I fully admit, I prefer how my skin looks in summer. I know how bad the sun is for my skin, but after being cooped up indoors during the harsh winter months, when June rolls around, I tend to look like Count Dracula, and I can’t wait to give my skin a welcome boost of Vitamin D. Let’s face it, there is nothing like a little suntan to make any skin looks glowing and healthy. However,  that glowing, healthy look is deceiving, and the sun can, in fact be very harmful to our skin and health, so here are a few quick tips for summer skin care for men:

Go Nuts with Sunscreen

There is some debate about the effectiveness of sunscreen and about how healthy it is to use. Many in the health consciousness community claim that when you use sunscreen, you block your skin’s ability to synthesize Vitamin D. and that insufficient levels of vitamin D can result in all kinds of illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Moreover, many of the most popular sunscreen products are full of toxic chemicals.

Generally speaking, however, most dermatologists will agree that sunscreen is still your most important weapon against skin cancer and signs of aging. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that “ everyone use sunscreen that offers the following:

• Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher
• Water resistance”

Its essential for summer skin care!

Come Clean

During summer, we all tend to sweat more, leaving skin and pores more prone to clogging. Some of the best men skin care routines include washing your face daily to make sure pores are free of sweat and dirt. Make sure that the face wash you choose is gentle enough for daily use. I of course, recommend our Gentleman’s Face Wash, which is formulated to cleanse your skin and includes charcoal for men's skin, without stripping away vital moisture. It's perfect for summer skin care and one of the best facial cleansers for men!

Scrubbing

Scrubbing is another essential step in your skin care routine, especially during summer months.  Scrubbing a few times a week provides your skin with a deep clean, getting rid of pore-clogging residue and dead skin cells. Try our Gentlemen's Facial Scrub, which when used weekly keeps your skin's cell turnover on track with gentle yet effective crushed walnut shells to slough off dulling surface cells and reveal a fresh, radiant smooth complexion. Skin looks and feels clean, refined and more youthful.

Hydration is Key

Hydrate both your face and body inside and out. Drink plenty of water, and moisturize daily with our Gentlemen’s Moisturizer. It is a lightweight facial moisturizer that works naturally with your skin to promote softness and encourage hydration. Infused with Argan oil, a noncomedogenic (or non-clogging) natural moisturizer, and activated charcoal draws out and absorbs toxins from your pores while caffeine gives your skin an energized look and feel. The Gentlemen’s Moisturizer will also protect your skin from UV rays, so you can stay handsome.

Give Your Face a Break

Many men like to shave more during summer. They grow beards during winter and shed it off as soon as the sun comes out. However, you may want to rethink this strategy. During summer, your skin is working overtime to fight damage from the sun and to fend off against clogged pores and dryness. This is not the time to give it the extra stress of repairing itself after a close shave. Try to minimize your shaving to once or twice a week. Hey, the scruffy look is in! Whenever you're through with that look, check out our shaving cream and shaving brush for the ultimate shave, and men's facial mask!  Learn more with our guide to the perfect shave. If you have a long beard or cool mustache style, be sure to check out our beard conditioner.