8 Expert Before-Bed Tricks for Great Summer Skin

When Lana Del Ray sings about 'Summertime Sadness', I wonder if she's referring to all of the skin problems that can pop up during the warmer months of the year. If she were, I'd let her in on the secret of how to get great summer skin with the right nighttime rituals. NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner thinks the secret lies in paying more attention to your skin during the months where it's more at-risk to experience those pesky struggles, like dryness and irritation.

She says, "American women have very rushed nighttime regimens, as opposed to a Korean woman, who will spend two hours on a slew of essences, tonics, masks, and creams at night." So, why do you even need to take these extra steps for waking up with great skin in the first place? "In the summer, many women get dehydrated from swimming in the ocean and pool, and frequent air travel can also dehydrate skin," Gerstner says.

So, if you want to have bright skin that looks clear and hydrated during many people's favorite season — without having to spend hours every night — familiarize yourself with products that give you great summer skin when worked into your before-bed routine. Read on for the best ways to treat your skin on summer nights, and to find out some of Dr. Gerstner's faves.

Thoroughly Wash Away Dirt, Sweat, & Oils Before Bed With 7-In-1 Facial Brush

PIXNOR P2016 Facial Brush 7-in-1 , $13, Am azon

With all of the extra sweat, dirt, and oils that can creep onto your skin during the summer months from laying out, enjoying time in the ocean, or traveling, it's important to get your deepest clean when washing your face at night. Using a brush that has multiple speeds and seven different head attachments will scrub deeper into your pores — keeping you from waking up to dull skin that's more likely to break out. Plus, the brushes movements will increase circulation and give your skin a noticeably radiant appearance.

Cleanse With A Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, $23, Amazon

At night, it's best to use a gentle cream cleanser that works for many skin types and won't irritate your skin before you sleep. This one gently hydrates your skin and wipes away product build-up, even freeing your skin from the waterproof makeup that you use on your beach days. One user raves about this cleanser, calling it purely magnificent because "it cleanses effectively without drying out your skin and does not leave a residue!"

Use An Organic Moisturizing & Softening Skin Scrub For Ultimate Hydration

Eminence Organic Skincare Sugar Scrub, Pear and Green Apple, $48, Amazon

Dr. Gerstner recommends using an Eminence face scrub one night a week during the summer to wipe your face of any dead skin cells. This pear and green apple scented one infuses your skin with vitamins and antioxidants, which helps your skin to appear younger and to restore any hydration you've lost being outside in warmer temperatures. This will make your skin look more firm, while sweet almond oil will make it feel incredibly soft.

Apply A Clay Mask To Draw Out Impurities & Prevent Breakouts

L'Oreal Paris Detox & Brighten Pure Clay Mask, $10, Amazon

During the summer, you spend way more time outside and you're more likely to encounter extra skin issues because you're definitely sweating more. To combat the unwanted breakouts and bumps, apply a clay and charcoal mask recommended by Dr. Gerstner to draw out skin's deepest impurities in 10 minutes. Apply this at night and rinse it off before you head for bed. If your skin was dull before you went to snooze, it's likely to be way brighter and clearer when your alarm goes off in the AM.

Spray On A Hydrating Mist With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater For An Overnight Flight

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater, $12, Amazon

Like Dr. Gerstner mentioned, many people travel constantly during the summer, which can majorly dehydrate skin and cause other consequences like dark spots and breakouts. Before stepping onto your red eye, spray this refreshing mist with fragrant herbal extracts and rosewater and you'll deplane with a fresh, clear face. This spray is also great for nightly use at home before you go to sleep, as skin tends to lose hydration during your snoozing hours. (Bonus: This mist promises not to mess up any makeup you've already applied when spraying it over top of your products.)

Wipe On Glycolic Resurfacing Pads To Exfoliate and Soothe Imperfections

bliss That's Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads, $49, Amazon

Dr. Gerstner's favorite summer night ritual? "A glycolic peel three times a week." With these easy-to-wipe-on glycolic resurfacing pads, you can easily wipe away dark spots and pore blockages that have appeared from a lack of hydration during the summer months. Just use one at night before applying your favorite moisturizer. Users say this product has results that are similar to a facial, and one even said she noticed that her skin was way brighter after using these pads.

Soothe Sunburnt Skin With An Organic Chamomile Moisturizer

Eminence Vitaskin Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, $39, Amazon

Whether you forgot sunsceen or you spent just a little too much time laying out by the pool — you shouldn't settle for suffering through the pain of sunburn. Make your skin happy by applying a soothing chamomile moisturizer to your face that Dr. Gerstner suggests will work best to heal your skin. Plus, this moisturizer is made with naturally organic ingredients. For the best results, apply this moisturizer at night after your usual face washing routine.

Calming Lavender Scented Overnight Elixir Replenishes Tired Skin By Morning

Skinn Secret Elixir Midnight Recovery Complex, $40, Amazon

During the summer, you have a lot more on your schedule including vacations, outdoor events, and beer garden happy hours. All of that running around takes a toll on your skin, and one of the easiest ways to bring it back to life is by using an overnight elixir that nourishes your skin while you sleep. Your skin will feel softer and smoother after it's been enriched with essential and botanical oils and tons of vitamins to make you feel radiant when you wake up. Plus, this treatment has a soft lavender scent that's perfect for nighttime.

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Images: Amazon (8); Pexels (1)