Summer is probably everyone’s favorite season: sun, waves, and cocktails…It’s got everything.
And while this is the season to kick back, relax, and enjoy being outside, it’s also the time of the year when we may need to give a bit more attention to our bodies. Summer skincare is important because you are most likely to get overexposed to UVB/UVA rays, damaging sea salt or chlorine, and excess fat, sugar or alcohol during the warmer months.
And you know that just means back acne, unfortunate face pimples, unruly hair, dry cuticles, and split ends.
And we believe we’re not alone when we say, ain’t nobody got time for bad hair, dried up skin, and brittle nails.
That’s why we’ve prepared the perfect summer skin care guide to make sure you’re rocking your most radiant self at every party, event, and chill-out-day (even if you’re just staying in bed!) throughout the entire summer and beyond.
Prevent wrinkles when in the sun, avoid hair and skin dryness with nutrition and eco-friendly products tailored to every summer need!
We know it’s super important to focus on hydration, heat, and sun protection, and that it can be overwhelming to deal with body changes as you transition from dry winter skin (hello scaly scalp and face) and into those oily weeks mid-July, so we curated a list of tips backed by research and reviews to make this easy-peasy (dare we say breezy?) for you.
GLOW: Ground + Lighten + Offset + Water!
Yes, we worked hard on that acronym. Yes, we are excited that our collagen-support superfood blend, Organifi Glow, will help you glow from the inside out.
But, we're also excited to show you how GLOW is the perfect acronym for summer wellness.
Essentially, all you have to do is ‘Ground’ your summer skincare routine in nutrition, supplements, and the inner foundation that makes you look and feel brilliant from the inside.
Then ‘Lighten’ your load figuratively and literally, with activities and hair, nail or skin care products that take those (pore-blocking) heavy layers out and let you breathe freely.
Finally, ‘Offset’ the negative impact of certain activities with organic after sun skincare products, naturally hydrating tricks for hair and nails after ocean/pool dives, and after heavy partying.
‘Water’ all the time throughout this summer with hydrating and refreshing superfood drinks or moisturizing eco-friendly products that gently restore, maintain and recharge your body.
Let’s Get to It! Here's your summer skincare GLOW guide.
#1 Ground Summer Skin Care in Nutrition:
Boost Collagen Without Bone Broth
You’d probably be surprised to learn that collagen is the “most abundant protein in the animal kingdom” and in your body.
It is used to make tendons, ligaments, nails, and skin. Keratin and collagen are the two main proteins forming hair and nails. So, if you want to have glowing skin, shiny hair, and strong nails eating collagen (which is used in turn to build the keratin in your hair) is a great idea.
Your body already produces collagen, but its ability to produce it decreases as we age. You may have heard of bone broth, but since you might need a collagen support boost and might not want to eat bones or boiled chicken feet, try these instead:
- Lean meats like turkey, chicken, and beef
- Blueberries, kiwi, and strawberries
- Avocados and Almonds (both have Vitamin E which helps produce collagen with Vitamin C)
- Carrots and other Vitamin A rich foods (they help repair collagen in damaged skin)
- Chlorella
- Tomatoes
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a significant role in collagen synthesis, so load up on dark leafy greens (yes they have Vitamin C too!) and citrus fruits like lime, lemon, oranges, and grapefruit - they’re not just fantastically refreshing but vital for summer skin care.
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, so it’s great for sun protection as your skin is more resilient against free radical damage.
Our berry-rich and tart-sweet Organifi Red Juice is a great way to hit your recommended daily intake and pack potent antioxidants.
Try a Collagen Support
You can boost your collagen intake taking up to three 400 mg of collagen on an empty stomach, either before bed or two to three hours after a meal. Collagen supplements in tablet form work best when the collagen is not broken up by stomach acid.
You can also try our delicious raspberry lemonade flavored GLOW collagen support. It not only supports your body's natural collagen production but also promotes hydration and DNA repair, giving you all the superfoods you need for youthful skin all year.
Wait about two months to see full benefits, but it should really help support your summer skincare routine!
Load Up on Magnesium
Vertical ridges in nails may be a sign of magnesium deficiency (healthy nails say a lot about your health!) almonds, sunflower seeds, and most nuts have lots of magnesium that helps with rest and nail growth.
Additionally, these foods have B6, zinc, and Vitamin E - all essential for healthy skin and hair.
Get Some Biotin
For those on a plant-based diet, a great way to get your summer skin care supported from the inside out is to eat lentils and legumes that are rich in Biotin. Biotin or B7 is a water-soluble vitamin also found in avocados, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and nuts or seeds.
Eat Radishes and Chia Seeds
A little known nutrition trick for hair and summer skin care is adding radishes and chia seeds to your summer salads and smoothies.
Why? Radishes are tiny powerhouses that pack Vitamin C, folate, silica, and Vitamin B6, that may be able to dissolve mucus and fight the free radicals that affect your scalp.
Meanwhile, chia seeds are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids that activate in water or liquid (add them to a light dressing) and have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which ultimately helps clear out your gut and make room for more vitamin absorption.
