With the summer season approaching, we will be facing increased sun exposure (hello, trips to the beach), unforgiving humidity and oppressive heat. And, our skin — our body’s largest organ — takes the brunt of these external elements.

So, can our usual ammunition of cleansers, moisturizers and SPF creams — those ones we relied on during the colder months — get us through the sultry dog days of summer? A different enemy usually calls for a different weapon.

We consulted esthetician Arlene Maserejian, owner of B Lush Spa in Waltham, Massachusetts, for pointers on how to update our bathroom cabinets and shelves with the right products for spring and summer.

Summer Skin Care for Your Face

Every day, you should begin by cleansing your skin. Maserejian says if your skin is normal or oily skin, you should use a gel-based cleanser during summer months. If you have dry skin, sticking with a cream-based cleanser works well, too.

After you cleanse and apply toner, Maserejian recommends using a vitamin C serum for daily use to protect and brighten the skin.

Next comes the most important rule: You should protect your skin from the sun every day with an SPF of at least 50. This won’t necessarily prevent you from getting that pleasant beach glow, but it will block the sun’s harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.

The right kind of SPF formula is important, too. For summer, Maserejian says the best kind to use is an oil-free matte formula to prevent clogged pores.

Many SPF formulas contain glycerin, “which is better for the winter and used to plump the skin,” says Maserejian. In the summer, this can be too heavy. Mineral formula SPFs tend to be lightweight.

Make sure to apply SPF on top of your moisturizer, as the last step before you apply makeup. A few Maserejian recommends include MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 and Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50.

To start off summer with a fresh face, Maserejian says microdermabrasion facials are ideal to get rid of any dead skin cells left over from last season. Dermaplaning, another powerful, exfoliating facial, can help get rid of any peach fuzz on your face, which the sun tends to highlight.

These facial treatments will help treat acne, blackheads and minimize pores, and “you won’t feel the need for heavy makeup coverage,” explains Maserejian. Heavy makeup will just melt off your face in the heat, so it’s better to take care of the skin underneath it all.

Summer Skin Care for Your Body

Because we tend to show more skin in such hot weather conditions as summer provides, you should also pay a little more attention to the skin on the rest of your body.

As always, SPF is key.

Use a separate lotion with an SPF of at least 70 or 80. Maserejian says, “You have to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time in the ocean.”

Summer is the season where we tend to ramp up hair removal methods, whether it be shaving or waxing. But with these methods comes unsightly skin textures such as rashes, bumps or ingrown hairs. To prevent this, exfoliate with a loofah or scrub in the shower at least once a week.

Finish off by hydrating the body with a soothing, natural coconut oil to seal in moisture, says Maserejian.

Armed with this skin care knowledge, it’s time to put your bare face and legs forward and enjoy the weather.