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Home / Blog / Grooming
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15 Grooming Habits Men Should Upgrade Before Summer Starts

Updated on April 30, 2025 by TMM Staff · Grooming

Shirtless man touching his chest while standing on a beach, with water in the background.
©Dija Martins/Pexels.com

As temperatures rise, so does your skin’s need for a deeper clean. Sweat, oil, and sunscreen can clog pores fast during summer, making exfoliation essential. Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant 2 to 3 times a week to slough off dead skin and prevent breakouts. This simple habit reveals a smoother complexion and preps your face for moisturizers or SPF. Don’t overdo it balance is key to avoiding irritation.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Switch to a Gel or Foam Cleanser
  • Upgrade to a Lightweight Moisturizer with SPF
  • Don’t Skip Body Lotion Just Go Lighter
  • Switch to a Clear, Residue Free Deodorant
  • Trim Body Hair Strategically
  • Get Your Feet in Shape for Sandal Season
  • Adjust Your Shaving Routine for Sweatier Skin
  • Tame Summer Beard Itch
  • Clean Up Your Neckline and Sideburns
  • Refresh Your Breath Beyond Brushing
  • Use Blotting Sheets or a Mattifying Wipe
  • Protect Your Lips from the Sun
  • Clean Your Sunglasses, Razor, and Grooming Tools Weekly
  • Hydrate More Your Skin Will Thank You
  • Upgrade Your Summer Grooming Game With These Easy Wins

Switch to a Gel or Foam Cleanser

A curly-haired man applying shaving foam to his beard while standing in front of a round mirror.
©Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels.com


Thick, creamy face washes can feel heavy in the heat. A gel or foam cleanser helps remove excess oil and sweat without clogging pores. These formulas rinse easily and leave your skin feeling refreshed instead of greasy. If you’re breakout prone, look for options with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. It’s an easy switch that makes a big difference.

Upgrade to a Lightweight Moisturizer with SPF

Bald man in a black tank top applying aftershave with a square-shaped mirror, a shaving brush and a towel placed on the shelf in front of him.
©Kaboompics.com/Pexels.com

You’re going to need sunscreen but that doesn’t mean layering thick creams. Choose a lightweight daily moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to hydrate and protect in one step. Modern formulas absorb quickly and won’t leave a greasy shine. Broad spectrum coverage is critical for blocking UVA and UVB rays. It’s the most important anti-aging step you can take.

Don’t Skip Body Lotion Just Go Lighter

Shirtless man in shorts sitting on the beach while applying sunscreen to his arm.
©Anna Tarazevich/Pexels.com

Dry skin doesn’t disappear in summer. Chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure can all lead to flakiness. Use a fast absorbing body lotion with aloe, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to stay smooth. Pick a non greasy formula that won’t feel sticky in the heat. Moisturized skin always looks healthier on the beach or at the bar.

Switch to a Clear, Residue Free Deodorant

 Man with dyed hair standing in a bathroom, holding up a bottle and looking at it.
©Ron Lach/Pexels.com

Visible white marks or stained shirts? Not a good look. Use a clear, alcohol free deodorant that controls odor without harsh ingredients or messy residue. If you sweat heavily or stay active in the sun, look for clinical strength protection. Apply after showering and let it dry before dressing for maximum effect.

Trim Body Hair Strategically

Barber Adjusting a Man's Neckline.
©Los Muertos Crew/Pexels.com

Summer is not the time to ignore body grooming. Trimming excess hair on your back, chest, and underarms helps reduce sweat, odor, and discomfort. Use a body groomer with adjustable settings to maintain a clean yet natural look. Always trim dry and apply a soothing moisturizer afterward. A well groomed body shows attention to detail.

Get Your Feet in Shape for Sandal Season

An overhead view of a pair of brown leather sandals placed on a wooden floor.
©Denis Liendo/Pexels.com

Planning on wearing sandals, slides, or going barefoot by the pool? Make sure your feet are ready. Use a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin and hydrate nightly with a thick cream. Keep your toenails trimmed and clean for a polished appearance. Neglected feet can ruin an otherwise sharp summer look.

