Every man has encountered the pains of summer at some point: sunburn, heat rash, jellyfish sting or poison ivy, just to name a few. But did you know there are other environmental factors during the summer that can have a negative impact on skin, face and hair, too? Read on for advice on how have the best summer ever with some slight adjustments to your skincare and grooming routines.

• Let’s get the obvious out of the way: if you don’t use a sunscreen on a regular basis, summer is definitely the time to start doing so. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a leading cause of melanoma. And according to the American Cancer Society, more than 75% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. You can dramatically reduce your risk of sun damage caused by summer’s stronger rays by protecting your skin on a regular basis with a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection. (Take a tip from GQ Magazine and use the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30 for maximum sun protection).

• Sunscreen, moisturizer, sweat, grease and oil all tend to accumulate during hot summer months, so completely clean your skin on a daily basis to keep it clear. Exfoliating is a great way to clear pores and smooth skin, but don’t exfoliate the day before or the day after tanning (newly-exfoliated skin is sensitive and more susceptible to sun damage).

• Although we usually recommend you wash with lukewarm water, during summer months opt to shower with colder water to bring body temperatures down and reduce sweating. Because men tend to shower more frequently during the summer, washing with cold water doesn’t dehydrate skin as frequent washing with hot water does.

• As temperatures rise, excessive sweating coupled with bacteria growth can increase body odor. Keep B.O. levels down by washing with a body cleanser (not bar soap that can damage the skin) once or twice a day. Then apply a deodorant (not an antiperspirant, which can cause health problems) to kill odor-causing bacteria. Advanced Deodorant is a healthy choice as it uses microzeolites to target bacteria, rather than ingredients like aluminum to block sweat ducts to reduce odor.

• Hotter temperatures and higher humidity during the summer encourage more bacteria growth, which can contribute to face and body acne. You can fight these acne problems by not allowing sweat to rest on skin for too long and keeping skin clean with a convenient acne treatment product like Advanced Acne Pads. These convenient pads clear away acne-causing bacteria and keep pores free of dirt and oil. For persistent acne, we recommend a complete regimen like the Acne Treatment Kit.

• If you have acne-prone skin, also think about skipping the moisturizer during hot summer months. Instead, refresh yourself with an application of hydrating Advanced Face Tonic to reduce bacteria levels and dirt buildup.

• According to a study reported in the British Journal of Dermatology, hair grows slightly faster in hot summer months so take this as an opportunity to go for a shorter haircut. Short hair also allows more body heat to be released from your body (off the top of your head), cooling you down.

For more in How To: Take Care of Your Skin During Summer.

Summertime is the perfect time to burn off extra pounds. There’s good weather, beautiful outdoor locations, a wider array of readily-available fresh produce, longer hours of the day, and tons of activities that can get your heart rate up and keep that weight down. Follow these tips to eat healthy, get fit and look awesome for the hot, summer season.

1. Choose complex carbohydrates (think whole-grains and fiber-rich foods) instead of simple, starchy carbs (white bread, potatoes and bagels, etc.). Complex carbs will help you feel full longer and metabolize sugars.

2. Eat protein before carbohydrates. Protein tends to be more filling and lower in calories than simple carbohydrates.

3. Drink more green tea. An important ingredient being studied for its role in controlling weight, green tea increases the body’s calorie-burning rate and provides valuable antioxidants. Not into sipping? Try a daily supplement that contains high levels of the ingredient like Thermogenic Formula.

4. Drink lots of water throughout the day and avoid drinks with calories (sodas, juices, and even some sports drinks). Research indicates that the body is unable to identify calories in liquid form, so you tend to consume a larger amount of unnecessary calories.

5. Eat slowly. This will allow your body to feel satiated with less food than if you eat in a hurry. You’ll also be able to keep better track of how much food you’ve already consumed.

6. Exercise in the morning as soon as you wake up. This can help you metabolize fat more effectively. Avoid working out outdoors during peak hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) when summer temperatures are the highest to bypass the danger of heat stroke.

7. Always use sun protection products that provide broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

8. Focus on the larger muscle groups (think legs and back, rather than arms) to burn more calories per minute of exercise. Alternate cardio and strength-training routines to burn off calories as you build muscle.

9. Try summer activities like swimming, surfing, cycling and beach volleyball. You’ll increase muscle without getting bored with your usual exercise routine.

Find ways to motivate yourself to get fit in Diet Psychology.