Beauty Skin-Care Tips

Why you should start a new skin-care routine for summer (and the expert tips for how to do it)

Well+Good Editors

June 18, 2020

As soon as the sun starts to linger far past 5 p.m. and your weekends become dedicated to searching for the sundress, it means one thing: summer.

But the seasonal switch isn't just for your wardrobe, it's also all about chasing that glow. "[Your skin] requires different things in the summertime when humidity is higher and the sun is stronger, and other ingredients in drier, colder months," says Rachel Nazarian, MD and board certified dermatologist.

Seems obvious, right? But then again... how many of us actually switch over our products when it hits 80 degrees? (*Sheepishly lowers gaze.*) Adds Nazarian, "It’s important to consider the varying needs of your skin according to season to ensure the best health of your skin [...] it will feel better and look better."

To help make this the year you finally commit to a seasonal glow-up, Nazarian is dropping her top three summer skin-care tips. Plus, find the products to get you there from Ulta Beauty.

Keep reading for three summer skin-care tips this derm wants you to know before starting a new routine.

Coming out of winter, you might be struggling with skin that feels sandpaper-adjacent—but that doesn't mean you want to clog your pores with heavy formulas, either. Instead, integrate a few key staples like Ulta Super Soothe Daily Cleanser with ginseng extract (to help smooth) and rosewater (to hydrate).

To ensure all-over moisturization, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel also contains hyaluronic acid along with olive extract—a combo that both helps add hydration and create a barrier against dryness.

Now that your summer hydration is taken care of, you'll want a lightweight serum that can go even further (without that icky don't-want-to-touch-my-face feeling). Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is designed for dry skin to help minimize fine lines and brighten your complexion, while going on silky smooth.

SPF if is a "duh" when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. But Nazarian says that well-moisturized and hydrated skin offers better protection against the outside environment, too, including free radical damage and pollution.

Start off with a fresh face by using Ulta Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes to remove any leftover dirt, oil, or makeup—yes, even the mascara that never comes off. Once you have a fresh canvas, opt for Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil to help defend your complexion with an antioxidant boost (antioxidants are buzzed about for being free-radical kryptonite).

The final piece of your skin-protection puzzle? More vitamin C, of course. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum works to improve texture—helping to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles—while simultaneously enriching your skin with more moisture. Two-in-one, for the win.

You're hydated and protected—now it's time to take control of your skin's future. Translation: Getting ahead of any potential sun damage actually starts with exfoliating. Begin the process with The Ordinary's AHA 30 % + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, which is a 10-minute exfoliating facial (hello, at-home spa day). According to Nazarian, AHAs and BHAs help to remove dead skin cells to help ingredients better penetrate your skin—plus, they're reported to decrease signs of sun damage and aging, including dark spots.

If you're looking for instant gratification, Renewed Hope Peeling Mousse from Philosophy contains witch hazel water and pineapple fruit extract to create a one-minute peel that removes debris and build-up, leaving you with a clean slate.

Finally, let's zoom in: The delicate eye area is particularly susceptible to the sun's rays, so it deserves secret service-level protection. Using probiotics (to soothe inflammation), caffeine (to help tighten and firm), and aloe (for sensitive-skin-friendly deep hydration), Tula Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm is designed to moisturize and brighten the look of under-eye dark circles and wrinkles.

To review: You've got the dress (check), the bare legs (check), and the blueprint for your top-notch glow (big check). Please hold while we upgrade our medicine cabinet.