Show off your skin this summer: Tips for a clear complexion

Everyone loves the sunshine, but summertime can wreak havoc on your skin. From the damaging sun rays to the pore-clogging sweat from your favorite outdoor activities, it’s tough to feel confident with skin imperfections holding you back.

Don’t hide your skin this summer — get a flawless complexion by following a few simple skincare steps. Board certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Karen offers the following easy tips to keep you looking and feeling great all summer long:

타Always wear sunscreen: You’ve heard it a hundred times, but surprisingly very few people wear sunscreen every day, even during the summer months. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 — preferably 30 — every day year-round, but make sure to reapply frequently during the summer when you are more exposed to sun damage.

타Remove makeup before being active: What’s worse than sweat clogging your pores? Sweat and makeup. Remove your makeup with a convenient and easy to use cleansing wipe like Proactiv Makeup Removing Cloths. The cloths can be used on the go so you never have to worry about getting stuck in a sticky (and sweaty) situation.

타Stay shine-free: Carry a small pack of oil-blotting sheets with you in your bag or pocket. Simply blot your face when you feel an oil slick to help you remain grease-free. And, treat yourself to an oil absorbing mask.

타Get bathing suit ready: Acne doesn’t discriminate — it will show up on your face, back, and even in unexpected places. Keep your whole body clear this summer with an acne-fighting body scrub containing at least 2 percent salicylic acid. Top it off with a light moisturizer that also contains a dose of this key acne-clearing ingredient to fight acne from head to toe.

Achieving clear skin is about prevention. So, in addition to these tips, make sure to cleanse and moisturize on a daily basis (even if you have oily skin) to maintain a healthy balance. Exfoliation is key to keeping pores from clogging with oil and dead skin, which can be caused by tanning and other outdoor activities. Make sure to use a sunless self tanner instead for a gorgeous and safe glow.