What does summer-ready skin look like? It’s that’s healthy, hydrated, glowy and “sun-kissed” in that Californian beach girl way.

Achieving this blend of hydration and radiance makes your skin not just summer-ready but glossy all season long. This guide will provide you with 6 essential skincare tips to achieve the perfect glowing summer skin in 2024, while protecting you from the harsh UV rays

What Does "Glowing Summer Skin" Mean?

Glowing summer skin is all about looking healthy, vibrant, clear and well-nourished. Think of skin that looks hydrated and refreshed, instead of dull or dry. This natural glow is a sign of good skin health.

When people think of skin that “glows,” they think of skin that reflects light well, is smooth, and even, with minimal imperfections. Skin care products and makeup can also assist in helping you achieve glowing skin — moisturizers, serums, and the right foundation or highlighter (if that’s your thing) can give you that healthy sheen or glowing complexion.

That said, healthy skin isn’t about being perfect. In fact, skin is inherently “imperfect.” Glowing, healthy skin has freckles, visible pores, fine lines, wrinkles, birthmarks, and the occasional blemish.

What’s most important is to embrace your skin’s unique beauty and let your inner and outer self radiate.

Now, let's dive into the 6 skin cares for glowing summer skin!

1. Cleanse Thoroughly

Summer's heat and humidity can lead to increased oil production. Not to mention, all the sunscreen that’s been layered on your face (for good reasons) can really clog your pores if you don’t wash them off effectively. This is why you need to use a gentle, water-based cleanser, like Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser or SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam, to remove any build up and boost hydration. 

That said, washing your face with your bare hands may not suffice. You’d want to find a facial scrubber or a facial cleansing device that cleanses effectively (but gently). Opus Luxe is a great option as it’s made with luxuriously-soft, FDA approved high-grade silicone. The silicones are uniquely infused with negative ions, which pulls dirt and toxins up and out from your pores. It’ll leave your face feeling clean, hydrated, and supple, giving you that glowing summer skin you want.

While Opus Luxe alone should do the work, if you have extremely oily skin, you can consider double cleansing. Start your facial cleansing routine with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water like Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water or ANUA Heartleaf Cleansing Oil to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. After that, you can wash your face again with your facial cleanser.

We do not advise everyone to double clean though. While regular and thorough facial cleansing is crucial, you shouldn’t over do it. Over cleansing can either make your skin too dry or too oily.

2. Exfoliate Regularly (But Gently)

Exfoliation is another key to achieving glowing summer skin. Your skin cycle sheds dead cells every 28 days, but manual exfoliation can assist and maximize the process. Often, skin can exhibit dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. Exfoliation can help alleviate this and leave your skin looking brighter. Incorporating consistent and gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine can improve circulation, increase cellular turnover, and help your skin reflect light better (making it look more shiny!). 

There are two methods of exfoliation: physical and chemical and we’ll walk you through both to see which best suits you.

Physical Exfoliants

Physical exfoliants are anything that requires rubbing or scrubbing. Think dry brushes, loofahs, pumice stones, or products with beads or ground shells. The danger with physical exfoliants is that they can be extremely abrasive, which may irritate your skin and remove too much of your natural oil.

Instead of opting for rough materials, suss out face scrubbers that are made with gentle materials. For instance, Luxe Plus by NION is made with medical-grade silicone that is luxuriously soft. The silicone is infused with negative ions, which act like tiny magnets that pull all the dirt up and out of your pores and boost blood circulation. Together with the kinetic vibration, Luxe Plus is a great option for effective but gentle exfoliation. You can use it everyday even if you have sensitive skin.

There are also some DIY scrubs you can try out at home. These include oatmeal and yogurt scrub, honey and oats scrub, apple and honey scrub, and more.

Chemical Exfoliants

If you have extremely sensitive or blemish-prone skin, some dermatologists may suggest chemical exfoliants over physical ones, as they can be gentler depending on the type used. Chemical exfoliants fall into three main categories: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs). Each type offers unique benefits, with varying levels of gentleness and penetration. We'll go through each type so you can find the one that suits your skin best.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs, like glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acids, are derived from fruits. They dissolve in water and work on the skin's surface to enhance texture.

Dr. Blake S. Raggio and Dr. Shireen Samargandy explain that AHAs are particularly effective for dry or sun-damaged skin as they help to retain moisture and improve texture. Popular AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acis are used in skincare products at concentrations of 5-10% for optimal effectiveness.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the pores. This makes them particularly beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, helping to unclog pores and remove acne-causing sebum. Unlike AHAs, which are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface, BHAs dive deep into the pores, providing a thorough exfoliation that targets blackheads and breakouts.

BHAs also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them gentle on the skin and ideal for reducing redness and irritation associated with acne. With their ability to exfoliate from within, BHAs help smooth skin’s texture and prevent future breakouts. For best results, look for products with a concentration of 1-2% salicylic acid, ensuring effective exfoliation without irritation.

Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs)

PHAs, like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are the gentler cousins of AHAs and BHAs. They’ve become increasingly popular because of their ability to exfoliate sensitive skin. The larger molecules make them less penetrative and more suitable for reactive skin types. PHAs exfoliate gently while providing hydrating and antioxidant benefits, making your skin smoother and firmer without irritation.

Dr. Giulia Gentili and Dr. Paola Perugini highlight that PHAs, found in products like the Miamo Renewal Peel Serum, significantly improve skin texture and elasticity. They strengthen the skin's barrier, reducing water loss and boosting moisture retention, making them perfect for delicate or reactive skin.

Didn’t have time to read through all of that? Here’s a TL;DR:

• AHAs: Best for dry or sun-damaged skin.
• BHAs: Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
• PHAs: Great for sensitive skin types.

Tips for Using Chemical Exfoliants!

• Start Slowly: Begin with once a week to see how your skin reacts, then gradually increase frequency.
• Mix Carefully: You can combine different acids, but start with a small area to test. AHAs and BHAs together can be effective for combination skin.
• Post-Exfoliation Care: Always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your fresh skin from UV damage.

Can You Use Both Physical and Chemical Exfoliants Together?

Yes, but be careful! Combining physical and chemical exfoliants can provide a more thorough exfoliation, but it can also increase the risk of irritation and over-exfoliation. If you decide to use both, it’s best to alternate between them rather than using them on the same day. Start with less frequent use to see how your skin reacts and always prioritize gentle, hydrating products to maintain a balanced skincare routine.

3. Get Hydrated for the Summer Glow

Hydration is key to maintaining glowing skin, especially in the summer. Hot, sunny weather can dehydrate your skin, leaving it parched and even oily (yes, it’s counterintuitive, but increased oil production is body’s way of overcompensating). 

That’s where sheet masks come in. They’re a fantastic addition to your summer season skincare routine. Whether made of paper, fiber, or gel, these masks are loaded with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants. This makes them perfect for giving your skin an instant boost of hydration ensuring you maintain that summer glow.

Types of Sheet Masks and Their Benefits

Paper Sheet Masks

• Benefits: Paper masks are often the most affordable and accessible. They are typically lightweight and can hold a significant amount of serum, making them perfect for delivering a quick hydration boost to your skin.
• Ideal For: All skin types, especially those looking for a quick and easy hydration solution.

Fiber Sheet Masks

• Benefits: Fiber masks, often made from cotton or bamboo, provide better adhesion to the skin compared to paper masks. They help to ensure that the serum penetrates deeply into your skin, delivering more intensive hydration and nutrients.
• Ideal For: Dry or dehydrated skin that needs deeper moisture.

Gel Sheet Masks

• Benefits: Gel masks are made from hydrogel or bio-cellulose, which are excellent at locking in moisture and adhering closely to the skin. 
• Ideal For: Sensitive or irritated skin, or for use after sun exposure to reduce redness and cool the skin.

Here are 3 of our favorite K Beauty masks for the summer:

• Round Lab 1025  Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Beauty Mask: This mask is formulated with deep sea water and hyaluronic acid, providing intense hydration to the skin, leaving it plump and refreshed.
• Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet: This mask provides intense hydration and improves the elasticity of your skin with collagen and vitamin E.
• MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask: Ideal for blemish-prone skin, this mask soothes and calms irritated skin with tea tree oil, while providing hydration and reducing redness.

4. Treat Summer Skin with Serums

Using serums with active ingredients is crucial for maintaining a summer glow. Here's why these key topical ingredients are beneficial:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration by attracting and holding onto moisture in your skin, keeping it plump and smooth even in hot, dry weather.
• Vitamin C: Brightens your skin by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation while evening out skin tone.
• Niacinamide: Helps reduce inflammation and redness, making it perfect for calming sun-exposed skin. Additionally, vitamin B3 minimizes pores and regulates oil production, keeping your skin balanced and less prone to breakouts in the heat.

For a powerful all-in-one serum, consider the Resurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform. This serum is an excellent option that combines the benefits of retinol and lactic acid to smooth texture, brighten skin tone, and boost collagen production. It's a great addition to your summer skincare routine for maintaining healthy, glowing summer skin.

5. Use the Best Sun Protection Products

Finding the right sun protection is essential for maintaining glowing, healthy skin in the summer. Here are some tips to ensure your skin stays protected:

• Use Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher: It's crucial to use sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn, skin aging, and potentially, skin cancer.

• Reapply Sunscreen: Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, especially when you're sweating or swimming. Reapplying every thirty minutes to two hours ensures continuous protection throughout the day (even for waterproof formulas).

Here are some hot sunscreens from our favorite K-Beauty brands:

• Roundlab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Sunscreen: A deeply hydrating sunscreen that soothes and protects your skin with birch juice extract.

• Torriden Dive-In Mild Sun Cream: A gentle, reef-safe sunscreen that hydrates while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

Sun sticks are another convenient option for reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. They're portable, easy to use, and great for on-the-go touch-ups.

• Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar: A convenient sun stick for easy and mess-free reapplication, perfect for on-the-go protection.

6. Head-to-Toe Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

When it comes to glowing summer skin, we’re not just talking about the face. As the weather gets hotter, you’ll probably be showing more body skin. So let’s talk about how to get healthy-looking skin from head to toe!

Body hydration is a must, especially in the summer, when exposure to sun, salt, and chlorine can have a super drying effect. Find your favorite formula — body butter, balm, oil, or lotion — to help keep your skin soft and supple. Glowy body gels and creams, highlighting potions, or body luminizers that offer buttery textures, and come in natural or bronzing options, are like summer sunshine in a bottle. These products can accentuate skin, provide coverage where needed, and nourish and hydrate so you’ll be ready, set, and glow for all your new summer fits.

Whatever products you choose, you want to ensure your skin absorbs all that good stuff. Enter body exfoliation. Use a gentle body scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote smooth, radiant skin. Again, be careful of exfoliating towel, dry brushes, and loofahs. While they may make you “feel” clean, they are most likely too harsh on the skin. 

Consider a silicone-based body scrubber like Opus Body. Made with negative-ion infused silicone, and kinetic skin cleansing at 7000 vibrations per minute, Opus Body exfoliates gently and helps maintain the lipid barrier. This gentle exfoliation keeps your skin hydrated and radiant.

Some Additional Skin Care Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

1. Incorporate Facial Massages to Improve Circulation

Regular facial massages not only reduce puffiness but also improve skin tone, making them a crucial part of your skincare routine.

Facial massage works by stimulating pressure points on your face, neck, and shoulders. This practice helps promote healthy skin while relaxing your facial muscles.

Here are 5 Key Benefits of Facial Massages for Your Summer Season Skincare Routine:

1. Bye Bye Acne: Summer heat and humidity can lead to increased oil production and breakouts. Stimulating the skin through gentle massage improves blood circulation, which can help reduce acne's appearance. Just be sure to keep the pressure light to avoid irritation.
2. TMJ Relief: Rigorous summer activities can sometimes lead to stress and tension. For those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions, facial massages can alleviate tight, inflamed, or painful jaw muscles, providing a relaxing end to your day.
3. Glowing Skin: Achieving that summer glow is easier with regular facial massages which increase blood flow to the skin, helping you achieve a fresh, radiant complexion. Research shows that regular facial massage makes the skin feel tighter and more supple.
4. Facial Rejuvenation: Summer often means outdoor activities and exposure to environmental stressors. Regular facial massage relieves tension and enhances skin health by boosting facial muscle thickness and promoting relaxation, helping your skin recover from the day's stress.
5. Scar Tissue Management: Sun exposure can exacerbate scar visibility. For those with facial scars, massages can increase blood flow, loosen nearby tissues, and flatten bumps, helping to reduce pain, itchiness, and tenderness, making scars less noticeable.

For an enhanced experience, consider using a gentle silicone massager like the back side of the Opus Luxe. The soft, non-abrasive silicone is perfect for sensitive skin and acts as an excellent facial massager. The gentle vibrations from the Opus Luxe can help further increase blood circulation, which imparts a sexy flush to the complexion, as well as enhance nutrient delivery and relax facial muscles. 

Here's how you use Opus Luxe for facial massages:

• Circular Motions: Use circular motions to massage your cheeks, forehead, and chin. This technique boosts blood flow and helps distribute nutrients more effectively across your skin.
• Upward Strokes: Apply upward strokes along your neck and jawline. This method helps lift and firm the skin, promoting a more youthful appearance.
• Focus on Tension Points: Spend extra time on areas where you hold tension, like your temples and between your eyebrows. This can help promote relaxation and reduce stress-induced muscle tightness.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet Rich in Antioxidants

Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants is also very important for maintaining healthy skin. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that can damage your skin cells. 

Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, and nuts, which are high in vitamins A, C, and E into your everyday diet. These nutrients support skin health by promoting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and protecting against UV damage.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is key to glowing summer skin. Drinking enough water helps maintain your skin's elasticity and suppleness. How much water should you drink a day? Well, that really depends on how much you’re exercising, your environment, and your overall health. But a rule of thumb offered by The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that adults aim to drink 2.7 liters (91 ounces or 11 cups) of water daily for those assigned female at birth, and 3.7 liters (125 ounces or 15 cups) for those assigned male at birth.

Staying hydrated can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look more plump and radiant. If you’re struggling with drinking enough fluid, consider incorporating water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon into your diet to boost your hydration levels further.

Achieving Your 2024 Summer Glow 

Achieving glowing summer skin in 2024 is all about maintaining a consistent and effective skincare routine. By cleansing thoroughly, exfoliating regularly, staying hydrated, using potent serums, and ensuring proper sun protection, you can keep your skin radiant and healthy. Incorporate head-to-toe care and follow additional tips like facial massages, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated to truly let your inner beauty shine.