Clear, glowy skin is #summerskingoals. And yet, heat, humidity, and extra sun exposure can lead to sweat-induced clogged up pores, sunburns, and dark areas (sigh). But by following the right skincare routine, you can address these common summertime skin concerns– and even help to avoid them in the very first location. To read more, we turned to leading skin doctors to find out how to keep your skin looking its best throughout the summertime season– and beyond.
Keep reading for eight expert-approved summertime skincare suggestions.
1. Level-Up Your Sunscreen
Dermatologists agree that proper UV protection is by far the most essential step in any skincare routine year-round, but specifically throughout the summer when the days are longer and you inevitably invest more time in the sun.
” SPF needs to be applied every day to locations that are exposed– which frequently consists of the face, neck, chest, ears, and hands– and it is especially important to reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating, as people spend more time outdoors in the summer season,” states Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified skin specialist in New York City.
What’s more, ensure your sunscreen is SPF 30 or greater, worries Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and creator of Art of Skin MD. And if you need to reapply on the go, Dr. Garshick suggests 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.
2. Use the Right Amount of SPF
It’s likewise key to use enough sunscreen to ensure you get adequate protection. “You ought to follow the two-finger technique when using sunscreen to your face and neck,” states Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “Apply one strip of sunscreen on each of your index and middle fingers, which is the appropriate amount for the face every day. When it concerns the body, a shot glass amount is suitable for exposed locations.”
3. Consider Extra Protection From the Sun
Lower your direct exposure to UV rays by carefully picking the time of day you spend outdoors. “Seek shade and try to prevent being in direct sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm for outside activities when UV rays are most severe,” recommends Dr. Palm.
You can likewise wear UPF clothes of 50 or more in addition to your sun block or take a supplement that enhances UV light protection. Dr. Palm calls out Heliocare, which contains the plant polypodium leucotomos.
4. Brighten up Your Moisturizer
Although you’re sweatier in the summertime, your skin still needs to be moisturized. Considering that seasonal dryness isn’t typical in the summertime, you do not require as rich a cream as you use in the winter.
” I’m all about putting away the petrolatum and thick moisturizers and switching to light hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers,” says Dr. Lal. “These moisturizers are excellent at keeping hydration without making you feel sticky and heavy.” We’re fans of Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer, that includes different sizes of HA for much better absorption.
5. Refresh Skin With a Mist
Dr. Lal likewise recommends a face mist to refresh skin throughout the day, as needed. “My favorite one right now is the La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Mist, which minimizes shine and minimizes pore size,” the dermatologist says. “I use this before events so I do not come across greasy at the end of a long day.”
6. Ensure Your Products Are Non-Comedogenic
Blocked pores can lead to breakouts in the summer season. A simple way to prevent sweat and oil from building up in your pores is to utilize non-comedogenic skin care and makeup items.
” I advise looking for non-comedogenic products, implying products that do not trigger or add to breakouts,” Dr. Palm states. “Avoid deeply moisturizing or oily formulations throughout the summer season.”
To help keep pores clear, those with acne-prone and oily skin can incorporate components such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or niacinamide into their regimens. “All of these active ingredients aid with acne and are anti-inflammatory,” Dr. Palm discusses. “Just check with your M.D. if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as a few of these are not suitable for usage.”
7. Wash Your Face Properly
” Since you’re sweating more during the summer season due to outside activities or simply being more active, I also suggest washing your face up into your hairline too– this area is generally neglected, which can result in breakouts along the hairline or the external edges of your face,” states Dr. Palm.
” This is when it’s time to draw out the big guns such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid-containing washes,” Dr. Lal includes. “These washes will unclog your pores and likewise exterminate acne-producing bacteria.”
This is where a foaming or gel cleanser can be available in. Dr. Garshick advises SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, which contains glycolic acid. CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser is a budget friendly face wash with salicylic acid.
8. Utilize a Retinoid in Moderation
While there are no active ingredients you should stop utilizing in the summer season, you may discover you need to adjust how you use them. Retinoids are one such component.
” Summer is when individuals start seeing more inflammation from their retinol/retinoid. Retinols and retinoids make you more sensitive to the sun,” Dr. Lal describes. “It is for this reason, I recommend either decreasing the frequency of usage or being more aggressive about sunscreen.”
That being stated, with additional sun protection, you can continue to use your retinoid or retinol. Dr. Garshick recommends a retinoid lotion such as Differin “to control skin cell turnover and prevent the pores from ending up being obstructed.”