We’re so used to slathering on creams when the mercury drops, but when summer arrives, we get seduced into thinking hydration isn’t as important. But that’s absolutely false! Not only does your skin need hydration year round, but during the hot season, sun exposure, air conditioning, exposure to chlorine in swimming pools and saltwater at the beach all further contribute to drying out skin and decreasing its natural moisture levels. Moreover, shaving more often, using bug repellant, and tanning or getting sunburned all contribute to dryness. Read on to learn how to best apply hydration during summer and which products to use.

How to Hydrate in Summer

First, you can try to stay out of the sun and limit swimming pool use, but we know that’s not always feasible. With longer days and more available sunlight, avoiding the sun is not so easy. If you find you are being exposed to the sun more often than not, make sure you are moisturizing every day and maybe even multiple times per day to make sure the moisture lost is replaced. Light, gel-based moisturizers are ideal in the hotter months because they won’t feel as heavy as the creams you most likely use during fall and winter. Plus, they won’t feel sticky on the skin on hot, humid days. Even if your skin is oily and you feel that it doesn’t need hydration, it can still lose its innate moisture when exposed to the sun or chlorinated pools or saltwater. Also, oily skin can benefit from gel-based moisturizers that aren’t heavy and won’t make the skin feel even oilier.

For best results, hydrate in the mornings and evenings, but also after prolonged swimming or sun exposure. Also remember to always hydrate after a hot shower or time spent in a hot tub. Make sure to hydrate head to toe as the skin on the feet can become especially dry with exposure to chlorine, saltwater, hot water, and sand (at the beach).

I MASK Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask

Sheet masking is one way you can inject moisture into your skin throughout the summer months. The I MASK sheet mask is especially great because it delivers instant hydration while also providing cooling and soothing benefits. Skin that is dry or dull immediately gets a boost of nourishing and rejuvenating moisture. This mask also contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants for further nourishment and protection.

VITAL C Hydrating Enzyme Mask

This mask is an exfoliating mask that is particularly beneficial for those with redness and rosacea-prone skin. It can soothe while also gently dissolving the buildup of dead skin cells that not only clog pores but also render one’s complexion dull and tired-looking. Antioxidants and vitamins in this formula help to protect and nourish as well. Overall, it can be used a couple of times a week to gently exfoliate, which will also make the application of moisturizers more effective.

VITAL C Hydrating Repair Crème

This is a superb addition to any skincare regimen. Filled with ceramides and vitamins, this repairing cream is luxurious and decadent, with the ability to thoroughly quench dry, exhausted skin and bring out a beautiful glow. This formula also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrated and make any existing wrinkles less noticeable.

The Summer Box: Here Comes Hydration

Our Summer Box is your must-have set for summer. It includes items that will protect and nourish during the summer months to make sure your skin is healthy and properly taken care of. To start, there is the Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, which nourishes and hydrates while also providing anti-aging benefits. It features antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C as key ingredients. Antioxidants are essential because they protect from environmental damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable atoms that cause damage to skin cells and accelerate the visible aging process.[1] Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid plumps up the appearance of skin to make wrinkles less visibly noticeable while also provide deep hydration. Finally, vitamin C works as an antioxidant and anti-aging powerhouse that can help boost the appearance of collagen-deprived.[2] Together, these three ingredients work as a team to make your skin look like a dream.

Next we have the Prevention+ Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30, which protects and hydrates in equal measure. It is a daily moisturizer that promotes soft skin while also adequately protecting against the visible effects of sun damage. If you don’t want to use moisturizer and sunscreen separately, this product is your best bet to provide hydration and protection without making you feel as if you are not doing enough.

Finally, there’s the Prevention+ Daily Defense Lip Enhancer SPF 15, which is important to keep lips looking nourished and healthy. We often don’t worry about our lips or take care of them the way we do our face and body. But the lips are actually very important because the skin that covers them is very thin and vulnerable. Make sure you are protecting your lips on a daily basis.

The Summer Box is a great investment in your skin and skin’s health. If you do nothing else, remember to moisturize and apply sunscreen every single day in the summer and rest of the year to give your skin a fighting chance.