By Kate Cohen
Updated May 5, 2026

Whether you’re in Orlando on vacation or you call Central Florida home, it’s hard to resist the allure of spending a day lounging by the pool or spread out at the beach.

A pair of sunglasses sits on a pool deck beside sparkling blue pool water.

But in the summer, Florida’s sun can be dangerously intense, especially for your skin.

Luckily, there are several ways to keep your skin safe and enjoy your pool day, too.

Are you wondering to yourself, how can I protect my skin in Orlando?

We’re here to help.

Here are five skincare tips for a hot Florida summer.

Key Takeaways

1. Always Use Sunscreen
2. Wear Protective Clothing and Gear
3. Stay Hydrated
4. Seek out Shade
5. Moisturize, Especially After Sun Exposure
Care for Yourself beyond Skincare at Rosen Shingle Creek

1. Always Use Sunscreen

A woman in a one-piece bathing suit sits beside a pool and squeezes sunscreen into her hand, an important skincare tip for spending time in the sun.

Sunscreen is the ultimate skincare defense when protecting your skin from damaging UV rays.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number you see on a bottle of sunscreen indicates how well it protects your skin.

For example, SPF 30 sunscreen filters over 97% of the sun’s UV rays, shielding your skin and keeping it from burning.

It’s recommended that you wear SPF 30 daily and reapply at least every two hours. However, if you plan on swimming or sweating, choose an SPF 50 sunscreen and apply more frequently.

Water-resistant sunscreen is also important for days by the pool or at the beach.

Sunscreen should even be worn on cloudy days, especially in Florida.

While an overcast sky may seem to offer a sense of security, over 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reach exposed skin.

Both spray and lotion sunscreen are safe and effective for protection. If you use spray sunscreen, be sure to apply it directly to your skin and rub it in for maximum coverage.

2. Wear Protective Clothing and Gear

A young child in long-sleeved protective swimwear smiles, sitting beside a pool.

While some people take a “less is more” approach to swim fashion, keeping your skin covered is another effective way to avoid sunburn.

Wearing long sleeves and bottoms with good coverage can keep your skin hidden from harmful rays.

Higher coverage swimwear is a great option for babies and kids, too, especially those who may fight a full-body sunscreen application.

But not all fabrics are made equal.

UPF clothing is designed to deflect UV rays, perfect for a day at the pool or the beach.

While your arms and legs may be covered by clothing, don’t forget about your head and face!

Hats help protect your scalp from the sun overhead, and sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but also the delicate skin around them.

3. Stay Hydrated

A man in a sleeveless shirt drinks from a water bottle on a beach.

When temperatures rise, staying hydrated is more important than ever.

Drinking plenty of water boasts a variety of health benefits, including keeping your skin healthy.

Well-hydrated skin maintains elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It also supports the skin’s barrier function, making it less susceptible to sensitivity, dryness, and irritation.

Experts recommend drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, which averages 64 ounces.

A smooth, vibrant complexion starts with proper skincare, including staying well hydrated.

4. Seek out Shade

A shady cabana with curtains and blue cushioned lounge chairs, with a wicker table, Champagne, and fruit plate in the foreground.

Whenever possible, spend your time outside in the shade rather than in direct sun.

This may mean staying sheltered under covered outdoor spaces or spending your pool time lounging beneath an umbrella.

Basically, the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to stay out of it!

Looking for the perfect place in Orlando to enjoy a shady pool day?

Try the Rosen Shingle Creek cabana pool, where you can rent a private shaded cabana with plenty of perks.

Our cabanas include a cable TV, mini fridge, fans, security safe, and complimentary bottled water and coconut water to keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Grab a beverage and a bite to eat from Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille and kick back to enjoy your day in the shade.

5. Moisturize, Especially after Sun Exposure

A woman rubs moisturizer onto her skin, smiling.

Moisturizing is one of the most important ways you can protect your skin and prevent unwanted signs of aging.

Using a lightweight moisturizer soon after cleansing helps replenish protective moisture that helps skin repel viruses and bacteria.

Exposure to UV rays dries skin out, even when you’re wearing sunscreen.

Using a moisturizer following your outdoor activities helps to rehydrate tired skin so it can do its job and effectively protect your body.

A great soothing after-sun lotion is properly designed to soften and rejuvenate skin.

It also helps to alleviate dryness and discomfort that may come from spending the day in the sun.

Looking for a more indulgent way to rehydrate your skin?

The Spa at Rosen Shingle Creek offers luxurious body treatments designed to detoxify, moisturize, exfoliate, and nurture all types of skin.

A day at the spa doesn’t negate the importance of sunscreen, but it can make recovery a true “treat yourself” moment.

Care for Yourself Beyond Skincare at Rosen Shingle Creek

A curving, crystal blue pool surrounded by bushes and palm trees.

Rosen Shingle Creek is a true playground for guests of all ages.

From our four sparkling seasonally heated pools to our pickleball courts and esteemed golf course, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities onsite.

It’s also why we know better than anyone about the importance of protecting your skin from the Florida sun.

Make sure you follow these tips for a satisfying and safe Florida summer day.

5 Skincare Tips for a Hot Florida Summer