so you can bring it with you. The vegan products calm your skin and strengthen it at the same time. It’ll also reduce redness and sensitivity over time.

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

Price: $49 at Dermstore

Noticing some dark spots from the sun? This formula brightens any uneven skin tone and assists in recovering it from other environmental damage. Not only will it help improve dark spots, but also wrinkles and fine lines. It also has hyaluronic acid in its ingredients to boost hydration.

Sephora Collection Face Mask

Price: $5.50 $4 at Sephora

Looking a little red after a sunburn? We suggest tossing this mask in the fridge until it’s nice and cool and then placing it on your face. The aloe will help prevent your skin from peeling and the temperature from the fridge will feel great on your irritated skin.

Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm With Aloe

Price: $31 at ULTA Beauty

If you find that you’re burnt on other areas of your body such as your neck, shoulders, or even legs, this product is for you. It works on the face and body and was made specifically for after sun care. It will help calm your skin, repair damage, and prevent peeling.