Adjust Your Shaving Routine for Sweatier Skin

Shirtless man with a toned physique shaving his face using a blue razor.
©Markofit Production/Pexels.com

Hot weather increases sensitivity, especially on your face and neck. Shave after a warm shower to soften hair and open pores. Switch to sensitive skin shave creams and avoid alcohol based aftershaves. Finish with a cooling balm or aloe based moisturizer to soothe irritation. Your skin will thank you all summer.

Tame Summer Beard Itch

Man in a white bathrobe washing his face over a bathroom wash basin.
©Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels.com

Beards can get itchy and sweaty in the heat if you don’t care for them properly. Wash your beard regularly with a mild cleanser to remove buildup. Apply a lightweight beard oil or balm to soften hair and hydrate the skin underneath. Choose products made with non greasy oils like jojoba or argan. A clean, soft beard is always in style.

Clean Up Your Neckline and Sideburns

Men's grooming tools arranged neatly on a black surface.
©Ej Agumbay/Pexels.com

With more skin exposed, a messy neckline becomes instantly noticeable. Use a trimmer to clean up the edges every week or two. Keeping your sideburns and neckline sharp makes your haircut last longer and your look more refined. You don’t need a full haircut to stay polished. A little upkeep goes a long way.

Refresh Your Breath Beyond Brushing

Bearded man in a crew neck t-shirt brushing his teeth.
©Pavil Danilyuk/Pexels.com

Summer is full of close conversations, think rooftop bars, date nights, and beach hangouts. Brush and floss daily, but don’t stop there. Use a tongue scraper and keep sugar free gum or mints on hand. Staying hydrated also helps combat dry mouth, which can cause bad breath. Fresh breath is a part of good grooming.

Use Blotting Sheets or a Mattifying Wipe

 Man in a white T-shirt wiping his face with a tissue against a green background.
©Monstera Production/Pexels.com

Oily skin and sweat shine are summer nuisances. Blotting sheets or mattifying wipes help absorb excess oil without smudging your look. They’re compact, easy to carry, and perfect for a quick refresh. Use them after walking, commuting, or stepping out of the gym. Your skin stays clean and photo ready.

Protect Your Lips from the Sun

Close-up of a man pulling a small sunscreen container from the coin pocket of his jeans.
©Laryssa Suaid/Pexels.com

Lips are one of the most sun sensitive areas and most men forget to protect them. Use a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to prevent chapping, peeling, or sunburn. Choose a formula that’s matte and flavor free for a subtle finish. Reapply often, especially after eating or swimming. Healthy lips complete a clean look.

Clean Your Sunglasses, Razor, and Grooming Tools Weekly

Smiling man in blue scrubs adjusting his sunglasses with a gloved hand.
©Gustavo Fring/Pexels.com

Dirty tools transfer bacteria to your skin, causing breakouts or irritation. Wipe down sunglasses, razors, and trimmers regularly with alcohol or antibacterial wipes. Replace razor blades often and rinse grooming tools thoroughly after each use. Summer sweat builds up fast, so weekly cleaning is a must. Clean tools equal cleaner skin.

Hydrate More Your Skin Will Thank You

Man in a black t-shirt with a watch on his right wrist drinking water from a plastic bottle with his eyes closed.
©Mauricio Mascaro/Pexels.com

Dehydration dries out your skin and affects everything from energy to digestion. During summer, up your water intake to support healthy, clear skin from the inside out. Drinking water also helps flush toxins, reduce puffiness, and improve texture. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day and more if you’re outdoors or active. Healthy grooming starts with what you put in your body.

Upgrade Your Summer Grooming Game With These Easy Wins

An assortment of beauty products lined up by the window at a salon.
©Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels.com

Summer grooming doesn’t require an expensive overhaul, just smart adjustments. These 15 habits are easy to adopt and have an immediate payoff in how you look and feel. Whether you’re heading to the office or the beach, being well groomed is part of being well prepared. Make these swaps now, and enjoy the season with confidence

Grooming ethical clothing, sustainability, Tentree

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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