As a chemist and mom, summer is the season when I pay the most attention to my skin. Between UV exposure, sweat, heat, chlorine, and outdoor activities, your skin faces a lot of challenges.
Over the years, I’ve narrowed down the products I actually use every summer to protect my skin barrier, prevent premature aging, and keep my skin healthy from head to toe.
These are my chemist-approved summer skincare essentials.
1. Daily Mineral Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable
Protect Body Mineral Sunscreen
If I could recommend only one product for summer, it would be a high-quality mineral sunscreen (code alexisroch for 50% off). It is a 2 in 1 sunscreen that both hydrates and protects against UV rays. Plus, it can be used on adults and kids.
I use Protect Body daily because zinc oxide creates a physical barrier that helps shield skin from UV damage. Whether I’m heading to the pool, the beach, or spending a day outside with the kids, sunscreen is the foundation of every skincare routine.
2. Never Forget Your Face
Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
A tinted mineral sunscreen (code alexisroch for 50% off) helps even skin tone while providing daily SPF protection.I love that it replaces several products in my routine and gives my skin a healthy, natural finish. I don’t use foundation in the summer, just the tinted sunscreen.
3. Vitamin C for Extra Protection
VC-IP Serum
Most people think sunscreen does all the work, but antioxidants are an important second layer of defense. VC-IP helps protect (code alexisroch for 50% off) against free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental stress.
4. Hydration Is Everything
ELF Hydration Spray
I keep this hydrating coconut mist nearby throughout the day for a quick hydration boost. I use it before applying anything in the morning, and then I mist my face throughout the day especially at the pool or beach. It smells so good too!
Revive Me Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Summer heat can leave skin dehydrated even when it feels oily. Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier while hyaluronic acid helps attract moisture to the skin. This serum is a must for summer (code alexisroch for 50% off).
5. Full Body Skincare Matters Too
Full Body Recovery Serum
Most people focus only on facial skincare. But your body needs extra care during the summer. Legs, arms, shoulders, stomach, and chest all need to be taken care of especially after sun exposure.
I use a recovery serum (code alexisroch) on areas that experience extra sun exposure, dryness, or irritation throughout summer. The best part of this serum, it also firms and fades dark spots.
6. Don’t Skip These Often Forgotten Summer Essentials
LUME Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Summer sweat requires a deodorant that actually keeps up. This is not scented, but provides safe 72 sweat protect in the summer!
LUME Acidified Body Wipes
Perfect after workouts, travel days, theme parks, sports practices, and long days outdoors. I keep a package of these in my pool bag.
7. Lip Protection Is Just as Important
Mineral Sunscreen Lip Tint
Your lips can burn just as easily as the rest of your skin. A lip product with mineral SPF (code alexisroch for 50% off) helps protect one of the most overlooked areas. This uses the same mineral SPF mentioned in the full body sunscreen, but it also plumps and hydrates your lips.
8. Easy Summer Beauty Favorites
Bronze Me Mineral SPF Bronzer
A bronzed look with added SPF protection. I love the beautiful bronze color this provides (code alexisroch for 50% off)while also having full mineral SPF protection. I use this on my legs, arms, and chest when I am going to the pool. It doesn’t have any orange streaking or tint either!
Monoi Shimmer Oil
One of my favorite summer products for adding glow to shoulders, legs, and arms. This also hydrates and smells wonderful.
9. Must Summer Tools
Lymphatic Drainage Gua Sha
Start the morning off with some lymphatic drainage to help puffiness. Check out this guide on how to do it.
Hypochlorous Acid Spray
I always sanitize my beauty tools because bacteria buildup can contribute to skin irritation and breakouts. Hypochlorous acid spray is the best and gentle on the skin!
Mineral Sunscreen Blender for Kids
Makes sunscreen application faster and more even on little faces. This was SO handy to have at the beach this summer.
10. Summer Hair Care Essentials
Beach Texture Spray
Easy summer styling without heat tools. This spray smells amazing and gives that beachy texture all summer.
11. My Morning Refresh Favorites
Clean Skin Club Facial Wipes
Perfect for removing makeup, sweat, and sunscreen. These are the only facial wipes that don’t irritate the eczema on my face.
Under Eye Patches
A quick way to reduce puffiness and help me look more awake during busy summer mornings.
Summer Skincare Essentials Don’t Have To Be Complicated
Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. My philosophy as a chemist mom is simple: protect, hydrate, repair, and keep things consistent.
These are the products I reach for every summer because they help support healthy skin while making my routine easy and effective.
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