A few weeks ago I went through my Summer Makeup Capsule Ideas and this week I’d thought I’d show you what I use during the summer to take care of my skin when I’m at the pool,

Just like with my makeup, I try very hard in the summer to pair down my beauty products and only focus on those that give me the most bang for my buck. Plus, because I’m at the pool multiple times a week, I’ve learned to choose not only conventional skin products, but some unconventional ways to protect my skin. Here are seven ways to protect your skin when you are at the pool.

How To Protect Your Skin When You Are At The Pool

1. Clarisonic Mia 2 & Cetaphil. As always, good skin care starts with making sure your skin is clean. I’ve used a Clarisonic Mia 2 for over three years (here is my post on Does the Clarisonic Mia Work?) and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for close to 20 years. I think it is extra important to keep our skin clean during the summertime. Why? For one, we are sweating more and sweat can clog pores. Two, you should be using a waterproof facial sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. And many times, depending on the brand, it can clog your pores. And finally, you are at the pool more often and exposing yourself to the chlorination and chemicals in the water. Even if you don’t use a Clarisonic, make a commitment to wash your face in the morning, after the pool and in the evening.

2. Carmex Lip Balm. Carmex is like the swiss-army knife of skin care. I’ve used it soothe chapped lips, fight cold sores, heal blemishes and blisters, and fight a sunburn. Honestly, it reminds of Windex in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. But seriously, for under $1.50, you can NOT afford to have this little jewel in your skincare arsenal.

3. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion with SPF 50 Sunscreen. I’ve used about every facial sunscreen known to man and I always come back to Aveeno. I love the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate because it doesn’t go on thick, doesn’t have an overly strong smell, absorbs quickly, is waterproof and is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Grab a bottle, put it in your bathroom and use it exclusively for your face, neck and chest area. Most likely you will only need one or two bottles for the season – and they are worth every penny.

4. Aveeno Hydrosport Wet Skin Spray with SPF 30 Sunscreen. I love Aveeno Hydrosport Wet Skin Spray because you can reapply it to wet skin (aka…you’ve already been in the pool, but need a little more sunscreen). The smell isn’t overly strong and it sprays evenly and dries wickedly quick. (Also very important if you want to get back into the water.)

5. Large Straw Hat. I added this hat to my protection arsenal a couple of years ago and am so thankful I did. In the past, I wore baseball caps, which look nice enough, but my head would get hot and my ears were still exposed. With a straw hat, I can feel the breeze on the top of my head, my ears (as well as my face and neck) are protected and to be honest, I look cooler too. Kelly’s Tip: If you have a large head, like me, go to the men’s section. Their hats are made for people with large noggins.

6. Sunglasses. Another unconventional protection item. The more we can protect our eyes and face from the sun’s rays, the better we will look in 20 years. I’m a sucker for the classic Aviator Ray-Bans, but I also love that the HUGE Jackie-O sunglasses are coming back into style. Nothing looks like more “classical pool” that a girl wearing either big sunglasses or Ray-Bans. Love it.

7. Frankincense, Peppermint and Lavender “Too Much Sun” Spray. And sometimes it is bound to happen…you get too much sun. I like to make a spray bottle of Frankincense, Peppermint and Lavender. I use 15 drops of Peppermint, 15 drops of Lavender, and 10 drops of Frankincense, 1/4 cup of Witch Hazel and top it with distilled water in a small glass spray bottle. Reapply every one to two hours as needed. (Here is how I purchase essentials oils for a discount online.)

Anything else I missed? What things do you do to protect your skin when you are at the pool?