11 Summer Wedding Skincare Tips

Summer wedding skincare tips coming at you!

For many reasons, it can be more difficult to care for your skin in the summer than it is at other times of the year. It could be that summertime is usually busier. We travel more, meaning that not all products are with us at all times. And, we don’t have as much time in general to devote to our routines.

In addition, summer typically means more time in the sun. At worst, this can lead to sunburns, which are terrible for our skin. At best, it can mean tan lines and uneven tones. Both of these are no fun when you’re planning a wedding and trying to look your best at it.

If you’re looking for summer wedding skincare tips, this post is for you. I’ll go into tried-and-true methods to keep your skin safe from the sun and environmental stressors, so it is radiant on your wedding day. None of these tips are complicated, and anyone can implement them. All it takes is a the right knowledge and some intention.

Let’s get into it!

1. SPF ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, FOR YOUR SUMMER WEDDING SKINCARE

As I mentioned above, the sun is likely the biggest issue your skin will face if you’re having a summer wedding. It’s harsh in the summer, and we tend to wear less coverage, leaving ourselves open to sunburns, and uneven lines and tones.

While covering up, staying in the shade, wearing a hat, and remaining inside are all ways to beat the sun, they aren’t always practical or effective everywhere on our bodies. To help keep your skin safe while in the sun, wear sunscreen each day, everywhere.

The best sunscreens for our skin are broad spectrum, mineral sunscreens that have at least 25 SPF, or more. Be sure to put on sunscreen before you get dressed. This will help you avoid missing spots. Don’t forget to put it on your hands, tops of your feet, ears, and wear a protective lip balm as well. Be sure to reapply every few hours, or more, if you’re sweating or swimming.

If you don’t like the feel of sunscreen on your face, this is a great daily one that is light and effective.

2. USE AS LITTLE PRODUCT AS POSSIBLE

Now, I know I just told you to put sunscreen everywhere you can, but in general, watch out for layering on too many products.

Because we spend more time outside in the summer, when it’s warm, sunscreen and sweat can lead to clogged pores and acne. When you get married, both of these things can show up in photos. They can even lead to scars later on if you’re not careful. In an effort to avoid clogging your pores, keep all products to a minimum, especially on your face.

What does this look like? Well, you could apply moisturizers or foundations that also have sunscreen in them. You can also reduce the number of days that you use concealer, or makeup. Letting your skin breath whenever possible will help keep it clear.

3. VITAMIN C IS YOUR SUMMER WEDDING SKINCARE FRIEND

Vitamin C serums are all the rage right now.

A good Vitamin C serum can help protect against environmental stressors and pollutants. Not only that, it can reduce the look of fine lines and give your skin a boost of radiance. If you find that your skin reacts well to Vitamin C, you can look for medical grade serums. They contain a higher amount of the vitamins. Otherwise, you can use one like this one, which is very popular.

The key with vitamin C serums is to use them after you clean your skin, but before you moisturize or apply sunscreen.

4. KEEP YOUR PRODUCTS LIGHT

If you are prepping your skin for a summer wedding, it’s important to keep your skincare as light as possible. This will help keep your pores clear and breathing.

To do this, look for products that are on the lighter side. For example, foaming cleansers are fantastic for summer. They sooth skin and help gently clear away products, dirt, and build up. This is one that I use and love. Also, pay attention to the creams that you use. In the winter it’s easy to cozy up after applying a heavy face cream, but in the summer months it’s better to stick with a light one. This is one that I use regularly.

5. TREAT SUNBURNS WITH KINDNESS

Look, I know that sunburns happen. And they are mean, aren’t they?

If you get a sunburn, getting to it quickly is key. This will help your skin feel better, and allow it to fade sooner so it doesn’t impact the look of your skin tone in your wedding clothes.

As someone who sunburns easily, I find that lots of aloe, moisturizer, and water are the ways to help it heal faster. You may even want to stock up on aloe ahead of the summer, and be sure to bring it on vacations, just in case. Additionally, stay out of the sun once you know there is damage. Cover up, and wear sunscreen, even if your skin feels less than stellar. And, don’t pick or peel your skin while it heals. It can create scars and make things even worse.

