When summer arrives this means many things. Long sunny days, perfect weather, and time at the beach. However, summer also means it is time to change up your beauty routine. Warmer days and more time in the sun means your skin is exposed to new environmental conditions, and you need to adapt accordingly.

Here are 7 ways your beauty routine should change in summer.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Hydration is one of the most important factors when it comes to healthy, glowing skin. In hot or humid weather, it is easy to become dehydrated, and this will impact on our skin too. Drinking enough water is critical, as is moisturisers. Your skin may be extra oily making you reluctant to use a moisturiser, but this is essential to keep your skin hydrated. Use a lightweight moisturiser such as a gel or water cream to keep your skin hydrated but not too oily.

2. Use waterproof make up

In warmer weather, you’ll likely start to sweat. This is not only natural, it is essential to keep us cool. However, this can play havoc with your make up, causing it to melt off.  Investing in waterproof makeup will save you a lot of anguish, being designed to withstand any type of liquid, including sweat. Waterproof make up can take a bit of getting used to, and can be a little difficult to apply at first. However, this will make sure your make up will stay intact all day and all night. In particular, waterproof eyeliner and waterproof mascara can make a big difference.

3. Use a setting spray

Along with waterproof makeup, make setting spray is essential to keep your makeup in place and in flawless condition. A setting spray or setting mist is easy to use: once you have applied your makeup, give your face a quick spray as a final step. This stops smudging or melting, even in hot and humid conditions. Combined with waterproof eyeliner and mascara, with makeup setting spray you’ll be able to handle whatever the weather throws at you.

4. Exfoliate

Hot weather and sweating, combined with increased use of sunscreen can cause our pores to become clogged. You may already use an exfoliator as part of your regular skin routine, or you may find that in other months a simple cleanser is sufficient. However, in the summer months you’ll need to step things up and exfoliate more often. You may even find you need a stronger product. An exfoliator for clogged pores will help to cleanse your pores deeply and leave your skin glowing and fresh. Exfoliating not only helps your skin stay soft and smooth, it also helps to fight dry patches of skin, as well as assisting with easy hair removal.

5. Look after your hair

Summer can play havoc not just with your skin and your make up, but with your hair too. Hot and humid weather, combined with sun, chlorine and salt can leave your hair in a frizzy, tangled mess. Keep your hair hydrated and moisturised by spritzing on some heat protection spray. This will add moisture, as well as a protective layer to ward off the harmful and drying effects of sun and heat. After coming in from the sun, apply an after sun recovery spray. Finally, it is a good idea to apply a treatment mask or leave-in conditioner once or twice a week.

6. Load up on SPF

If you’re going out in the sun, it is absolutely essential that you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV can cause lasting damage to the skin, leading to sun spots, wrinkles, and can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Understandably, you may not want to add a heavy layer of sunscreen to your skin in the hot weather. However, a good way to protect your skin without adding any extra bulk is by choosing a moisturiser that includes SPF. Look for a product that is at least SPF 30+. In fact, this is a great idea to do all year round when UV rays may attack your skin, not just in summer.

7. Ditch the foundation

As the weather grows warmer, you may find that your foundation starts to weigh you down, clogging your pores. Oily skin and sweat can also make cream foundations look shiny – not the best look! Rather than continuing to wear foundation, switch to a lightweight tinted moisturiser. Look for a tinted moisturiser that suits your skin tone and colouring, and is oil-free.