Summer Skincare
How I Keep My Skin Healthy During Florida's Heat & Humidity
There is nothing quite like summer in Florida. ☀️🌿🤍
But if you have acne-prone skin like I do, you know that Florida's heat and humidity can make skincare feel like a full-time job.
Sweat, sunscreen, excess oil, and long days outdoors can leave skin feeling congested and irritated. Over the years, I've learned that healthy summer skin isn't about using dozens of products—it's about creating a simple routine that supports your skin barrier while helping keep pores clear.
Today I'm sharing the skincare habits that help me care for my acne-prone skin all summer long.
Over time, I’ve learned that summer skincare doesn’t have to mean using a dozen products. For me, it’s about finding a routine that works with my skin, staying consistent, and making a few adjustments when the Florida heat and humidity are at their peak.
As a 37-year-old woman, my skincare priorities are simple: I want products that help keep my skin feeling clean and hydrated without feeling heavy, greasy, or like they're contributing to clogged pores. And because I also have celiac disease, I pay extra attention to ingredients in products that could potentially be accidentally ingested, especially lip products.
One important thing I've learned is that celiac disease does not generally require every skincare product to be gluten-free, because gluten is not absorbed through intact skin. However, organizations such as the Celiac Disease Foundation and National Celiac Association recommend paying closer attention to products that may be accidentally swallowed, such as lipstick and lip balm.
🫧Keep It Simple & Gentle
When it’s hot and humid, my skin can feel oily, sweaty, and congested more easily. I like to start and end my day with a gentle cleanser that helps remove sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and buildup without leaving my skin feeling overly dry or stripped.
The goal isn't to scrub away every bit of oil—my skin still needs moisture! Instead, I focus on keeping my routine gentle and consistent.
💧Hydration Still Matters
It can be tempting to skip moisturizer during the summer, especially when the humidity is high. But even oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from hydration.
I prefer lightweight moisturizers that don't feel heavy on my skin. A gel or lightweight lotion can be a great option for helping skin feel hydrated without adding an extra greasy feeling.
☀️Sunscreen Is a Daily Essential
If there is one product I try not to skip, it’s sunscreen. Florida sunshine can be intense, whether I’m spending the day at the beach, running errands, or simply stepping outside.
I make sunscreen part of my everyday routine and remember to reapply when I’m spending extended time outdoors. Protecting my skin is one of the simplest ways I can care for it now and in the future.
🧼Don't Let Sweat & Makeup Sit All Day
Between the heat, humidity, sunscreen, and makeup, my skin can feel like it has a lot going on during the summer.
After spending time outside or working up a sweat, I try to gently cleanse my skin rather than letting sweat and buildup sit for hours. I also make sure to remove my makeup before bed—even on those nights when I am completely exhausted!
Give Your Skin a Break
Not every day has to be a full-glam makeup day. During the summer, I love giving my skin a break and keeping things simple. Some days, that means skincare, sunscreen, a little lip balm, and letting my skin breathe.
Listening to my skin and adjusting my routine when something feels too heavy, irritating, or unnecessary has become an important part of my beauty routine.
Skincare is only one part of how I care for myself. During the summer, I also try to drink plenty of water, get enough rest, eat foods that help me feel my best, and slow down when I need to.
For me, beauty and wellness go hand in hand. Taking care of my skin is also a reminder to take care of myself as a whole—mind, body, and soul.
Summer in Florida can be hot, humid, and sometimes a little overwhelming—but my skincare routine doesn't have to be.
I’m learning that healthy-looking skin isn't about perfection. It's about creating simple habits, being consistent, protecting my skin, and giving myself grace on the days when my skin isn't cooperating.
Sweat-Proof Skincare Tips:
Start with clean, dry skin.
Keep layers lightweight rather than piling on heavy products.
Choose non-comedogenic products when possible if breakouts are a concern.
Use a water-resistant sunscreen for swimming or heavy sweating.
Reapply sunscreen as directed on the product label—commonly at least every two hours and sooner after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Avoid aggressively scrubbing your face after sweating; gently cleanse instead.
Keep makeup brushes, sponges, and anything that regularly touches your face clean.
Don't forget your neck, chest, and other exposed areas.
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof or that sunscreen lasts all day without reapplication.
A Note for My Celiac Girlies
Having celiac disease doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace every lotion, cleanser, or sunscreen with a gluten-free version. Current guidance from celiac organizations says the main concern is ingestion, rather than normal application to intact skin.
For products used directly on or near the mouth—like lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss, and lip scrubs—I personally think it makes sense to carefully check ingredients and choose products you feel comfortable using.
At this stage of life, I'm learning that skincare doesn't have to be complicated.
My ideal routine for a hot, humid day is simple:
Cleanse. Hydrate. Protect. Reapply.
I want products that work with my acne-prone skin, feel comfortable when I'm sweating, and fit into my lifestyle as someone living gluten-free with celiac disease. Most importantly, I'm learning that healthy skin doesn't mean perfect skin. Breakouts happen. Texture happens. Aging happens.
Taking care of my skin is about consistency, protection, and giving myself a little grace along the way.
A little sunscreen, plenty of hydration & gentle skincare.
Here's to glowing skin, fresh starts, and a summer rooted in faith, wellness, and gratitude.
With love,
Coastal Cowgirl – Rooted in Faith 🤍
Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal skincare routine and experiences and is not medical advice. Everyone's skin is different, so what works for me may not work the same way for everyone.
