Summer is here and the increased heat and humidity can wreak havoc on the best of us! From sun damage to faded hair color or breakouts, we all can use some help to save our skin and hair this season. Here are some ideas to integrate into your warm weather routine and make this your most beautiful summer ever!

1) Choose your sunscreen wisely: Many thicker formulas can make your skin look ashy or white. These include zinc oxide and titanium oxide which while are excellent physical sun blockers, can look thick and white on most skin tones, especially olive or dark skin. Look for sheer formulas (these usually have thinner formulas that blends into your skin) and if you are prone to breakouts, look for oil-free. These sunscreens usually contain alternative chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone.

2) It's vacation time for your hair: If you wash your hair often and heat style, this is a good time to give it a break. Summer styles this year are natural and "un-done", so take advantage of this trend. Try to air-dry your hair as much as possible. One of my favorite tricks is to slather on a moisturizing conditioner on my hair and pull it back into a tight bun for the day. Not only do you get a sleek do for the day, but your hair is getting a major conditioning treatment!

3) Invest in hats: Try to get a roster of hats for the summer- some for the beach (large floppy hats in neutral colors are the best!) and some for everyday (think fedoras, bucket hats, anything that you feel good in; just avoid baseball caps unless you are working out!). Once again, they do double duty- they protect your face and your hair from the elements, especially from your hair color from fading. Try also to use a color-enhancing shampoo in the summer to prevent fading and brassiness.

4) Ice your skin: Hot weather can cause flushing and redness on your face, so try soaking a washcloth in a bowl of ice water and then squeezing out the excess water. Apply to your face to increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness on your face.

5) Switch up your makeup: Summer is the ideal time to ditch foundation and replace with a tinted moisturizer. Some companies are also making primers with a bronzer built in (like Too Faced cosmetics). These can be used under makeup or even alone to perfect the skin. For an extra golden glow, try applying a gel bronzer to your cheeks.

7) Lip Treatments: Instead of using lipstick or gloss, try a tinted lip balm with SPF. One beauty editor favorite to try is Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Balm in SPF 15. These sheer formulas keep your lips hydrated and kissable all day long!

8) Watch the skin peels: If you use skin care products that contain glycolic or salicylic acid on a regular basis, try to limit using them to 1-2 times per week during the summer. They increase your sensitivity to the sun and can make you more prone to burning. In conjunction, try to limit how many skin peels you do during the summer. A good idea is to get one at the very beginning of summer to freshen your skin and at the end of summer to recharge your skin for fall.