10 Ways to Summer Proof Your Skin

It's technically still only spring, but with temperatures averaging in the high 70s and 80s recently (and reportedly will be in the high 90s in the next few days), we have to make sure that we get an early start on our summer skin regiment. Most of us, including myself, are so glad that winter is finally gone and have already pulled out our shorts, sundresses and flip flops. But what we sometimes forget is that this beautiful weather can also wreck and damage our skin. Heat, humidity and the sun's rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, breakouts, clogged pores, rashes and of course, skin cancer. Here are my top 10 summer tips that will not only keep you looking but also feeling fabulous, all summer long.

• Exfoliate – Actually its a great idea to exfoliate all year long, not just in the summer because our skin sheds dead cell everyday, all day. In the summer though because of the sun, sweat and sand, we shed even more and if we don't remove these dead cells, they will just continue to build up all over our face and body (I know, that's not an attractive thought!). All you have to do is just use your favorite exfoliator 2-3 times a week while you are in the shower (mine is St. Ives Apricot Scrub) and you'll start seeing beautiful glowing skin in no time. 
• Moisturize – Just because the weather is hot outside does not mean that we should skip moisturizing our skin. Au contraire, my friends! No, you no longer need to slather on tubs of body butter like you did in the winter. Instead opt for lighter, water-based formulas for both your face and body. Also, if you are used to using heavy face creams, especially at night, switch to a light serum such as Lumene Time Lift Instant Serum.
• Balm it up, baby! – Don't forget to keep your kisser supple and sun safe by using a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. Lips can get cancer too you know. Plus, no one wants to walk around with dry, cracked lips in the summer anyways.
• Sunscreen – Another thing that you should be using year round, but it's even more important in the summer. Make sure that when you are searching for a sunscreen, that you pick one that  provide broad-spectrum protection because they block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The minimum SPF (sun protection factor) that it should have is 15. Sunscreen should be applied liberally all over before you go outside and it should be reapply every two hours and always after swimming. Remember, don't leave home without it! My sunscreen of choice is  Aveeno's Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70.
• Get a summer glow, safely! – The best way to minimize your chances of getting wrinkles, age spots, etc is to minimize your exposure to the sun (and/or tanning beds). A few great alternatives are sunless tanners, spray tan, airbrushing or by using a lotion with an invigorating glow such as Jergen's Revitalizing Natural Glow.
• Shaving – There's no law that said that you have to keep your legs shaved at all time in the winter but in the summer it's a must if you plan on donning shorts and little dresses. The key to shaving is to find a great razor. Getting nicks and razor burns from a cheap razor is just as bad as having hairy legs, if not worse. Personally, I like Gillette's Venus razor. Oh, and while you're in the store picking up your razor, make sure to get a great shaving cream also. If you don't have one or can't find one, simply use whatever conditioner you have in your bathroom. This will ensure that your skin is nice and hydrated while you are shaving.
• Switch up your makeup – Because it's so hot in the summer, no one wants to run around with a pound of makeup melting off their face throughout the day. If you like liquid foundations or full covered creams, trade them in temporarily for something lighter such as mineral based makeups or my favorite, airbrush makeup. Or, you can go even more natural looking by simply using a bronzer in place of foundation. It evens out the skin and gives you a nice healthy glow. Add a coat of your favorite waterproof mascara and a bit of tinted gloss and you have the perfect sun kissed summer face.
• Pamper those feet – If you haven't been keeping your feet in tip top condition this past winter, don't fear! You can still run to the nearest salon to get your feet sandal ready or you can give yourself an at home pedicure. All you really need is a foot scrub such as Feet's Sake Foot Scrub, and a file that you can use whenever you are in the shower. Do this a few times a week and your feet will be looking great in those sexy sandals in no time.
• Wear protective clothing – Protecting yourself from harmful sun-rays goes beyond sunscreen. Whenever you are outside, throw on wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and even a long sleeve shirt. Contrary to popular beliefs, you should be wearing darker, tightly woven fabrics instead of lightweight, light colored garments in the summer. They are better at blocking your skin from the sun.
• Drink Plenty of water – The last tip is also the simplest but the most important. You must stay hydrated all summer long and nothing is better for you and your body than those 8 glasses a day. Try and stay away from all that sugary stuff like sodas and juices. Yes, they taste great but they are loaded with calories and do not keep you hydrated.

Follow these 10 tips to summer proof your skin. All my favorite, recommended items can be found at and here in Glen Cove. And speaking about Rite Aid, they just launched a summer skin care campaign, with the support of the Skin Cancer Foundation, which comprises of free informational guides in all of their stores and online, money-saving promotions on skin care products. Make sure to stop by your local Rite Aid to pick up one of your free guides and check them out online at riteaid.com. Have a fun and safe summer,