We may be halfway through summer, but so far it's still getting hotter. When the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. But that doesn’t mean you need an elaborate new routine to keep your skin happier while enjoying the outdoors! 

These simple, low-lift tips can help support your skin all season long.

1. Shower ASAP after sweating (or change into clean clothes if you can’t)

Sweat itself isn’t the issue — it’s the dirt and bacteria that mix with the moisture. Letting it sit too long (especially under tight clothing) can trap debris in your pores and trigger breakouts. So showering after a workout or a hot day can help minimize face and body acne. If you can't shower right away, change into clean, breathable clothes and gently wipe down with a damp cloth.

2. Apply blemish products before and after a workout

If you’re breakout-prone, try applying a blemish-fighting product — both before and after you exercise. I find that azelaic acid works better than salicylic acid. Even a low pH chemical exfoliant like lactic acid can help, but only if skin is covered to prevent sunburn (like your buttocks or back). This both prevents and treats breakouts by helping your skin fight acne causing bacteria.

3. Rinse with cool water if your skin overheats

Heat dilates blood vessels and can trigger flushing and sensitivity — especially for those prone to rosacea. This increases the chances of stinging, irritation and flare-ups. Rinsing with cool water can help bring down inflammation. 

Extra pro tip: Wait until your skin has cooled before applying skincare products (especially ascorbic acid, exfoliators, retinoids or chemical sunscreen). 

4. Use protective products before pool swimming

Chlorine is drying for both skin and hair, in large part because it has a high pH. Using a protective hair and scalp oil and thicker, water-resistant sunscreen on skin before swimming can help shield you from pool chemicals.  

5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Hats provide physical protection that sunscreen alone can’t.. They also keep your skin cooler, which can help reduce the chances of melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Bonus: wide brims protect easily overlooked areas like your ears, eye area, neck, chest, and scalp!

6. Avoid heavily fragranced products

As discussed above, heat and sun can make your skin more reactive. Artificial fragrance (which, as you well know, is laden in both chemical and mineral sunscreens) is a common irritant that can worsen redness and sensitivity. Choose fragrance-free products, especially sunscreen and facial care whenever possible.

7. Clean linens weekly

Bacteria, oil, and dust build up fast — especially in summer. Especially if you are acne prone, wash your pillowcases and bath towels at least once a week.

8. Shower in the evening

Even though some people love to wake up with a morning shower, it’s actually best to shower at night to wash off the day’s dirt. Plus, it helps keep your sheets clean!

SPF also needs to come off completely at the end of the day to prevent congestion (and even maintain a healthy microbiome). A gentle but thorough cleanse ensures that sunscreen, sweat, and pollution don’t linger overnight.

9. Use antioxidant-rich skincare daily

Topical antioxidants are key for healthy skin, especially with more time spent outdoors.  A quality vitamin C serum can help fade dark spots, even skin tone, and enhance your sunscreen by neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure. Look for a stabilized, gentle form of vitamin C (we love the liposoluble kind for its potency and skin compatibility).

But, antioxidants actually work best synergistically. Ingredients like vitamin E, CoQ10, and beta-carotene strengthen vitamin C’s effects, offering broader protection against environmental stressors.

That’s why we formulated The Face & Eye One with all of the above — designed to more effectively boost your skin’s defense during the day and support cellular repair at night. 

For the rest of you, The Body & Hair One delivers added Vitamin C alongside antioxidant-rich superfood oils (including acai, one of the world’s most antioxidant-dense fruits) to protect and nourish dry, sun-exposed skin and hair from head to toe.

10. Eat the rainbow  

Scientific research shows that eating antioxidant-rich foods help your body fight oxidative stress both inside and out (fascinating)!. Nutrients like beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin C, and E have been shown to improve the skin’s resilience to sun damage when consumed regularly and consistently over time. 

Eating a colorful, plant-forward diet isn’t just good for your health — it’s powerful skincare, too. This is also a plug to support local, small scale farmers: responsibly grown, fresh produce contains the most nutrients.

11. Hydration

Perhaps the simplest (yet one of the most important) tips of all. We usually associate dehydrated skin with winter, but high temps and AC can be just as drying. Unless you live in a very humid climate, hot skin can experience increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — leaving you feeling tight, dull, or showing more pronounced fine lines.

First and foremost: stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, ideally in consistent increments versus chugging all at once. Consider adding electrolytes if you're sweating heavily or constantly feel thirsty to ensure your cells retain the H2O.

Topical hydration is also important when fighting dry skin. In the morning, use a hydrating toner or serum under any oils or moisturizers. Follow with a moisturizing sunscreen. Use hydration products again at night as a first step after cleansing to help replenish lost moisture (and the right products should also rebalance pH) from the daytime.

(Alert: Our upcoming product, a multi-active hydrator The Essential Elixir is designed for exactly this — a lightweight, water-based serum that layers seamlessly under The Face & Eye One to deliver deep hydration, fight breakouts, balance skin pH, even tone, and provide long-term skin barrier support.) 

Final thought: Healthy skin doesn’t mean high maintenance

Small, consistent habits — like showering off sweat at night, eating well, using thorough sun protection, and sticking to multi-functional, well-formulated skincare— can keep your skin calm, protected, and resilient through the hottest months.

Want effortless support this summer?
Check out our  multi-use oil serums The Face & Eye One and The Body & Hair One, which are both packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals that support your skin (and hair) morning to night.

Please note this information is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult with a licensed medical professional for personalized care.