You can bathe in sunscreen, hide under a wide-brimmed hat, and make good use of every shady patch out there, but chances are you will still pick up some incidental UV exposure this summer. To limit the long-term consequences—hyperpigmentation, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dryness amongst them—what you do before the start of the season, and after that breezy summer afternoon spent outdoors is critical. That’s why we’ve put together a bevy of skincare tricks to avoid epidermal disarray, so you can get back to the sun, salt and cool rosé.
1. POWDER YOUR NOSE
Who wants to go through the hassle of washing your face and redoing your makeup each time you need to reapply sunscreen? To streamline the process, touch up with a refillable foundation that contains high UV protection like Shiseido’s UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF36 Broad Spectrum which offers a broad spectrum protection and is water-resistant to boot.
2. BRUSH AWAY LIZARD SKIN
One of the most effective ways to rid yourself of lizard skin is to use a body scrub on dry skin, paying special attention to knees, elbow and heels. Try a non-abrasive version like Kat Burki Raw Sugar Body scrub packed with Coconut and Kukui nut oils leaving skin soft and glowing.
3. LOVE YOUR LEGS
The trick to gorgeous summer gams is to alter the way light reflects off the skin’s surface. The divinely scented Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Multipurpose Dry Oil contains microscopic flecks of golden glimmer to deliver a subtle glow and make legs look miles long.
4. SAVE YOUR SCALP
Long locks offer some shade from the sun, but the bare skin along your hairline and part are some of the most overlooked places on the body to experience sunburns, and one of the most common areas for melanoma. Use a clear sunscreen spray or translucent powder formulated with SPF, like PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation along the hairline to minimize damage.
5. GO EASY ON THE EYES
The summer elements can be particularly harsh on the fragile skin around the eyes. Lise Watier’s Age Control Supreme The Eye Care cream contains Labrador tea extract to help protect against free radicals (for centuries, Indigenous people have used the antioxidant medicinally to treat burns and inflamed skin), prevent and even reverse wrinkles. Plus, the texture is non-greasy and fast absorbing, which is key during the hot and hazy days of summer.
6. APPLY SUNSCREEN IN THE BUFF
As chic as your new bikini may be, it gives practically no protection for the skin. Before hitting the beach, use SPF on the whole body, naked, and let it dry before putting on that skimpy suit.
7. GIVE YOURSELF A HAND
The thin skin on your hands wrinkles and pigments easily, so be sure to use sunblock daily. A hydrating cream like Lancome Absolue Hand lessens the look of age spots and gives SPF 15 coverage, but goes on sheer so you won’t be showing off any white streaks.
8. BOUNCE BACK FROM A BURN
Aloe vera is awesome for sunburns, but only if you have the right formulation. Avoid gel-based products or those containing alcohol as they can sting and dry out your skin. We like Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe that, along with a heavy dose of aloe, comes with skin-repairing antioxidants to help minimize peeling.
9. LIGHTEN UP
As any sun-seeker knows, a lot of sunscreens on the market are heavy and oily which can contribute to breakouts and shine during summer months. Opt for a super lightweight formula like La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 which melts into the skin with a matte finish.
10. TAKE A COLD SHOWER
Hot showers after sun exposure further dries out the skin. Turn down the temperature and you’ll also help keep the skin from clogging, decreasing the dreaded “bacne”.
11. BE A WATER BABY
Instead of fretting that your sunscreen is washing away whenever you sweat or go for a swim, why not apply something that actually works with water? That’s the genius behind Shiseido’s Ultra Sun Protection Cream, a sunblock that not only offers broad spectrum protection with SPF 50, but through its patented “Wet Force technology”, is actually boosted by contact with water. Indeed, UVA and UVB protection is said to actually increase from SPF 50 to SPF 70 in water. Time to dive in!
12. EAT YOUR SPF (YES, REALLY!)
There’s some evidence that oral intake of Vitamins C and E together may limit potential for sunburn. If you’re open to trying it out, a salad with Vitamin C rich citrus, berries, tomato and vitamin E rich nuts could prove to be a good meal option.