Clear, glowing skin is undoubtedly on your summer beauty wish list. Hot weather, humidity, and excessive sun exposure, on the other hand, can cause sweat-induced clogged pores, sunburns, and dark spots if you don’t take steps to prevent these frequent summer skin concerns in your skincare routine.
The proper skincare routine will work for you year-round if you stick to it, but there are a few modifications you can make to help reduce the seasonal side affects of summer on your skin.
And who better to ask for skincare advice than dermatologists? We spoke with leading dermatologists to get their best summer skincare recommendations. Continue reading to learn how to keep your skin looking great throughout the summer – and beyond.
Increase your SPF
Dermatologists believe that UV protection is the most critical element in any skincare routine all year, but especially during the summer when the days are longer and you will surely spend more time in the sun.
“SPF should be applied every day to exposed regions — which commonly include the face, neck, chest, ears, and hands — and it is especially vital to reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating,” says Dr. Tan Choy Ling, Founder of Cleo Clinic. She recommends a powder sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 or an SPF compact like Avène’s Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50 if you need to reapply on the go.
It’s also important to use enough sunscreen to get proper protection. “When applying sunscreen to your face and neck, use two fingers,” recommends Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “Every day, apply one strip of sunscreen to your index and middle fingers, which is the recommended dosage for the face. When it comes to exposed bodily parts, a shot glass amount is sufficient.”
Furthermore, Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and the creator of Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California, recommends using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and taking into account the time of day you spend outside. “When doing outside activities, seek cover and try to avoid being in direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she advises.
You might also consider wearing UPF 50 or higher clothing in addition to your sunscreen, or taking a UV radiation protection supplement. Heliocare, which contains the herb polypodium leucotomos, is mentioned by Dr. Palm.
Use a Lighter Moisturizer
Even if you sweat more in the summer, you still need to hydrate your skin. Because seasonal dryness isn’t as common in the summer as it is in the winter, a heavy cream isn’t required.
Dr. Lal recommends ditching the petrolatum and thick moisturisers in favour of mild hyaluronic acid-based moisturisers. “These moisturisers keep you hydrated without leaving you feeling sticky or heavy.” Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer is one of our favourites because it contains different sizes of HA for enhanced absorption.
Dr. Lal also suggests using a facial mist to rejuvenate skin as needed during the day. “Right now, my favourite is the La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Mist, which decreases shine and pore size,” explains the doctor. “I use it before events to avoid looking greasy at the end of the day.”
Ensure that your items are non-comedogenic.
In the summer, clogged pores can cause breakouts. Using non-comedogenic skincare and cosmetics products is a simple approach to keep perspiration and oil out of your pores.
“I recommend looking for non-comedogenic goods,” says Dr. Palm, which means items that don’t cause or contribute to breakouts. “During the summer, stay away from deeply hydrating or oily formulations.”
Those with acne-prone or oily skin might use chemicals like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, or niacinamide in their routines to help keep pores free. “All of these substances are anti-inflammatory and help with acne,” Dr. Palm adds. “If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, see your doctor because some of these aren’t safe to use.”
Wash your face properly
“Because you’ll be sweating more throughout the summer months owing to outdoor activities or simply being more active,” Dr. Palm advises, “I also recommend cleaning your face up towards your hairline – this area is often disregarded, resulting in breakouts along the hairline or the outside borders of your face.”
“This is when the big weapons, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid-containing washes, come out,” Dr. Lal says. “These washes will clear your pores while also killing acne-causing bacteria,” says the author.
A foamy or gel cleanser can help with this. SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, which contains glycolic acid, is recommended by Dr. Garshick. CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser is a cost-effective salicylic acid face wash.
Retinoid Use in Moderation
While there are no components that should be avoided during the summer, you may need to change how you utilise them. One such component is retinoids.
“Summer is when folks begin to notice greater retinol/retinoid discomfort. Retinols and retinoids increase your sun sensitivity “Dr. Lal clarifies. “As a result, I recommend either limiting the frequency of use or using sunscreen more aggressively.”
However, you can continue to utilise any retinoid or retinol if you apply sufficient sun protection. In fact, Dr. Garshick suggests Differin, a retinoid lotion, to “control skin cell turnover and prevent pores from becoming clogged.”
The bottom line: Make the most of the beautiful weather you’ve been waiting for all year by following these expert skincare advice.