Essential Summer Skincare Tips

Whether you're hitting the beach or relaxing by the pool for hours on end this summer, make sure you're taking steps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and maintaining that youthful glow! Keeping skin radiant during the warmer months is easier than the rest of the year, but too much fun in the sun can dry out your skin and also increase your risk of skin cancer.

Taking preventive measures to protect your skin from UV damage, dehydration and other effects of scorching heat can ward off skin damage signs of aging. Update your summer beauty regimen with these essential summer skincare tips:

Slather on the Sunscreen
Sun protection is a top priority during the summer months, especially if you are planning to be outdoors under the sun's rays for more than an hour. Make sure you apply sunscreen from head to toe every day, and use makeup that's infused with SPF for even more protection. If you're not sure whether your makeup has any sunscreen in it, use a lightweight formula under your makeup instead. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, $25.56 - $31.95, is a fast-absorbing product that protects skin from both UVB and UVA rays.

Exfoliate at Least Once Per Week
Dry and flaky skin may be preventing you from maintaining a healthy, radiant glow this season. Shed that layer of dead cells by exfoliating and buffing the skin at least once per week. A pair of exfoliating wash gloves are a great addition to your beauty regimen, and can be used year round to smooth out rough patches of skin and keep your skin looking healthy. Use these in the shower once or twice per week with a brown sugar body scrub like the LaLicious Moisturizing Body Scrub, Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sugar Souffle, $25.60 - $33.30, for even more skin-smoothing benefits.

Keep Skin Hydrated with Moisturizing Gel
You can do away with shea butter and heavy moisturizers during the summer season, and replace your daily moisturizer with a lightweight, scented lotion. Try a moisturizing gel to keep skin cool after a hot day in the sun, and also to infuse it with much-needed moisture. Vaseline Moisturizing Gel with Aloe, $5.03 - $18.27, is a clear and light formula that sinks deep into the pores within seconds and will give your skin a refreshing boost of hydration. If you tend to burn easily during the summer or just want to avoid heavy moisturizers this season, stick with a gel like this to keep skin soft and to restore lost moisture.