There is a common misconception that we only need to use skincare products with sun protection when heading to the beach or getting direct sunlight during hot summer months. The truth is that we are exposed to UV rays regardless of the season and they can be the cause of skin damage even when it’s overcast.

Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Healthline that whether you want to play ball, go on a picnic, lounge by the pool, or even work your green thumbs out in the garden, sunscreen with a higher SPF, a hat, and sunglasses are protective and useful. She added, “The sunglasses particularly provide additional protection for the delicate eye areas and with the hat will provide a little more protection in case you miss a spot.” Fortunately, LittlePinkTop already listed off different types of summer hats for you and explained the protective benefits of sunglasses! So, what about your skin?

For starters, pay attention to product labels. The FDA explains that “SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.” The higher the number, the more protection!

And you really need that protection. Dr. Anna Guanche, the dermatologist who founded Bella Skin Institute, told LittlePinkTop that “chronic exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, brown spots, and volume loss.” She speaks from experience: “I see this daily as I inject and rejuvenate faces. The left side of the face, the temples, under-eyes and cheek often have more signs of aging in the form of hollowing, wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer.”

Can you protect your skin while also moisturizing?

You should consider adding SPF moisturizers to your skincare routine because they protect your skin while hydrating it — great news for busy ladies who don’t have time to apply fifteen different skincare products!

LittlePinkTop understands that there is an overwhelming amount of skincare information out there… So, if you are wondering how to pick the right SPF moisturizer, you might consider some advice from Asako Ito, the CEO of Divine Lashes.

She told LittlePinkTop that you should make a selection based on your skin type. If you have oily skin, then a light, oil-free formula would work best as it usually doesn’t clog pores. “And if you have sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option to help avoid irritation,” suggested Asako. 

If you are looking for a lightweight and hydrating moisturizer, consider one from Spa Technologies. The brand sent LittlePinkTop their Eco Defense Daily Moisturizer Spf 25 for review. LittlePinkTop found that their moisturizer has a light texture and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue. It also has a very pleasant scent. And when used as a base under makeup, the foundation applies more evenly. In addition, moisturizers like this one protect and nourish the skin’s natural barrier!

Do we really need to moisturize, though?

According to Dr. Anna Guanche, it’s a no-brainer: yes, moisturize! She explained that because we shower and cleanse so often, we are stripping the natural skin oils from our bodies that we would have had otherwise, such as back when we were “wild cavemen.” She explained, “And believe it or not, the dirt and dust that would have stuck to our skin oils and sweat would serve as a physical blocker against UV rays.” Furthermore, moisturizing helps to mitigate dryness and dullness, which inevitably lead to flaking and wrinkling.

Is it possible to moisturize your skin too much?

We shouldn’t over-hydrate the skin, with any product, no matter how much we love it! Too much moisturizer can clog pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads. It’s also possible that your skin could become too reliant on the moisturizer, which would stop it from producing as many natural lipids and proteins. But you do want to make sure you’re getting the necessary sun protection.

For guidance, LittlePinkTop interviewed esthetician and business owner Page Buldini. Page told this publication that the goal is to give coverage to your whole face, brows, ears, lips, neck, chest, and tops of hands, a task which is made easier by using a 2-finger method (your middle and index finger) and picking an SPF moisturizer you love. “If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it! And remember makeup with SPF isn’t enough protection,” she said.

What is a quick, easy, and effective skincare routine?

Page Buldini suggested a helpful skincare routine for busy professionals:

“Daytime: Cleanse+Serum and/or Moisturizer + SPF (can be moisturizer with SPF)

Nighttime: Cleanse+Retinol + Moisturizer + Oil Balm/Spritz

Serum: AM or PM depending on skin needs

Exfoliation: 2-3x weekly

Eye Creme: AM+PM

Masque: 1-2x weekly”

Here’s what Dr. Anna Guanche recommended:

“Morning…

Cleanser– Restorsea Foaming Cleanser

Vitamin C serum or Growth factor (TNS serum)

Moisturizing SPF, 30 plus -Elta MD or ISDIN

Night… 

Cleanser– Restorsea Foaming Cleanser

RetinA/retinol– RoC retinol or Rx tretinoin cream from your dermatologist

eye cream Alastin or ISDIN

hydrating light or emollient moisturizer”

Dr. Guanche noted, of course, that a skincare regimen should be tailored to a patient’s individual skin needs.

And finally, here’s a quick skincare routine proposed by Dr. Liia Ramachandra:

“I always suggest a 4-step routine that you can do in under 3 minutes.

Morning:

1. wash your face and neck

2. apply high nutrient serum

3. apply your skin appropriate moisturizer

4. apply either moisturizer with SPF/foundation with SPF

Evening:

1. wash your face and neck

2. apply high nutrient serum

3. apply your skin appropriate moisturizer with rejuvenating and restoring properties”

So there you have it! In this article, you learned why it’s important to protect your skin and moisturize at the same time, the risks of using too much or too little product, and some quick, easy, effective skincare routines to keep you summer-ready. You can find more practical advice and product reviews in the LittlePinkTop Beauty and Wellness sections.