Summer is a wonderful time to spend more time outdoors, enjoy longer days, and embrace a slower pace. But the season can also bring unique challenges for your skin.
Sun exposure, heat, sweat, air conditioning, and travel can all affect how your skin looks and feels. While sunscreen deserves its place in every summer routine, there are several other habits that can help support healthy, hydrated skin throughout the season.
Here are 10 simple summer skincare habits worth trying this year.
1. Wear Protective Clothing Alongside Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important, but it doesn't have to do all the work on its own.
Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, lightweight long sleeves, and breathable pants can provide an extra layer of protection while helping reduce overall sun exposure. Many summer fabrics are designed to feel cool and comfortable, even on warm days.
Think of protective clothing as another tool for keeping your skin healthy throughout the season.
2. Layer Hydration Instead of Skipping It
One of the biggest summer skincare myths is that your skin needs less skincare when the weather is warm.
In reality, sun exposure, sweating, travel, and air conditioning can all contribute to dehydration. When skin lacks water, it may feel tight, dull, rough, or less comfortable, even if it doesn't feel dry.
Rather than using fewer products, focus on layering hydration with healthy, non-comedogenic (non-oily) products. A simple routine like Sole Toscana's 4-Step Skincare Set includes a hydrating cleanser, serum, eye cream, and face cream that help replenish hydration and moisture at multiple levels.
For extra nourishment and protection, a facial oil like la Dolce Vita Elixir can help lock everything in.
Healthy, hydrated skin often feels softer, smoother, and more resilient no matter the season.
3. Store Your Hydrating Mask in the Refrigerator
A chilled skincare treatment can feel incredibly refreshing on a warm summer day.
Keeping The Hydrating Mask in the refrigerator transforms it into a cooling ritual that feels especially soothing after gardening, traveling, exercising, or spending time outdoors.
It's a simple change that can make your weekly skincare routine feel a little more luxurious.
4. Ease Up on Heavy Makeup
Heat, humidity, and heavier makeup can sometimes leave pores clogged and skin unhappy during summer.
Many women find that lighter coverage feels more comfortable, especially this time of year. Summer can be a great opportunity to simplify your makeup and let healthy, well cared for skin take center stage.
5. Cleanse Morning and Night
Summer often means more sunscreen, sweat, and time outdoors.
A gentle cleanse in the morning, followed by a serum and creams, helps prepare your skin for the day ahead, while an evening cleanse and routine removes buildup that accumulates throughout the day.
Consistent cleansing can help keep skin feeling fresh, comfortable, and balanced.
6. Rinse Away Sweat Promptly
Whether you're walking, gardening, exercising, or simply enjoying the sunshine, sweat naturally increases during summer.
Sweat itself isn't harmful, but when it sits on the skin alongside sunscreen and environmental debris, it can sometimes contribute to irritation or congestion. A quick rinse and moisturization after outdoor activities can help refresh your skin and keep it feeling comfortable.
7. Don't Forget Your Neck, Chest, and Hands
These areas often receive just as much sun exposure as your face but are easy to overlook.
When applying moisturizer, sunscreen, or hydrating treatments, extend them to your neck, chest, and hands as well. Giving these exposed areas a little extra attention can help keep them looking and feeling their best.
8. Turn Down the Shower Temperature
After a hot summer day, a steaming shower can feel wonderful.
However, very hot water can strip away natural oils and contribute to dehydration. Choosing lukewarm water instead can help support your skin's moisture barrier and leave your skin feeling more comfortable afterward.
9. Clean Your Sunglasses and Phone More Often
Your sunglasses collect sunscreen, sweat, makeup, and skin oils throughout the day. Your phone screen gathers dirt and residue from frequent handling.
Taking a minute to clean these everyday items regularly can help reduce the transfer of buildup back onto your skin. It's a small habit that many people overlook.
10. Take Early Morning Walks
Some of the best skincare habits aren't products.
Early morning walks provide movement, fresh air, and gentle sunshine (Vitamin D!) before peak UV hours. They can also support circulation, reduce stress, and encourage overall wellbeing.
In Italy, daily walks are often part of everyday life. It's a simple reminder that caring for yourself goes beyond what you put on your skin.
Enjoy Summer While Supporting Your Skin
Summer skincare doesn't have to be complicated.
A few thoughtful habits can help your skin stay comfortable, hydrated, and healthy throughout the season. From layering hydration and wearing protective clothing to taking morning walks and keeping your hydrating mask cool, small changes can make a difference.
The goal isn't perfect skin. It's healthy skin that allows you to fully enjoy everything summer has to offer.
