Summer skin essentials: four tips and tricks:

Summer may have you heading outdoors and baring more skin, but the sun, heat, and humidity can take a toll. Follow these tips to protect your skin without sacrificing trips to the beach, afternoon barbecues, and picnics in the park:

1. Slather on the sunscreen. Not only is using a good sunscreen the only proven way to keep skin looking youthful for longer, it could also save your life. Make sure to find a brand that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and go with an SPF of at least 20. To avoid the whitish cast that many products can give your skin, try one of the newest developments in sunblock technology—lotions with nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and particles. These blend into skin more smoothly and won’t give you a ghostly glow.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! You may want to switch up your moisturizing routine, especially if you live somewhere with high humidity. In the summer months, often lighter is better—look for ingredients like aloe and jojoba to keep skin feeling fresh. On especially sizzling days, toss your moisturizer in the fridge for an hour for a refreshing treat.
3. Treat your feet. If you want to get your tootsies in top-shape, use a pumice stone rather than a callous shaver, which can be difficult to control and may result in nicks and cuts. Pedicures look beautiful, but make sure to get one from a salon that sterilizes its tools.
4. Revamp your razor routine. Wearing bikinis and short-shorts instead of parkas and snowpants requires more regular maintenance. Avoid irritation by soaking in warm water to soften hair before shaving. Also recommended: a moisture-rich shaving lotion. In a pinch, you can even use conditioner to keep things smooth and comfortable.