Skincare can be more challenging in extreme summer weather, but a little extra care will help you look and feel fresh all season long. Once you establish a routine, staying on top of your skincare will feel like a breeze. Just keep these five tips in mind, and you’ll be able to face the summer with confidence.

1. Don’t Overlook the Importance of Sunscreen

While you should really be wearing sunscreen year-round, it’s particularly important during the summer to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen every day and reapply it if you are spending longer periods of time outdoors. Ensure you cover all the nooks and crannies, including the back of your neck and behind your ears. Don’t forget to protect your lips as well by using an SPF sunscreen.

In the unfortunate event that you do get a sunburn, treat it gently with products containing moisturizers and soothing aloe vera gel.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

While sunscreen is essential, clothing is also important for shielding your skin from the sun. Keep protected, cool, and comfortable with lightweight and loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. To shield your face in particular, opt for sunglasses and either baseball caps or wide-brimmed hats. If you are going to spend time outside during peak sun hours, such as at a picnic, why not bring along an umbrella as well? Coordinate it with your outfit for a fab look.

3. Hydrate Yourself Inside and Out

Proper hydration for good health is a two-part strategy. First, you have to make sure you are drinking enough liquids, especially if you are spending a lot of time outside and physically exerting yourself. You should also properly hydrate your skin on the outside using a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer. A product containing hyaluronic acid will be particularly effective for locking in moisture.

4. Keep Your Skin Clean

The summer sun and summer heat can cause sweat and excess oil to build up on your skin, so it’s crucial to keep your face clean. As a general rule of thumb, cleansing your face twice daily, morning and night, is usually sufficient. Try to choose a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type.

5. Use a Gentle Exfoliator

A great way to deal with the sweat and oils that can build up on the skin in the summer is by exfoliating. Exfoliators can help unclog pores and promote cell turnover for smoother and more radiant skin. Just be careful not to overdo it! About once or twice a week is usually enough when it comes to exfoliation.

With the right approach, summer skincare doesn’t have to be a chore. All you have to do is stick to a routine of sunscreen, hydration, cleansing, exfoliating, and the right amount of protection, and your skin will thank you for it.