Your skin faces different obstacles with each season. While winter may leave your skin dull and dry, summer brings issues like dark patches, oily skin, redness, and even acne or rashes. Therefore, adjust your daily skincare routine as needed to keep your skin beautiful and healthy throughout the year.
But the question is how? Dermatologists enter here. Today, we’ll discuss some expert-recommended summer skincare tips. Even in the warmest months of the year, it will maintain the health and radiance of your skin throughout the summer.
With summer’s environmental pressures on your skin, these recommendations are meant to protect and nourish it.
Summer skincare tips: A must-have guide
In our opinion, health and beauty go hand in hand. Thus, these 8 summer skincare tips from dermatologists go beyond just a summertime glow. They also serve as a helpful reminder of basic skincare practices that we might sometimes neglect or forget.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable
Summer is for vacations, and you people are definitely going on trips to mountains, seas, or waterfalls.
But the only challenge for you this summer is to wear sunscreen at least once in the morning. Please apply it 15-30 minutes before leaving your house. This is the most critical and foundational step that you actually need once a day.
“People often assume they can gauge their UV exposure based on temperature alone and may skip sunscreen on cooler days,” warns Dr. Cheryl Peters. Dermatologists suggest daily sunscreen use for healthy skin and to prevent cancer and sunburn. Thus, opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Also, reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Water-resistant formulas are best, especially if you swim or sweat. Remember to apply sunscreen that we often miss, areas like the neck and feet.
Image: BiancaVanDijk
Summer protective clothes
Sunscreen for the whole body is prohibited. However, to get rid of sun tan, you need to protect other exposed skin areas.
- When moving between locations, like from the beach to an umbrella or from a taxi to your destination, brief exposure can still lead to tanning. So, seek shade whenever possible.
- If you want continuous protection without having to reapply, consider wearing sun-protective clothes.
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and wide-brimmed hats for added UV protection.
- Reduce spending time outside, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to lower the risk of sun damage.
Cleanse properly
During summer, it’s essential to avoid excessive showering or washing, as it can irritate the skin. To improve blood circulation for a healthier glow, stick with warm or cool water instead of hot showers. Also, avoid alcohol and soaps that contain sulfates.Use a mild cleanser twice daily to cleanse effectively without drying out. According to Dr. Mark Nguyen, Ceramides or botanical extracts can gently cleanse and soothe skin without damaging its natural barrier. So, light, foaming cleansers can help manage sweat, sunscreen, and oil buildup.
Moreover, opt for an oil-free face wash for daily use. By avoiding breakouts and clogged pores, they aid in the maintenance of balanced, clear, and fresh skin. Learn more about special oily skin tips.
Stay hydrated inside and out
Adequate hydration supports skin firmness, helps prevent acne, and accelerates sunburn healing. While drinking water can heal you from the inside, external moisturizing nourishes the outer layers of the skin.
Drink Ample Water
Hot weather increases sweating, which results in more significant water loss and potential dehydration. However, it’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day in order to combat this. The general guideline suggests drinking around 8 ounces of water daily, though individual needs may vary.
Use summer-friendly moisturizer
Even in the humid summer air, your skin still requires moisture after cleansing with a hydrating face wash. After exposure to sun, sand, or salty water, replenish your skin’s moisture with a hydrating body lotion and face moisturizer applied post-shower.
Heavy moisturizers can cause sticky skin and clogged pores. That is why dermatologists advise choosing lighter versions, such as water-based formulations or gel-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid.
Also read: Healthy Midnight Snacks: 5 Best Guilt-free Options for Night Owls
Use makeup products wisely
Using less makeup in the summertime to avoid a heavy look is one of Dr. Green’s skin care tips for summer.
You can look put together while protecting yourself from the sun with a tinted moisturizer or setting powder with SPF. Choose breathable tinted moisturizers or BB creams to withstand heat and humidity. Even when using SPF products, sunscreen is still mandatory.
Opt for oil-free options to manage shine. Also, you can use translucent powder to get a matte finish.
Also read: Summer Outfits For Women Over 40
Protect your eyes & lips
Your lips and the delicate skin around your eyes need summer skin protection, too. Here’s what you can do to protect them.
- Invest in UV-blocking eyewear to avoid wrinkles and cataracts from sun exposure.
- At home, cool your eyes with cucumber or potato pads to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.
- Put on a lip balm with SPF as well to shield your lips from sunburn and maintain moisture.
- Use homemade scrubbing for lips at home twice a week.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation improves radiance by removing dead skin cells. Moreover, it prevents clogged pores and boosts skincare product absorption. To achieve smoother, revitalized skin, Dr. Sara Martinez recommends exfoliating 1-2 times weekly.
Nowadays, a lot of face creams combine the benefits of exfoliating and hydration to improve skin radiance. Choose a gentle exfoliant like a scrub with fine particles or AHAs/BHAs. But avoid overdoing it, especially in sunny conditions, to prevent increased sun sensitivity.
Before applying self-tanner, exfoliate for an even, longer-lasting tan. Focus on areas prone to buildup, like knees and elbows. To prevent staining nails, rinse hands thoroughly post-application.
Consult a dermatologist
Sometimes, hormonal and genetics can also be responsible for your bad skin. And, sometimes, we damage our skin without understanding it correctly. Hence, visit your dermatologist regularly to keep your skin healthy all year round.
“Annual skin checks are crucial for detecting early signs of skin cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Thomas Harris. Promptly schedule an appointment if you notice changes in moles, spots, or overall skin texture. Their expertise ensures you get the proper care to tackle any summer skin problems and keep your skin glowing all year round.
Wrap up
Summer skincare isn’t just about appearance—it’s about nurturing and defending your skin’s health. By following these dermatologist-approved summer skincare tips, you can enjoy the sunny season while keeping your skin hydrated and beautifully maintained.
From consistent sunscreen use to selecting effective face creams, prepare your skin wisely for sun exposure with these essential summer skincare tips.
So, follow these recommendations and confidently embrace summer with glowing, healthy skin.
