It’s been 5 years since I posted my original summer essentials list. You can read it here! However, my skin has changed since then so I now have different summer products that I currently use. I decided to make an updated list to share with everyone!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
1. Sunscreen
This still remains as my number one summer essential! I will always emphasize how important it is for everyone to wear sunscreen, even if it’s a cloudy day! UV rays can still reach our skin and cause damage. People can still get sunburns, even in the winter! There are actually cases where people get more sunburned in the winter than the summer because the snow reflects the UV lights, which can double a person’s exposure to UV rays!
Over the years, I have researched and learned so much about skin care and have found some high quality products that truly protect your skin while also hydrating it. I am currently using the Elta MD sunscreens. Not only do I apply them to my face, but I also keep a small bottle in my car so I can apply it on my hands while I drive – a spot that many people forget about. I really recommend the Elta MD sunscreens. It’s currently a raved sunscreen within the dermatology community.
I use three of the Elta MD products: the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
2. Sunglasses
Protecting our eyes is just as important as our skin! Especially for younger adults, and moreso for children. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children’s eyes are more transparent than an adults. Although there are several cute sunglasses on sale in many department stores, it’s important that everyone uses sunglasses that block UV rays! The AOA suggests that everyone looks for sunglasses that:
– blocks out 99 – 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays
– lenses that have one solid tint
-prescription sunglasses if needed
Staying out of the sun during peak UV exposure risk which is from 8-10am and from 2-4pm.
Some great sunglasses to consider are:
3. Sun hats
This is important for whenever you will be in direct sunlight, especially while at the beach, at a park, or if you will be outside during peak UV exposure risk which is from 8-10am and from 2-4pm. Not only will the sunblock and sunglasses be protecting your eyes ans skin, but hats will be able to help as well! The best part about hats is that unlike sunglasses, you can wear whatever kind of hat you want! As long as it’s enough to provide protection to your face, then it is more than enough!
Here are a few hats that is both fashionable as well as functionable:
4. Face Mists
Face mists are one of the best ways that you can take care of your skin during the summer and winter (along with your sunblock!). Because of the dry air in the winter as well as the heat in the summer, our skin can easily feel dehydrated due to transepidermal water loss (an important topic that I will talk about in a later post!). Face mists are an easy way to bring that hydration back to your skin. One important thing to note is that if the face mists do not have certain ingredients in them, then you must apply a moisturizer afterwards. These ingredients are essential oils, saccharides, hyaluronic acid, or any ingredient that helps retain moisture. These are important ingredients because without them, the mist will simply dry and evaporate some of the moisture that was originally in the skin, leaving it even more dehydrated than before. You always want to follow up facial mists with a moisturizer, but even more so if the mist does not contain any humectants (attracts water to the skin) or occlusives (retains the water).
Some great facial mists to consider are:
5. Hair Products
Just like your skin, your hair can easily get damaged in the summer! UV rays can also affect hair – especially if it has been chemically altered with dyes, relaxers, or keratin treatments. Chlorine in pools damage hair, and the salt in the sand and ocean water will leave your hair feeling dry. There are several ways to restore moisture to your hair as well as protect it from the environmental stressors. The most efficient way is through creams and sprays! Some conditioners even have some properties that protect the hair from UV rays!
Some hair products to consider are:
And that is it! I hope you guys enjoyed my summer essentials! Do you habe any favorites of your own? Leave it on the comments section below!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.