Summer’s almost here. The time to kick back, relax and enjoy the fact that it’s not raining anymore. It is just as essential to take care of your skin in summer as it is the rest of the year though. The sun’s rays are harmful year around, but are especially damaging in summer while you hangout by the pool.

There are a lot of steps you can take toward protecting your skin, but the best first step is to not forget your lips. According to an article from InStyle magazine, dermatologists recommend using a lip balm SPF 15 or higher. Your lips need sunscreen too, its rays can be extremely damaging in drying out your skin.

Another place often forgotten in summer is your scalp and ears. You have sensitive skin along your hairline that can easily get burned so you want to make sure you cover those areas with sunscreen, a spray is often the easiest way to ensure you’re fully covered all over.

Make sure to hydrate all summer long. Not only does your body need the extra water in the summer but it has wonderful benefits for your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Niketa Sonavane recommends drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day. If you have a hard time making your water quota she advises adding fresh or frozen fruit to the water to give it a faint flavor without all the added sugars of juice. An added benefit of adding frozen fruit is that it will help keep your water cool longer.

After having your fun in the sun take a cold shower to help cool off. According to Dr. Sadick, a New York dermatologist, hot showers after exposure to the sun can dry out your skin. Plus, a cool shower after sweating a lot can decrease your chance of pesky summer breakouts.

Always wear sunscreen and apply it frequently throughout the day. If you do get sunburned make sure to apply a lotion with aloe vera or soy in it. According to a Maple Holistics, a natural beauty product website that has been featured in magazines such as Bust and Forbes, aloe vera and soy are effective at helping heal skin quickly.

If you want your beautiful summer skin to last, exfoliate. Dermatologist Jeannette Graf says that exfoliating improves skin health by removing the dead skin that prevents congestion and dehydration.

There are a lot of great exfoliants out there, but it is also easy to make your own. All you need is a few products from your kitchen and if an essential oil or two if you want it to have a certain scent.

What you need:

½ to a ¾ cup olive oil

½ cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons coffee

1 tablespoon sea salt

Or

You can replace the coffee with oatmeal for more sensitive skin

A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix this all together and apply before taking your cool shower for healthy, radiant skin all summer long.