6. EXFOLIATE MORE THAN IN THE WINTER

Summer skincare is all about allowing the air to get to your skin. This means stepping up your exfoliation game.

Many people believe that it’s better to exfoliate more in the winter, when skin tends to be drier. While this does make sense, remember that exfoliation can be drying. In the summer your skin may respond better to it. And, the key with it in the summer is to clear away dead skin cells so they don’t get trapped in your skin.

The best facial products to gently exfoliate, while keeping hydration, may be an AHA exfoliate, like this mask, or a charcoal mask. Using these products once or twice a week can help clear out clogged pores and get your skin breathing. Plus, you can use a charcoal mask on your armpits, or bottoms of your feet, for added detoxing.

For a full body exfoliation, a scrub can go a long way. Make sure that it contains natural ingredients, like this one. Remember to apply it to your feet, elbows, legs, and follow up with lightweight lotion.

7. KEEP UP YOUR SOLID SKINCARE ROUTINE

A good skincare routine has four basic steps. They are to clean, prep, treat, and protect.

In the summer, when we are busy, it’s easy to miss a step here and there. While this is okay once in a while, it’s best to stick to your routine as best as possible. Your skin is used to it, and deserves it. Of course, it’s okay to switch out some products, like making your moisturizers less heavy and your cleansers foaming, but sticking to the steps will lead to the best summer wedding skincare.

8. COOL OFF WITH WATER

It can be tempting to buy mists and spray ourselves while laying pool or beachside. However, mists can contain nasty chemicals that you just don’t want on your skin.

If you are the kind of person who is into mists, make them water based. You can even make your own with plain water, and adding a cucumber or hydrating fruit or vegetable to it. When in doubt, avoid all products with the ingredient “fragrance” in them, and check out this “never list” for a comprehensive list of nasty chemicals, ingredients, and additives.

9. SPEAKING OF WATER, DRINK MORE OF IT

Water is your friend. It’s also my friend. It’s all of our friends. And while water is the most boring drink on the planet, it’s your summer wedding skincare routine’s best friend.

Seriously. Just drink more water. It plumps up your skin, sooths sunburns, reduces the look of fine lines, gets your organs working better, and makes us feel good in general. If you are not into plain water, add flavors to it. Adding lemon, cut fruits, herbs, and even sea salt can all add to the taste and benefits of your water. It’s also okay to enjoy other beverages, but water should be your main intake.

10. DON’T FORGET TO COVER UP

As someone who is mostly Irish and English decent, and burns easily, I’ve discovered the joy of a lightweight long sleeved shirt and hats recently.

While covering up in the warm sun is about the least sexy thing a person can do, it’s amazing for your skin protection. A hat keeps your eyes protected and means that you won’t get a strange sunburn along your hair line (and let me tell you, when it heals and peels, it’s not cute!). Yes, there may be hat hair and a little extra sweating, but the alternative is worse.

Remember, clothes can only offer so much sun protection, and if they are wet the protection goes down, so always use sunscreen in tandem with covering up.

11. MAKE YOUR OWN SELF TANNER

After a long winter inside, we all want to showcase glowing skin ahead of a trip to the pool or beach. And while it can be tempting to go to a tanning bed, I think we all know by now that this is the worst thing you can do for your skin.

Getting a spray tan is much better in the long run, but they can be expensive and you never know what chemicals are lurking in the sprays. Enter your own self-tanner. I go into it in this post, but essentially you can create a tanner with 8 ounces of black tea, 16 ounces of water, and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Give it a test one day and see how you like it!

CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you are getting ready for your summer wedding skincare routine, hopefully this post helped share some tips with you. The most important thing is to stay out of the sun. No one wants funky tan lines, or damaged skin, on their wedding day. Use sunscreen, cover up, and be prepared with aloe just in case. Keep your day-to-day products light and minimal. Be sure to exfoliate and let your skin breath. You’re going to look amazing at your wedding! Happy wedding planning!

More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice

Should You Wear More Than One Wedding Dress?

10 Winter Wedding Skincare Tips

How To Create A Wedding Health & Beauty Plan

Did you find this post helpful, inspiring? PIN it to your Wedding Beauty Board on Pinterest!