Use non-comedogenic products. Non-comedogenic beauty products are designed not to clog pores which can lead to irritation and blemishes. This is important to remember for sunscreens, but may impact you more if you moisturize often and are prone to acne – especially in the summer. Hot and humid weather leads to sweat which takes a longer time to evaporate off your skin. Combining that with oily products isn’t exactly a party for your pores. Go the oil-free or non-comedogenic route to ward off pimples.

Stay moisturized with good clean/organic products. A faithful moisturizing routine can do so many beneficial things for your complexion. Your skin is a barrier that protects you from environmental factors like pollution, bacteria and moisture loss, and keeping it moisturized helps keep that barrier working properly. Dry skin is unhappy, damage-prone skin, so apply a light moisturizer to protect it from summertime drying agents like sunburn, salt and chlorine.

Exfoliate at the right times – and don’t overdo it! Not only will it help you maintain a fresh fake tan (when your dead skin cells flake off, the old tan will come off with it), but gentle facial exfoliation will help keep your skin free of clogged pores and create a better canvas for makeup application. However, keep in mind that exfoliation reveals new, sensitive skin that can be more prone to burning in the sun. Reserve your exfoliating habits for the evening (and not right before a special occasion), or for days when you aren’t heading straight from the shower to the pool.

Aloe can be your new best friend during the summer. It is a known anti-inflammatory that also provides moisturizing relief. Applying products containing aloe vera after sun exposure will calm and soothe your skin, leaving you far less likely to experience that awful scaly dryness that comes with summer. It’s also said to contain antioxidants that can help repair damaged skin and prevent free radicals from doing their undesirable work. Keep an aloe plant in your backyard or even your kitchen and use when needed!

Invest in moisturizers that work on wet skin when best absorbed. Don’t skip the after-bathing rehydration! Many brands now make body washes that provide hydration via their oil ingredients with many that you apply even before you towel off.

Buy quality sunscreens. Look beyond the SPF and buy quality sunscreens with safe ingredients. Reapply every hour or so, and if you take a dip in the water, reapply when you get out. Water attracts the sun (like snow), creating a glare that can cause sunburns.

Michele McDonough is a strategic consultant and executive recruiter in the field of health and beauty. She is also co-founder of Women’s Power Circle and can be reached at [email protected].