Summer Beauty Tips

Summer is finally in full swing, bringing with it plenty of fun outdoor activities and ample sunshine. However, the season also presents challenges in maintaining your best look and feel amidst the heat.

Fear not, we’ve compiled essential tips for glowing skin, hydrated hair, and enduring energy, plus must-have summer beauty products and DIY suggestions you won’t want to miss!

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

It cannot be overstated—hydration is crucial. You’ve likely heard this repeatedly, but are you practicing it? Proper hydration is vital year-round, but it's especially critical in summer when the risk of dehydration increases due to higher temperatures.

Your body requires significant amounts of water to remain healthy. Radiant summer skin is unachievable without adequate hydration! Drinking water maintains healthy, hydrated skin, supports proper bodily functions, keeps your metabolism active, and replenishes fluids lost through sweat, which helps regulate your body temperature.¹

If plain water bores you, try creating homemade water infusions. They’re a tasty way to increase your hydration and add some extra nutrients. Explore Water for the Win: Benefits of Water, Plus 5 Water Infusions to Try for some innovative ideas!

2. Simplify Your Summer Makeup

Embrace the summer spirit by streamlining your beauty regimen. There’s nothing appealing about makeup that melts off your face or settles into fine lines. This often happens when you use winter products in summer heat.

Opt for a lighter foundation, such as a serum foundation with sunscreen or a lightweight mineral foundation, to avoid caking. Alternatively, consider using just a bronzer.

Select summer beauty essentials that withstand the heat. For instance, replace lipstick with all-natural tinted lip balms and prefer gel shadow sticks over powdered versions.

Shift your focus from concealing to nurturing healthier skin this summer. Choose beauty products containing natural ingredients and free from harmful chemicals. Continue reading for more advice on nurturing your skin and enhancing natural radiance.

3. Amp Up Your Summer Skincare

Summer skincare should focus on protection, moisturization, and ample antioxidants to combat free radical damage from UVB sunlight exposure.² Wear sunscreen and moisturize, but don’t stop there! Consider lowering your shower temperature by 10 to 15 degrees to reduce skin dryness, particularly after sun exposure, and apply lotion immediately afterward to lock in moisture.

Choose sunscreens with at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays.³ Although no sunscreen can block UVB rays completely, reapplying frequently as directed can enhance protection.

Combine moisture and SPF protection by using a body lotion and sunscreen combo. Keep an after-sun kit that includes aloe spray and soothing aloe lotion handy for cooling relief if you overdo the sun exposure.

While sunscreen is essential for UV protection, it can inhibit vitamin D synthesis. Consider taking vitamin D supplements during summer and learn about its benefits and sources in Say Hello to the Sunshine Vitamin: Top Foods High in Vitamin D.

Regularly exfoliate to maintain smooth skin and load up on antioxidants to protect from photo-aging and other skin issues due to solar rays.² Learn more about antioxidant-rich foods and supplements in the upcoming sections.

4. Try Protective Summer Hair Essentials

For summer hair, it’s often best to embrace natural textures and avoid products that may become tacky or accumulate residue in humid conditions. Opt for natural, moisturized styles and try new updos or relaxed styles to stay cool. Wear a hat for extended outdoor periods to protect your hair from the sun.

To manage flyaways in humid weather, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. These products provide extra moisture and protection, beneficial even if you don’t color your hair. For deep conditioning and frizz control, use a moisturizing coconut oil conditioner.

Before a sun-filled day, apply a leave-in conditioner to shield your hair. Create your own by mixing 3/4 cup aloe juice, 1 teaspoon of avocado oil, and 1 cup of coconut water in a spray bottle. Stay tuned for more summer DIY beauty tips!

5. Enjoy Seasonal Foods for Summer Beauty

Seasonal foods offer peak nutrition, abundant antioxidants, and phytochemicals for a healthy body and radiant skin, not to mention their flavor! Take advantage of the diverse array of fresh, whole foods available. Your diet reflects on your skin, making summer an ideal time to transition to a diet rich in real foods.

With the vast selection available, you’ll never grow bored. Berries are rich in antioxidant flavonoids, while fresh greens, peppers, tomatoes, and root vegetables provide antioxidant carotenoids for eye and skin health, as well as overall cellular protection.⁵

Make smoothies with fresh fruits and ice to stay cool, and incorporate seasonal produce into every meal for optimal beauty nutrition from within.

