Keeping skin beautiful for the summer season is often a challenge, but with a few simple changes from your usual routine you can protect, hydrate, and glow all summer long.

Sunscreen:
If there is one thing you can't live without, it's sunscreen. Hopefully you are already using one, but if you aren't, now is the perfect time to start. Sunscreen not only keeps skin cancer at bay, but it's your strongest defense against aging.

Picking a good sunscreen is important. It needs to be at least an SPF 15, but an SPF 30 is the best. Look for a sunscreen that contains at least two of these ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide, Octisalate, and Allantoin. My personal favorite is Total Protector 30 from MD Formulations. All skin types can use it without feeling greasy, or turning chalky. It also has a tinted formula that many clients enjoy. If you are looking for something over the counter, try Neutrogena Healthy Defense sun care line. It isn't as good to your skin, but it's lighter on your wallet, and protects almost as well.

Hydration:
I don't care what type of skin you have, you need hydration. Skin can be oil dry or water dry. If you have oily skin you are usually water dry. Combination skin can be a combination of oil and water dry, and dry skin is most often oil dry. If you are oily/combo you need a gel based or oil free moisturizer like Dermalogica's Active Moist. For combination skins there are some great new products on the market that self adjust to meet the needs of each part of your skin from day to day.

My favorite is Bioelements Absolute Moisture. If you are dry you need to get a richer moisturizer, but something lighter weight for the summer like Dermalogica's Skin Smoothing Cream.

The number one question I am asked is," What can I get at my local drug store." My answer is always, "Not much." Bottom line, you get what you pay for, and when it comes to moisturizers you just shouldn't skimp. You can find a really good moisturizer for $30-$40 that will last you 6-8 months.

If you really, REALLY can't spend the money, try something natural like Burt's Bees Beeswax Moisturizing Cream or Jason's Aqua Moist. Both are natural creams that may not get the results of a more expensive cream, but at least will hydrate you without bad-for-your-skin ingredients.

Self-Tanning:
Ahh, the mysteries of self-tanners. I could write an entire article on this, but for now I will just give a few pointers on what to look for in a self-tanner. Self-tanning has become easier and easier. It's safe, affordable, and gives you a summer tan without the damaging UV rays.

Self-tanning isn't simple. It takes practice, but with the right tools and knowledge just a few applications will turn you into a pro. My personal favorite is Guinot's Auto Bronze, but Banana Boat's Sunless Tanner gives an excellent tan for half the price. If you are afraid to do it yourself, spray on tanning shops are popping up everywhere, and many spa's have solar bronzing services. The cost for these varies, but here in Los Angeles I can get a spray on tan for $20.

Here are a few tips:

• Pick a self-tanner with a tint. It will help you see where you are applying the product. This stops uneven color and streaking.
• Always apply self tanner to a freshly exfoliated, damp surface.
• If there are any areas of your skin that are dry such as elbows, ankles, knees, knuckles, make sure you apply some moisturizer there first.
• Learn to "feather" the self-tanning lotion onto places that don't usually get dark like under the arms, and the shadow of the chin.
• Build your tan slowly. Start with a light color and keep applying it until you get the color you want.
• Give the tanner time to work. I like 6 hours to be safe. Try and wear very loose clothing, and until the stuff is dry don't rub, scratch, or touch your skin.

For summer keep your makeup as light and translucent as possible. A light bronzer or lose powder will give you a sun kissed look, and can be used to hide any imperfections. If you are worried about trying to hide lines or dark circles without concealed try using a powder that is 1 to 2 shades lighter than your own skin. Apply it in your lines, creases, or under the eyes. This will highlight this area and make it seem brighter and less sunken in or dark. You can also wet your brush for a thicker application that will dry into a light powder. Personally I always recommend mineral makeup since it is natural, gives perfect coverage regardless of weather, feels like you aren't wearing anything at all, and is so easy to apply I call it idiot proof! There are more and more coming onto the market.

My personal favorite is Jane Iredale, but Bare Essentials has a very nice line that can often be found on QVC at a bargain.