#2 Lighten Summer Skin Care Products
If during the colder months you get “dry winter scalp” and your face or lips tend to crack, then you probably own a few heavily moisturizing skin products that protect you from the cold and crisp winter air. However, during the summer these products are not your friends.
You shouldn’t use the same body products year-round; your needs change with the seasons!
On the other hand, if you already have oily skin and hair, you might feel inclined to skip sun protection (because you fear/hate acne breakouts,) after sun skin care, and vitamin or collagen support, as you feel your skin is excessively hydrated (also super sticky and that’s very uncomfortable!)
We have news for you too; your summer skincare should skimp on none of these:
Both oily and dry skin benefit from light layers of protection as often as needed for each skin type.
Whether it’s sun protection (sunblock, UV safe clothing,) after sun care (natural or over the counter), hair shields (for heat, salt, and chlorine) or nail care, during hot and humid months the best thing you can do is moisturize in light layers as often as needed according to your skin type.
Most people fall within one of three hair and skin type categories: Oily, Dry, or Mixed.
These products and natural remedies are easy, light, and effective during the summer months for all of them, simply increase the frequency the dryer you notice your skin feels.
Cleanse and Brighten:
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Wash your face at least twice a day: with a gentle face wash that removes oil and sweat build up from sleep and from your day. We know if you have so much as a half-a-face of makeup you’re not likely to cleanse mid-day, therefore we recommend a minimum of two rounds per day.
If you feel there’s too much build up during the day use a mattifying paper like the ones from vegan brand E.L.F. to absorb the excess oil and carry some face mist to feel refreshed without removing makeup.
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Exfoliate with glycolic acid: alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) from citric, lactic, or glycolic acid work as leave-on exfoliants that progressively remove damaged skin cells. They’re excellent ways to remove dead skin, dull top layers, and prepare your face for the rest of your summer skincare routine.
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Use a Natural ACV Toner: we talked about the benefits of apple cider vinegar before, and we love this recipe for both sensitive and normal skin that mixes equal parts filtered water or green tea with ACV for a gentle yet thorough cleanse.
- Scrub Your Whole Body: oil and product build-up will not be limited to your face, so either try a PH-balanced soap with light exfoliation for daily use (like Drunk Elephant’s vegan, cruelty-free, and 6.3 PH juju bar) or add some oatmeal to a DIY body scrub for sensitive skin, like this mango and oats one.
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Remove Excess Oil From Scalp: in order to have those glowy tresses you so desperately want this summer, your body is not the only thing we recommend exfoliating; that dry winter scalp may be over-producing sebum in the summer. No summer skincare routine can skip hair!
Exfoliate your scalp at least once a week to avoid oil or sebum build up -that substance you can sometimes scratch off your head - and to avoid dandruff, dulled hair color, acne, and more. Try this scalp exfoliator - and hair volumizer - from Lush or this DIY version. (Spoiler alert: it also uses ACV!)
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Switch Your Hand Soap: most of us use heavy antibacterial hand soap at home or work, but this can be very drying to skin and nails.
Protect your cuticles, avoid tip breakage, and help your manicure live longer by switching to gentler hand soap. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or rosehip) post-wash to keep them extra strong and hydrated.
Get Sun Protection for All Occasions:
- Get Light Mineral Sunscreen: Coola is a vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe and organic mineral sunscreen that works for and with all skin types. It’s a perfect addition to your summer skincare routine and feels super light on the skin while giving you the best sun protection.
Apply to that hair partition on your scalp as well! - Protect Your Hair With Leave-In Conditioner: if you’re planning to spend time at the pool or the ocean - good for you! This eco-friendly and biodegradable leave-in conditioner by StreamToSea will shield your hair from seawater and UVB rays, without sacrificing marine life.
A natural alternative to use is plain and raw coconut oil.
Switch to Light Coverage Makeup:
Leave the thick layers for special occasions and opt instead for fewer layers of makeup in order to allow the skin to breathe and avoid that dreaded product accumulation that leads to clogged pores.
A light foundation with SPF will have you glowing and feeling protected with little effort.
Cover Your Lips:
Hydrate and keep your lips from excessive sun, chlorine, and saltwater exposure using a lip balm. We like this biodegradable and eco-friendly option, and Coola’s 30 SPF colored balm.
Go Light on the Nail Care:
You’re probably used to getting a manicure every time your nail polish starts to chip off, but for a truly healthy summer skincare routine, you should let your cuticles, nails, and nail folds breathe between mani-pedis.
If you can’t wait, consider going for one of these five-free or seven-free nail polish brands:
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Ella+Milla: might already be available at your salon, or you could just bring it with you. It’s free of the seven most dangerous chemicals usually found in nail polish (Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Triphenyl Phosphate, and Xylene,) cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly. Plus, it has a whole line dedicated to nail recovery.
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Handmade Beauty: has a moisturizing base coat with aloe vera that you can use in between sessions, whether you’re a stylish woman or a presence-conscious man. This brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, 5 and 7-free, and the packaging is sustainable.
