Summer skin care is all about striking the right balance. Heat, humidity, air conditioning and increased UV exposure can all take a toll on your complexion, leaving it dehydrated, irritated or more vulnerable to sun damage. You want to keep your skin hydrated while also protecting it from the sun.
A lightweight, moisture-focused routine paired with a broad-spectrum SPF helps support your skin barrier, lock in hydration and defend against premature aging and discoloration. The good news? You don't need an overly complicated regimen to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing all season long.
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In this article: Glow Recipe Watermelon Milk Peptide Glow Cushion Cream, AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream with Ceramides and Glow Recipe Dew Shield Korean Face Sunscreen SPF 30
The products below have all been tested and approved by BestReviews editors, earning high marks for their performance, texture and overall user experience. From soothing serums and barrier-repairing moisturizers to lightweight sunscreens and refreshing facial mists, these are the summer skin care essentials we reach for when temperatures start to climb.
Glow Recipe PDRN+ Repair + Soothe Toner Pads
PDRN supports skin repair and renewal, and these toner pads feel like a calming facial. They have a cooling effect on your skin, and our Executive Editor noticed a visible reduction in redness after use.
Formulated with niacinamide, resveratrol, vegan PDRN and tea tree leaf water, this serum goes on light and is gentle enough to use multiple times a day.
EltaMD UV Daily SPF Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Zinc Oxide
One of my favorite facial SPF products, this mineral sunscreen goes on light and clear without any stickiness or greasiness. I like the untinted version, but it also comes in several tinted hues.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Milk Peptide Glow Cushion Cream
Our Executive Editor describes this moisturizer as “so silky smooth.” It goes on feeling thick and luxurious, but sets well and feels light enough for summer wear under foundation or SPF.
LANEIGE Water Bank Cleansing Foam
The most hydrating cleanser I have ever tried is packed with hyaluronic acid and papain enzyme to promote softer and smoother skin.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream with Ceramides
With a lightweight, gel-like texture, this cream is the perfect consistency for summer use. It’s formulated with ceramides to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and deliver long-lasting hydration.
Glow Recipe Dew Shield Korean Face Sunscreen SPF 30
This hydrating, watermelon-scented SPF 30 goes on light and comes in a compact container that’s easy to carry around with you anywhere for necessary reapplication.
Use this multitasking cream on your face or body for intense hydration. Perfect for hot and humid days, the cream has a lightweight, water-like texture that feels cooling on contact.
Glow Recipe Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 45
Apply this dewy SPF 45 balm to your face on the go and get a bonus glow. It goes on super thin and instantly brightens the look of your skin.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water
This cult-favorite facial mist is perfect for a refreshing spritz — any time, anywhere. It hydrates the skin while promoting a dewy finish.
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