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Summer has arrived, and with it comes time outside in the gorgeous Colorado sun! Make sure you're ready to properly protect your skin from the sun's rays.

Exfoliate for Clearer, Smoother Skin

Exfoliating removes dead skin and debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from moisturizers and and toners. Always be sure to exfoliate in the morning before you apply toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Boost your normal hydration regimen with intensive masks. Boosters will work wonders when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are also a refreshing moisturizer prep and work to even out skin porosity. To help protect your skin and keep it hydrated, keep a refreshing toner spritz on hand at your desk, in your car, at the gym or on a plane! Your skin will thank you! Recommended: iS Clinical Active Serum

Make Friends With H20

Higher temperatures and more time outside creates a perfect storm for dehydration, which can lead to headaches and dizzy spells. Drinking enough water, usually around eight 8oz glasses a day, will help maintain critical moisture balance of the skin and body and assist in detoxification. Don't forget, if you're drinking caffeinated beverages, you need to triple the amount of water you're drinking as well!

Apply, Reapply, and Reapply Again!

If you can't remember when you last applied sunscreen, it's almost definitely time to reapply. Just using sunscreen isn't enough. You have to apply enough, and apply often. Studies have actually indicated that most people don't apply anywhere near as much sunscreen as they should. You should apply a teaspoon's worth of sunscreen to your face and a shot glass's worth to the rest of your body. Reapply every two hours, and stay out of the midday sun as much as possible. Recommended: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion

Soothe Over-Exposed Skin

We're all human, and sometimes we forget to reapply, or apply at all. It's important to soothe your skin if you do get a sunburn. Unfortunately, the damage is already done, but that doesn't mean you have to continue to suffer and be in pain. Apply cooling balms generously to over-exposed skin. Recommended: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

Repair and Treat Sun Damage

Skin damage is caused by UV light, which leads to photo aging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles. These results can occur whether your skin was burned or not. When sunlight comes into contact with the skin, different types of damage can occur including inflammation, stimulation of collagen-destroying enzymes and production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect cell growth. A tan may be a popular summer look, but it actually indicates damaged skin. Use products with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage and to further protect your skin. Recommended: SENTÉ Dermal Repair Cream

Did you know facials and massages have great health benefits?