Many people look forward to the bright, sunny days of summer, but this time of the year can be very hard on your skin. It is important to treat this organ properly if you want to look and feel your best. This article will provide you with tips and tricks to protect and enhance the appearance of your skin in the summer.

Always wear sunscreen if you are going to be outdoors for any length of time. Some people are under the misconception that a cloudy sky means that they do not have to worry about sunscreen. However, this is untrue; it is possible to get burned even on a cloudy day. Purchase broad spectrum sunscreen; it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Wearing makeup with sunscreen included is great, but it does not take very long for it to wear off. To make sure you are protected, put regular sunscreen on your face first before applying your foundation. This will ensure that your face does not get burned even if your makeup rubs off.

Remember that it takes time for sunscreen to set in before it will begin offering you protection. Apply a layer about thirty minutes before you actually leave the house. This way, as soon as you step outside you will already be fighting off those harmful rays.

Wear protective lip balm. The lips are an area of the skin that is often forgotten about when it comes to sun protection. However, due to a reduced amount of melanin in this area, the sun can cause a lot of damage to your mouth. Search for a lipstick or a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15. Do not put on lip balm that is very shiny; this type of product is a magnet for UV rays.

Shower using lukewarm water. While it can be tempting to turn up the heat, all that hot water can take be harmful to the oils and lipids in your skin. These are what helps your body retain its moisture, so it is important to protect them. Shortening the amount of time that you are in the water can also help. Time how long your shower routine takes you; evaluate the number and then try to cut at least two to three minutes off of that (more if you are taking very long showers).

Many people like the way they look when they have spent some time out in the sun. However, since the sun is not good for you or your body, it is important not to spend a lot of time laying out and tanning or visiting a salon to receive an artificial tan. As an alternative, look into self tanning lotions. These can be rubbed into your skin each day and can give you the glow that you desire without exposing yourself to UV rays.

For a variety of reasons, summertime can be very detrimental to the appearance of your skin. By following some of the tips included in this article, you can help reduce the likelihood that you will suffer any damage. Do your part and keep your skin looking as vibrant as possible for as long as you can!