Summer skincare
There’s a lot to love about summer, like rooftop bars, beach days and glowing skin. However, glowing skin can be short-lived if you don’t protect yourself against sun damage. If dry skin was your concern in the winter, warmer weather can present other skin issues like excess oil production, breakouts and melasma.
If you have a skincare routine for the winter, making a few changes can help transition it from winter to summer. Choosing skincare and makeup products that work best for the summer can give you healthy and beautiful skin.
Summer skincare essentials
1. SPF
It's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above if you plan on being outside. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid has SPF 50 and can protect you from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated.
If you prefer powder, opt for Jane Iredale's Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen, which is a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face and body that comes in four shades. Remember to reapply every 2 hours, since extended exposure to the sun can cause long-term skin damage and skin cancer.
2. Choose a gel moisturizer
Gel moisturizers work better in the summer months because they're lightweight and don't have a tacky feel. They often have a cooling effect on your skin. You can try Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer by Summer Fridays, which has ceramides to provide hydration in the heat. Jurlique's Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream has concentrated botanicals and a gel texture that's ideal for those living in hot and humid climates.
3. Don’t stop moisturizing
Many people think it isn't necessary to use moisturizers in the summer, but that isn't true. Extreme heat can dehydrate your skin and cause it to produce more oil. Josie Maran's Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is rich, non-sticky and has SPF 45 for sun protection.
4. Add a vitamin C serum
Vitamin C serums help in reducing hyperpigmentation and increasing collagen production in the skin. Tatcha's Violet-C Brightening Serum can reduce sunspots and brighten your skin. SkinCeuticals' Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum is made for those with oily and combination skin, and it can help reduce breakouts and diminish blemishes. When vitamin C serum is used with SPF, it provides more protection against photodamage.
5. Exfoliate once a week
It's recommended that you exfoliate your skin once a week in the summer to remove the top layer of dead skin to keep your skin soft. Choose a gentle exfoliant like Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte #4 with glycolic acid and lactic acid to stimulate new cell growth and even out your skin tone.
6. Switch to noncomedogenic makeup
Comedogenic products can cause blackheads and acne by clogging your pores. Choosing a non-comedogenic makeup line like ILIA can keep your skin blemish-free. Try ILIA Multi-Stick, which can be used as an eyeshadow, blush or lipstick and is available in eight shades. It's suitable for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin.
7. Tan safely
To get a healthy tan, you don't need to overexpose your skin to the sun, leaving you susceptible to sunburn. You can safely tan by using Self Tanning Drops by Isle of Paradise. These drops come in three shades, are free of sulfates and parabens and come in recyclable packaging. If you prefer a spray, Bioderma Photoderm Self-Tanner can give you an even spray tan at home.
8. Wear waterproof makeup
Humid weather can make you sweat more, and it can be difficult to keep makeup on. If you plan on being out more, it's best to invest in waterproof makeup that can last all day. Lancôme's Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara is sweat-proof and smudge-proof and can last up to 24 hours without any touch-ups. Similarly, Urban Decay's All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder makes your foundation waterproof and offers oil control for up to 11 hours.
9. Drink water
Drinking plenty of water is important for healthy skin year-round. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you plan on being more active or are out often, buy a reusable water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
10. Stay in the shade
Dermatologists recommend their patients wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when they're out in the sun. Try to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — that's when the sun is strongest. Try not to expose your body to direct sunlight too frequently.
Summer skincare FAQ
Is sun damage more intense in the summer than in the winter?
A. Yes. The sun's rays are strongest in the summer, so exposure to the sun without protection can damage your skin. You're less likely to get sun damage in the winter because the sun's rays are weaker, as they hit the earth at an angle. However, it's still important to wear SPF year-round.
Should I reapply SPF after sweating or swimming?
A. Yes, you should reapply SPF after sweating or swimming because sunscreen sweats off and is washed away by water. It's recommended you rinse your skin after sweating and swimming and reapply SPF.
What are the most common summer skin issues?
A. The most common summer skin issues are acne, melasma, heat rash and sunburn.
Why do I get more acne in the summer?
A. During the summertime, people tend to sweat more and produce more sebum, which clogs their pores and results in acne.
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