5 Ways to Prime Your Skin For Summer

Summer is so close we can almost taste it! Get the glow-up you’ve always dreamed of with our top five tips for skin that’s primed and ready to glow all summer long.

After the cold, dry winter months, it’s safe to say we’re all excited for the warm, summer days full of sunshine, sandals, and sunglasses! To make this transition as smooth as possible, there are some things you can do NOW to help you keep your healthy glow all summer long.

It’s easy to ignore the transitional months between winter and summer, but spring is the PERFECT time to transition your routine and prime skin for the summer environment. Yes, it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind. But if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with sunburn, photoaging, and clogged pores. Yikes! No, thank you!

Read on and discover our top 5 favorite ways to prime our skin for the summer!

Why Should You Prime Your Skin For Summer?

During the winter, the biggest skin concerns tend to be flaky skin and dull complexions. However, summer skin issues are entirely different. Your skin reacts to changes in the environment (weather, light, pollution, etc.) and in your habits (hair removal, dietary changes, etc.). That’s why summer skin issues often involve sun damage, dehydrated skin, and early signs of aging.

Before you roll your eyes, think back to past summers.  At first, you probably felt phenomenal with all that extra Vitamin D, fresh air, and vacation vibes. However, you (and your skin!) likely felt a bit fried by the end of the summer. When autumn rolled around, you were more than ready for cool, crisp mornings and cozy evenings. 

As you age, that fried feeling you get in late-summer will slowly creep into mid-summer and then (gasp) early-summer. Isn’t getting older fun? 🙃 

By adjusting your skincare routine and making it seasonal, you can improve your skin’s overall health and longevity! Plus, even if you’re not thinking THAT far ahead, making little changes now helps keep your skin looking and feeling fresh and vibe-worthy all summer long.

First? Evaluate Your Current Skincare Routine

The first step is to look at your current skincare routine and compare it to your typical summer skincare routine. This will help you decide which products you can keep using all summer long, which products you might want to scale back on, and if there are any products you may need to add. 

Your summertime skin might not be as dry and flaky, but you don’t want to skip moisturizer altogether. For example, for those who fight oily skin during the warmer months, you might consider sticking to a single lightweight moisturizer, rather than combining moisturizer and oil. Conversely, those with particularly photosensitive skin may need to add additional moisturizing and protective products. 

Evaluating your skincare routine involves more than just products. Start thinking about your habits and how they might impact your skin.  Do those habits change with the season? Here are some examples of habits that may impact your skin:

• More time outdoors
• Different clothing styles
• Hair removal (shaving, waxing, etc.)
• Outdoor workouts

Honestly, this list goes on and on and on and on. Take some time to really think about past summers and any summer plans you currently have in place. Then, slowly start to update your products and routines so your skin has time to adjust. By the time summer is in full swing, your skin will be fresh, glowing, and protected!

Exfoliate for Skin That GLOWS

For that dewy, glowing complexion, your need to be free of flaky skin. That means incorporating an exfoliating step into your skincare routine. It’s easy to understand why you’d want to exfoliate during the winter, but summer exfoliation is JUST as important! 

Exfoliation promotes collagen production, circulation, helps remove dead skin cells, minimizes pores, and so much more! Basically, it’s a requirement for glowing skin. It’s particularly important in the summer because it helps ensure other products can fully penetrate for maximum effectiveness. And we’re not just talking about your face! 

Whether you prefer to stay covered up or show off your newest bikini, exfoliating your entire body will give you a head-to-toe glow while promoting lymphatic drainage. Plus, if you struggle with body breakouts, incorporating a body exfoliation step will make it easier for the skin in those areas to breathe and minimize acne. Begone, Backne!.

Not an expert on exfoliating? Don’t sweat it! Click here for all the details.

Pro Tip: If you’re on the go and don’t have time to add a body exfoliation step, mix 1 tsp of our Karmic Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser in the palm of your hand with your regular body wash. That’s our kind of multitasking!

Snack on UV-Fighting Foods and Stay Hydrated

“Pure plant magic” isn’t just a marketing phrase to us. We know that plants have the power to transform us; from the plants we use in our skincare products to the ones that we eat! That’s why we highly recommend reaching for a few beautifying, UV-fighting foods. Here are some of our favorites:

• Blueberries
• Guava
• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Nuts and Seeds (think walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, etc.)
• Carrots
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)

This is a great mix of foods with plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Start adding these items to your meals and snack your way to gorgeous skin!

Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Many of us are more active in the summer and extra time in the sun can quickly dehydrate you and your skin. Make sure to grab a water bottle before running out the door so you can take a sip whenever you need one.

Assess Your Sun Protection Arsenal

Sun protection is probably the most neglected skincare step. Realistically, you should wear some type of sunblock or sunscreen all year long. Yes, like in the winter or even indoors during the summer months. Yep, you read that right!

Admittedly, it’s a lot easier to remember sunblock in the summer. But what about hats? How about a trendy parasol? All of these items should be part of your sun protection arsenal. While you may have been a bit lax in the winter, you simply can’t afford to skip this step during the summer.

If you’ve never been big on sun protection, this is the year to get informed! Here’s a quick rundown…

Sunblock “blocks” the sun’s rays to prevent them from penetrating the skin. These are also called “physical sunscreens” and often use titanium oxide or zinc oxide. These are often safer options for those with sensitive skin.

Sunscreen, or “chemical sunscreens,” filter and absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin. Some rays still get through, however, and those with skin sensitivities can get irritated simply by some of the chemicals.

Hats help create physical barriers to keep UV rays from getting to your skin. Just make sure you’re opting for one that’s opaque and not translucent or mesh.

Parasols have long been popular overseas for sun protection, and they’re FINALLY trending in the US. These umbrella-like items can be simple, chic, or elaborate works of art. Get creative and express yourself!

Lastly, Infuse Your Skincare Routine with CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) hit the skincare industry a few years ago and immediately started trending for its balancing and nourishing properties. Luckily, this is one trend that’s here to stay and it’s particularly helpful when it comes to summer skincare needs. Here are a few reasons why we’re obsessed with CBD for the summer...

• It’s jam-packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
• Tames cortisol production
• Soothes inflammation
• Antibacterial
• Promotes good vibes!

When it comes to balancing summer skincare, we love our Drops of Sunshine. When we use this Revitalizing Wellness Tincture first thing in the morning, it puts a pep in our step and tames inflammation all day. And at the end of an adventurous weekend, we love to deep clean our pores with a much-needed dose of radiance and relaxation. Our Moonlight Cooling Glow Mask helps draw out dirt and impurities with Kaolin Clay, while CBD helps reduce redness and irritation.

Get Glowing, Dewy Skin Just In Time For Summer!

We don’t know about you, but this summer we’re trying to manifest some seriously relaxing vibes. That means helping our skin stay clean and fresh, with a glow you can see from a mile away. No matter what season we’re in though, we always want you to love the skin you’re in!

Thanks for chilling with us today, cuties. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the latest updates.