By Kate Cohen
Updated May 5, 2026

After a long, cold winter, the sweet summer sun feels so good on our skin.

An overhead shot of a man and a woman wearing straw hats while standing in a pool, leaning on the side pool deck with cocktails.

But the sun’s powerful UV rays can do more harm than good, causing both short-term and long-term damage.

Whether you’re local to the sunshine state or dropping in for a well-deserved vacay, proper skincare is essential to enjoying your time outdoors.

At The Spa at Rosen Centre, we know how important it is to protect your skin from harsh Florida rays.

Here are seven essential skincare tips to help keep your skin healthy and safe this summer.

Key Takeaways

1. Always Wear Sunscreen
2. Stay Hydrated
3. Exfoliate
4. Moisturize Your Skin
5. Add Antioxidants to Your Routine
6. Go Easy on the Makeup
7. Trust the Specialists at The Spa at Rosen Centre

1. Always Wear Sunscreen

A woman in a green one-piece bathing suit and sunglasses sits by a pool applying sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must for summer skincare.

In Florida, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re applying sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors.

Wearing it daily can protect your skin from sunburn and long-term skin damage like sunspots, discoloration, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Everyone should be applying broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher when spending time outside, applying liberally to any skin exposed to the sun.

SPF 50 or higher is recommended if you’re outside for extended outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking.

It’s best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply every two hours.

Planning on spending time in the water? Be sure to look for water-resistant sunscreen, though you’ll still want to reapply immediately after swimming.

And yes, you should still apply sunscreen even when it’s cloudy.

You may not feel like you’re exposed to the sun, but up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation still reaches the earth through the clouds.

2. Stay Hydrated

A woman in a sports bra outdoors drinks a bottle of water.

Let’s face it: Florida is hot.

Drinking plenty of water is critical to helping your body function in the heat. It also directly impacts your skin.

The human body is made up of approximately 60% water.

When we’re well-hydrated, our bodies are better able to deliver nutrients and oxygen to muscles and organs, including our skin.

Hydration also helps our bodies flush out toxins from the digestive system that can contribute to a variety of skin concerns like eczema and psoriasis.

Without proper hydration, skin can become rough and dry, especially as temperatures rise.

Experts recommend drinking around eight glasses of water a day, equaling roughly 64 ounces (at minimum).

Your skin will soon be glowing from the inside out, giving you a smooth and clear complexion.

For all-over hydration, treat yourself to a luxurious spa body treatment like the Hydrate and Polish routine at The Spa at Rosen Centre, which includes a deeply hydrating massage that leaves skin soft and glowing.

3. Exfoliate

A close-up of a woman's face, which is is exfoliating while smiling.

Exfoliation is key to clean, healthy skin.

Spending time in the sun will undoubtedly make you sweat. While sweat itself is primarily water and salt, when mixed with makeup, dirt, and oil, it can create a buildup that blocks pores and leads to acne.

Proper exfoliation removes dead skin cells and debris from the outer layer of your skin.

For most people, gentle manual exfoliation one to two times a week is ideal, using products like cleansing scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating mitts.

If you’re looking for an indulgent experience with all the benefits of exfoliation, treat yourself to a facial at The Spa at Rosen Centre, designed to leave your skin looking and feeling refreshed.

4. Moisturize Your Skin

A smiling woman put moisturizer on her cheeks, an essential part of skincare.

If drinking water properly hydrates from the inside out, moisturizing is its external counterpart.

While cleansing and exfoliating is important for keeping skin clean, it can also strip our pores of the body’s natural protective oils that guard against viruses and bacteria.

Moisturizing after washing helps to protect the skin by creating a moisture barrier on its surface, shielding from damage.

Use a moisturizer within several minutes of cleansing your face or body to lock in protection before your skin has a chance to encounter dirt or grime.

In addition to the use of sunscreen and drinking water, moisturizing properly helps contribute to smooth, supple skin with a healthy glow.

At The Spa at Rosen Centre, almost every treatment incorporates nourishing and moisturizing products for lasting protection that feels silky smooth.

5. Add Antioxidants to Your Routine

An overhead shot of an assortment of colorful fruits, grains, and vegetables, all examples of food rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are wonderful for overall health and excellent for your skin. They help neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive oxygen molecules that have negative effects on the body.

Too many free radicals cause what’s known as oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to a variety of ailments including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and premature aging.

Free radicals can be caused by external factors like UV radiation, pollution, stress, and poor diet.

This is where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants can prevent and even repair damage caused by certain types of free radicals.

Our bodies produce them naturally, and we can reap their benefits from eating foods high in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Many skincare products include vital antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and resveratrol, all of which can neutralize free radicals and improve the appearance of premature aging, including lines and wrinkles.

Do your body a favor and prioritize antioxidants in both your diet and your skincare routine.

6. Go Easy on the Makeup

A woman stands against a blue backdrop, applying lip gloss to her mouth.

Just like wearing too many layers of clothing in the heat is bound to make you sweaty and uncomfortable, your skin can feel the same when you wear too much makeup, especially in the summertime.

The mix of makeup and sweat often leads to clogged pores, which in turn can cause acne breakouts and skin damage.

Instead, choose lightweight products like tinted moisturizers with SPF for simple coverage that keeps skin hydrated and protected from the sun.

You can also swap regular mascara for waterproof to keep sweat from smudging your luscious lashes and use a setting spray to keep whatever makeup you do use in place.

7. Trust the Specialists at The Spa at Rosen Centre

A row of arched windows with a red roof beside a row of white lounge chairs and a sparkling blue pool.

The Spa at Rosen Centre is home to a team of fabulous skincare specialists that can help you get your skin summer ready.

When you book a treatment at our spa, your massage therapist or skin specialist will consult you on the custom assortment of products they’ll be using and how they can benefit your unique skin.

Plus, as a guest of The Spa at Rosen Centre, you’re invited to take advantage of Rosen Centre‘s other amenities, including private access to our temperature-controlled pools, relaxation lounge, and steam room.

Let us help you enjoy summer in Orlando with skin that is happy, hydrated, and most importantly, healthy.

Book your treatment today.