Dermatologists spend summers underneath the same sun as the rest of us, but somehow their skin manages to stay clear and glowing all season long. Sure, it’s part of the job description, but even the professionals have to work a bit harder to prevent breakouts and minimize sun damage during the summer months. Warm weather brings a whole slew of skin-care challenges and questions like, “Do I really have to moisturize even if it’s 100 degrees out and my face feels oily?” (Spoiler alert: Yes.) Luckily, the experts know exactly how to face summer — pun intended — head on. summers
1. Lighten up your skin-care routine.
If you’re not wearing a winter coat, why should your skin? “In the summer, I generally remind patients that just like their wardrobe, their skin-care routine may need to be a little more lightweight,” says Ibrahim. The heat and humidity of summer means you can swap out a heavier cleanser (think cream or oil cleanser) in favor of a gentle, foaming option.
2. Adopt a dual-purpose moisturizer.
To help lighten things up, Ibrahim recommends switching to a combination moisturizer and sunscreen during the summer. “A lightweight moisturizer with SPF of 30 or higher may be plenty for most people,” he says. In fact, Ibrahim notes that thicker moisturizers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. Especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin, losing one skin-care step with a combination moisturizer/SPF can help keep skin clear.
3. But don’t stop moisturizing completely.
That extra layer of sweat on your face does not count as a moisturizer. “Despite the weather being hot and humid, you still need to moisturize,” says Nava Greenfield, a dermatologist and medical director at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, New York. Even if your skin already feels oily, you should always follow cleansing with a moisturizer.
“Moisturizers reestablish the stratum corneum, your outermost layer of the skin, which protects from harmful pollutants and chemicals and prevents further irritation or dryness,” says Ariel Ostad a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. This is where that combination moisturizer/SPF comes in: A lightweight texture will help keep that outer layer nourished without feeling too heavy on your skin.
4. Invest in a solid vitamin C serum.
“Vitamin C is great year-round, but all the more important in the summer,” says Ibrahim. Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production. Layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and moisturizer.
5. Add an exfoliation skin-care step.
Dermatologists are often reminding us not to over-exfoliate, but the summertime ’tis the season to slough away. If you have oily skin, Ostad suggests incorporating “more exfoliation” into your skin-care routine. That doesn’t mean a daily dose of all your favorite acids, but try slowly increasing the amount of days you exfoliate per week. Ostad recommends alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) pads to “open up blocked pores and remove oils that result in acne.” Plus they feel nice and soothing on stressed-out summers skin. The Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Summer Skin Care
6. Cut down your tub time.
Between workouts, beach days, and plain old summer sweat, many of us shower more than once a day during the summer. Ibrahim recommends keeping showers short, around four to five minutes. “Over-showering, or showering in water that is too hot, can lead to over-drying your skin, leading to inflammation and even summers eczema,” he says.
7. Make sure all your makeup is non-comedogenic.
Take a close look at your makeup product labels and only keep those that are non-comedogenic. That’s a fancy word for a product formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. Especially over the summer, Greenfield recommends her patients “wear makeup that is not going to occlude your skin.” That might include options like a powder sunscreen, an oil-free primer, or a lightweight foundation. Read more
Also read: DIY Uplifting Eye Cream Recipe
