Summer is my favorite season and it’s finally here! Summer for me equals freedom. I love the long, slow days and getting to fill them however I want. Beach days? Absolutely. Dining al fresco? Yes, please. The season of the sun is the time to get our glow on. But a true summer glow isn’t just about the surface-level shine that comes from highlighter and hydration. It’s about having a heart that has God’s presence at the center – a heart that’s lit from within. Welcome to Glow Girl Summer where radiant skin meets a joy-filled spirit. Radiate beauty from the inside out all season long with these tips.
1. Start with Soul-Care, Not Just Skincare
Before reaching for serum or SPF, let’s start with Scripture.
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” – Psalm 34:5
Summer arrives with the promise of longer days, slower evenings, ample time for rest and relaxation. Summer, then, is the perfect season for incorporating more prayer and quiet time into your routine. Try adding a devotional to your morning or gratitude journaling to your evening to restore your spiritual glow.
2. Hydrate Your Body & Spirit
Water refreshes your skin – but Living Water refreshes your soul. Scripture:
“But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water [satisfying his thirst for God] welling up [continually flowing, bubbling within him] to eternal life.” – John 4:14 AMP
A simple summer skincare tip is to stay hydrated. If you are like me though, it can be hard to meet your daily goal when it comes to drinking water. And it’s even harder in the summer when we should increase hydration. One thing that I find helpful is including herbal tea – it counts! I try to have a cup of chamomile tea every night as part of my bedtime routine. Another tip for increasing hydration is to eat water-rich foods such as cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes, and watermelon. If you don’t like plain water – or want to make it more appealing to drink – create fruit infusions by adding chopped fruit to it.
3. Nourish from the Inside Out
Scripture: “He causes grass to grow for the cattle, And all that the earth produces for cultivation by man, So that he may bring food from the earth— And wine which makes the heart of man glad, So that he may make his face glisten with oil, And bread to sustain and strengthen man’s heart.” – Psalms 104:14-15 AMP
Did you know that there are some ingredients that we can add to our summer menus that provide natural protection from the sun. Basil, for instance, defends against UV radiation, especially fresh basil. Other foods include red peppers (vitamin C), spinach (beta-carotene), wild salmon (omega-3s), and tomatoes and watermelon (lycopene).
My favorite way to incorporate foods that provide natural sun protection into my meal plan is with a smoothie. I make a protein smoothie with mango (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene) to have after morning workouts, but you can use berries which are high in antioxidants.
A simple smoothie base recipe is Almond milk (¾ cup) + 1-2 scoop(s) of protein powder and/or yogurt + 1+ cup frozen fruit chunks. You can also add a handful of spinach. God gave us colorful, seasonal foods that support beauty and health.
4. Embrace the Light: Faith, Joy, & SPF
Soak in the sun and in the Light of Christ – shining with your attitude, words, and modest style.
Scripture: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 AMP
Much like how we can find natural sun protection from the foods God provides, we can also protect our skin from the outside with sunscreen made with ingredients from God’s green earth. To see a list of top natural and organic sunscreen options, please check out my LTK Shop.
While we are looking for ways to beat the heat, we also need to remember to honor God with our summer style. We can achieve this with lightweight maxi dresses and skirts, linen pants and Bermuda shorts, breezy tops, and by opting for one-piece over two-piece swimsuits, and by wearing a cover-up at the beach.
5. Move Your Body, Refresh Your Spirit
Scripture: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.”– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMP
Your body is a temple, and movement is a form of praise. Our temples belong to God, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, so we should take proper care of them. That includes moving our bodies. The extended daylight of summer provides daily opportunities for us to be active. This can be from anything as simple as a walk or a bike ride to more extravagant activities like taking paddleboard lessons or joining a pickleball team. Bonus: Exercise lowers the aging (skin-wrinkling) stress hormone (cortisol)! Just remember to also give yourself time to recharge. So after that swim, take some time to relax on the beach, too. After weeding your garden, take some time to relax in the hammock in your yard.
6. Cultivate a Joyful Summer Attitude
The best way to get your glow is through the joy of the Lord.
Scripture: “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. [Prov 12:25; 15:13, 15]” – Proverbs 17:22 AMP
Smile. Speak with kindness. Count your blessings and be grateful. Serve others with love. Jesus at work in you is radiant beauty from the inside out!
7. Rest Intentionally
Even when we crave rest, we often feel guilty for taking it. The Bible teaches us, however, that rest is a part of God’s design for our lives. You weren’t made to hustle nonstop – especially in a season designed for slowing down.
Jesus, though fully God, regularly stepped away from the crowds, withdrew from the noise, and found solitude with the Father.
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].” – Luke 5:16 AMP
If the Savior of the world needed stillness, so do we. Schedule a Sabbath day of rest. Journal, pray, read and meditate on God’s Word, and let God refill you. Rest refreshes your soul and renews your radiance.
Ready to Glow?
Remember, the key to a summer glow is not just about the outside. It begins with taking care of your soul and letting His light reflect through you. From what you eat to how you rest, every small act is an invitation to shine.
Want to keep glowing all summer? Download my FREE Summer Glow Checklist to keep your soul and skin shining through every sun-soaked day.
And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @aboverubiesorpearls – I’d love to see how you’re glowing this season!
Stay radiant, stay rooted, and don’t forget your SPF + Scripture. Let’s make this a #GlowGirlSummer we’ll never forget.
Until next time, stay beautiful… ☀️🤗💛🕊️