- 15-Free Nail Polish: is a vegan-friendly line of products, free of the most dangerous chemicals mentioned above, and also gluten-free. Even though gluten is added to nail polish for collagen support, some people have allergies or sensitivities to it -this line is ideal for them.
Let Yourself Breathe (No FOMO):
You may not be considering stress as a significant factor that could derail your summer skin care routine; you’re probably planning epic adventures that involve equal parts of outdoor activities and couch time.
Research shows there is a brain-skin connection that results in breakouts, rashes, inflammation, premature aging and more.
Even if you want to prevent wrinkles when in sun, support collagen production, avoid hair and skin dryness, etc. you’ll have to do more than just focus on your summer skin care tactics.
You’ll have to cultivate a relaxing practice that helps you rest, lower cortisol levels (cortisol and sleep deprivation are connected and can wreck your skin,) and glow from the inside.
This summer, aim to be well-rested, even if you go out partying or get up early for a sunrise hike, practice meditation, yoga, or another type of calming breath practice and let go of the fear of missing out that causes stress and anxiety.
Whether you have work that stresses you out, or you get stressed out over potentially missing out on the summer fun, your body, mind, and skin will thank you when you go easy on yourself.
Try a soothing tea at the end of the day to help you sleep, like our Gold.
#3 Offset Damage:
If you already had your fun in the sun and your summer skin care routine needs reinforcement, these few steps will help you offset the damage to skin, hair, and/or nails.
Get some after sun care:
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Aloe Vera: Alba Botanica has a 98% aloe vera after sun gel that is pretty near the real thing. Aloe vera contains Vitamin A, enzymes, Vitamin C and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, fight acne, and hydrate dried skin. This formula is reef-friendly, cruelty-free, parabens and phthalates-free and has no harsh sulfates. It’s a wonderful way to replenish and hydrate skin while also recovering from sunburns or overexposure.
The alternative? Pure aloe vera gel directly cut from the plant (a bit smellier tho!) and applied directly to the burnt skin. For both, we recommend freezing some cubes to get that extra soothing sensation if your skin is really damaged.
- Essential Oils: you can mix essential oils such as lavender or peppermint with coconut oil to create a calming lotion for sunburn relief. Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties, while lavender helps reduce redness. Add them to your summer skincare routine, even if you’re not burnt after tanning.
- Vitamin E Oil: fast-forward healing with liquid Vitamin E Oil that has been packed to be orally consumed; it’s extra soft and works wonders on sunburnt skin and scarring. You can get it at any drug store or whole foods store.
- Coconut Oil: fractionated coconut oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and deeply moisturizing. It’s also very affordable and eco-friendly, your summer skin care doesn’t have to cost you -or the planet- a lot.
- Greek Yogurt: the lactic acid of Greek Yogurt helps calm sunburnt skin. Get either natural plain (sugar-free but full-fat) yogurt, or try Korre’s Greek yogurt lotion.
Lock in Hair Moisture:
Summer pollution, chlorine, sea salt, sun exposure, and more may leave your locks looking dull and brittle. Avoid easily-breaking tresses incorporating sodium-free shampoo and conditioner to your summer skincare tools.
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Aubrey Organics has biotin-based repair shampoo and conditioners that help your hair recover. All sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
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Abba Shampoo: is perfect for those who spend summer at the pool; it has lines designed specifically to naturally revitalize hair that has been damaged by chlorine and color dye.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hydrating hair mask once a week and after every sea or pool vacation.
Give Your Liver a Break:
All those cocktails, mocktails, ice cream treats, and rich meals will inevitably overtax your liver. Clear skin is a sign of a happy liver, but there are other symptoms of unhealthy liver function you may be displaying and overlooking - like fatigue, bloating, itchy skin, loss of appetite, etc.
Give yourself the best fuel starting your day with detox water and green juice.
#4 Water - All Day. Every Day!
The easiest step, yet at times the hardest step to take. Drinking plenty of water is the easiest way to ensure your summer skin care goals are achieved and maintained. Try this to make sure you hydrate properly:
- Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Make your own flavored water throwing frozen berries, citrus fruit slices, and ginger sticks in a jar.
- Calculate the amount of water you need according to your size, weight, and exercise routine.
- Carry a 16 OZ reusable water bottle with you and try to drink the contents three times each day.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice to make your water alkaline and help with body detox
- Use fruit wedges to make the water more tasteful and refreshing. Combine it with some cucumber slices and mint leaves for extra oomph.
Summer skin care doesn’t have to be complicated or too expensive (we dispelled that myth with these five natural ingredients for skin care before,) all you have to do is ground your routine in nutrition, apply light preventative layers of cleansing and hydrating products, take care of your body after sun exposure and drink plenty of water to stay radiant!
Just remember to GLOW!
Support your journey with our collagen support and the sunrise to sunset superfood system, which has the perfect companion drink for all your summer skin care goals. We hope this guide was useful and that you find these tips, resources, and products useful this summer.
Tell us what your summer skin care routine is? Will you try any of these?