Your summer skincare shopping guide for hydration, sun protection
Jessica Moore
- Summer weather can leave skin feeling greasy, clogged, and dehydrated, requiring a different skincare approach.
- A smart summer routine involves layering lightweight, hydrating products that won't clog pores.
- Morning skincare should focus on gel cleansers, antioxidant serums, light moisturizers, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Nighttime routines should gently cleanse away sweat and sunscreen, followed by breathable, calming moisturizers.
Summer has a way of pushing your skincare routine to its limits. With rising temps, high humidity and strong UV rays, your skin can be left feeling greasy, clogged and unexpectedly dehydrated.
That's why a smarter summer skincare routine is essential: one that keeps your skin hydrated, smooth and protected from the sun.
The key is choosing lightweight formulas and learning how to layer skincare in summer, so products absorb quickly and won't clog your pores or cause acne.
This summer skincare shopping guide breaks down the essentials from finding the best sunscreen for summer and choosing lightweight moisturizers that work in sticky humidity (and if you've ever spent a summer in the South, you know exactly what that means).
You'll also find customer-loved and top rated skincare products from popular retailers like Ulta, Dermstore, Bluemercury, Amazon and Target below.
Why summer skin needs a different approach
A summer skincare routine requires a different approach due to increased sweat, high humidity and stronger UV exposure. Heavy products can feel suffocating but skipping hydration can make oiliness worse, so finding a balance is essential.
Morning summer skincare routine
A summer morning skincare routine should focus on gel cleansers, antioxidant serums, lightweight moisturizers and broad-spectrum SPF sunscreens.
- Start with a gel cleanser to wash away overnight sweat and excess oil without stripping your skin.
- Then, apply an antioxidant serum (like vitamin C) to help protect against environment stressors and boost your SPF.
- Next, use a lightweight moisturizer; think gel or water-based formulas to keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
- Finally, top your routine off with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. This is by far your most important step for protecting against sun damage.
Customer-loved morning summer skincare products
The skincare products listed below all received a four-star customer rating and above based on reviews, sizing and value.
Nighttime summer skincare routine
Summer nights are all about resetting your skin after heat, sweat and sun exposure without overloading it with heavy products.
- First, start with a gentle cleanse to remove sunscreen, sweat and buildup without stripping your skin.
- Next, layer in lightweight hydration boosters like nighttime serums or gels to replenish moisture and soothe skin.
- Lastly, skip heavy occlusives and opt for breathable, calming moisturizers that won't clog pores or feel too rich in the heat.
Customer-loved nighttime summer skincare products
The skincare products listed below all received a four-star customer rating and above based on reviews, sizing and value.
Sweat-proof and travel-friendly tips
Traveling this summer? Opt for travel-size products that are TSA-friendly, including mini-size cleansers, SPF sticks for easy sunscreen reapplication and hydrating mists for quick, on-the-go refreshes throughout the day.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.