Summer Skincare Tips: Keep Your Skin Healthy & Hydrated

Clear, glowing skin is the ultimate summer skincare goal. However, hot weather, humidity, and increased sun exposure can lead to sweat-induced clogged pores, sunburns, and dark spots. By adopting the right skincare routine, you can tackle these common summer skin issues and even prevent them. We consulted top dermatologists to discover how to keep your skin looking its best all summer long—and beyond.

Tip 1: Never Skip Sunscreen

No matter how low-maintenance your summer skincare routine is, you can never skip the sunscreen. Dermatologists all agree that proper UV protection is the most crucial step in any skincare routine, especially during the summer when longer days mean more sun exposure. Here are 4 main reasons to always apply SPF:

Prevents Skin Cancer: Regular use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Prevents Premature Aging: Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays that cause photoaging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Prevents Sunburn: Sunscreen helps prevent painful sunburns that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Maintains Even Skin Tone: Consistent sunscreen use helps prevent discoloration and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure.

Tip 2: Apply Sunscreen Properly

How you apply sunscreen matters almost as much as how often you wear it. By following these tips, you can effectively protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure and maintain healthy, youthful skin:

Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection: Select a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Opt for SPF 30 or Higher: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for adequate protection. Higher SPF numbers offer more protection but remember no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.
Apply Generously: Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your body. For the face alone, a nickel-sized amount is typically sufficient.
Reapply Every Two Hours: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating, to maintain effective protection.
Don't Forget Sensitive Areas: Apply sunscreen to often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and along the hairline. Use a lip balm with at least SPF 15.

Use A Lighter Moisturizer

Even though you may be sweatier in the summer, your skin still requires proper hydration. However, the increased humidity means you don't need the rich, heavy creams you use in the winter. Yes, that means and end to skin slugging. Put away the thicker moisturizers and switch to light, hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers. Additional summer skincare moisturizing tips:

Opt for Gel-Based Formulas: Gel-based moisturizers are lightweight and provide a cooling sensation, making them ideal for hot, humid days. They absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Look for Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose moisturizers labeled non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores, which can lead to breakouts.
Include Antioxidants: Moisturizers with antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea extract can help protect your skin from sun damage and improve overall skin health.
Consider SPF-Infused Moisturizers: Using a moisturizer with added SPF provides an extra layer of sun protection, ensuring your skin stays safe from UV rays throughout the day.
Hydrate from the Inside: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It helps to maintain your skin’s moisture levels and hydrates your skin from within.

Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly

During the summer months, increased sweat and activity can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Since you're sweating more during the summer months due to outdoor activities or simply being more active, cleansing properly can really help keep your skin breakout-free. Some key tips for proper face cleansing:

Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to deeply clean your skin.
Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, while cold water may not effectively remove impurities. Lukewarm water is ideal for cleansing.
Don’t Over-Wash: Washing your face twice a day is usually sufficient. Over-washing can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to irritation and dryness.
Incorporate a Gentle Exfoliator: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush a few times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, but avoid over-exfoliating as it can cause skin irritation.
Use A Foaming Or Gel Cleanser: A foaming or gel cleanser can be particularly effective during the summer season. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, a cleanser with salicylic acid keeps pores clear and skin smooth.

Extra Sun Safety Tips

Being mindful of your sun exposure in addition to wearing SPF is key your summer skincare routine. Here’s some of our best sun safety tips, vetted by dermatologists:

Use Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat: Opt for a hat that provides ample shade to your face, ears, and neck.
Stay Indoors During Peak Hours: Plan indoor activities during peak sun intensity hours to reduce your direct sun exposure.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which helps in repairing any minor sun damage.
Use Sun-Protective Accessories: Consider using umbrellas, sun shelters, or other protective accessories when you need to be outdoors for extended periods.