6. Supplements for Summer Beauty & Health

Whether you aim to prepare your body for the beach, enhance your beauty nutrition, or fill dietary gaps, these five supplements are excellent for summer health.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements
These antioxidant carotenoids protect eyes from harmful blue light and support skin health by guarding against free radical damage.^6,7

Astaxanthin Supplements
Astaxanthin is a highly potent antioxidant carotenoid, supporting healthy vision, brain, heart, and skin. It has also been shown to improve signs of aging, such as crow's feet, skin elasticity, and hydration.^8,9

Adaptogenic Schisandra
Schisandra berry, known for its adaptogenic properties, aids the body's stress response and may protect skin from UVB-induced oxidative damage and collagen degradation.^10,11,12

Plant-based Protein Powder
Protein is essential for muscle building, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps sustain energy, manage weight, and promote tissue repair.^13,14 Blend protein powder into a smoothie for a nutritious summer treat. Opt for a plant-based option with a complete amino acid profile for maximum benefits.

Chromium Picolinate
For energy support during your summer fitness routine, consider chromium picolinate. This mineral aids in metabolizing carbohydrates and lipids, contributing to weight management and cardiovascular health.¹⁵

7. Try Summer DIY Beauty Treats

Indulge your skin with DIY face masks, bath bombs, and moisturizers. These homemade options allow you to control the ingredients and are enjoyable to make. Enhance your natural beauty with these home recipes.

Turmeric Face Mask Recipe for a Healthy Glow

• • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon yogurt

Mix ingredients in a small glass container and apply to a freshly cleaned face. Avoid contact with your eyes and clothing. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Use once or twice per week and store any extra in the refrigerator. Note: This mask may leave a faint yellow tint on your skin that will fade and may stain clothes or towels.

Detoxifying Activated Charcoal Face Mask

• • 1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder (break open the capsules)
  • 2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons of raw honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil

Mix all ingredients with enough water to make a spreadable paste and apply to clean skin. Allow to dry for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If DIY isn’t your preference, try a pre-made Charcoal Mask that enriches your skin with essential vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.

DIY Body Scrub with Apple Cider Vinegar

• • 2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Combine all ingredients in a plastic container and use as a body scrub while showering to exfoliate your skin.

Make Your Own Spray Deodorant

• • 6 tablespoons pure witch hazel
  • 6 tablespoons of distilled water
  • 2 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 2 drops lavender essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before each use. Ensure the essential oils are skin-safe by reading the product label and conducting a skin sensitivity test prior to application. You can also incorporate lemon essential oil and sage essential oil, but keep the tea tree essential oil as the primary ingredient for its freshness. For more on essential oils and their uses, explore Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Beginner's Guide to Using Essential Oils.

DIY Moisturizers

Forego commercial lotions and explore natural oils. Add a few drops of your preferred skin-friendly essential oil to create a unique summer fragrance, or opt for an unscented version. Here are several oils to consider:

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is excellent as it mimics the moisture your skin naturally produces. It helps reduce water loss, keeping your skin supple without a greasy feel. A little goes a long way!

Coconut Oil
If you have dry skin, coconut oil is ideal for soothing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin. It's also perfect for rehydrating after a day outdoors.

Grapeseed Oil
Research indicates that grapeseed oil may help shield your skin from UV damage while providing potent antioxidants and moisture without clogging pores.¹⁶

Also, discover our DIY Bath Bomb Recipes. Bath bombs are simple and enjoyable to make, and even more delightful to use!

Your Most Beautiful Summer Yet

Looking and feeling your best during summer involves nourishing your body, staying hydrated, and caring for your skin. These tips are an excellent starting point, and we encourage you to share your own in the comments below!

If you found these tips helpful, explore 5 Summer Fitness Fun Ideas for ways to stay active throughout the season, and 15 Healthy Salad Recipes to Enjoy This Summer for delicious options with the season’s freshest produce.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for ice cream. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food. Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

¹ 6 Reasons to Drink Water. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1

² Ultraviolet radiation and free radical damage to skin. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8660402 

³ High SPF Sunscreens, Are They Better? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better

⁴ Skin protection against UV light by dietary antioxidants. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24964816

⁵ Antioxidants in Fruits. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/antioxidants-in-fruits#1

⁶ Lutein & Zeaxanthin Concentration in Fruits & Vegetables. American Macular Degeneration Foundation. https://www.macular.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/lutein.pdf

⁷ Lutein and zeaxanthin in eye and skin health. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19168000

⁸ Astaxanthin: An Antioxidant Powerhouse. Nutraceuticals World. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_online-exclusives/2018-04-25/astaxanthin-an-antioxidant-powerhouse/991

⁹ Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on human subjects. Biochimica Polonica. http://www.actabp.pl/pdf/1_2012/43.pdf

¹⁰ Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity. US National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/

¹¹ Protective effect of Schizandrin B against damage of UVB irradiated skin cells depend on inhibition of inflammatory pathways. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27689692