Rising temperatures and more time in the sun means sweat and sun damage that leave skin looking and feeling stressed and dull. Many people reach for additional skincare products to counteract the impact of summer on their skin. However, streamlining your skincare routine may be a better option. In this blog, we’ll talk about how to simplify your summer skincare routine and include DermSkincare’s must-haves for healthy, glowing skin.
Why Summer Skincare Needs Are Different
With the change in seasons, it’s important to pay attention to your skin. Is it oilier, does the texture change, do you notice more blemishes? No two people are exactly the same, but most people benefit from adjusting their summertime skincare routine to address the unique issues that arise. Lighter formulas and increased sun protection make a big difference in protecting skin from the summer’s effects, including:
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Damage from increased sun exposure – more time outdoors means increased UV exposure that can cause sunburns and long-term skin damage like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Sun exposure is also the leading cause of skin cancer.
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Clogged pores from heat – hot, sweaty skin means skin is oiler and greasier. That can cause dead skin cells, grime, and bacteria to get trapped in pores, leading to blemishes.
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Irritation and breakouts from humidity – humidity can lead to breakouts as well when skin feels sweaty and sticky. Summer humidity is also the cause of skin irritation and hives when it causes skin to rub together leading to friction.
Simple, Lightweight Skincare for Summer
You may have noticed a trend with these summertime skin concerns. They lead to skin feeling coated or cakey. Sun damage causes dryness and peeling. Heat and humidity trap sweat and grime on skin. Rather than piling on, a good rule of thumb is to choose lightweight skincare products that won’t add greasiness or grime and allow skin to breathe.
Step-by-Step Summer Skincare Routine
With just three simple steps, you can maintain your most radiant summer glow without contributing to skin health concerns.
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine. In the summer, it’s important to use a cleanser that clears sweat, sebum, and sunscreen residue without compromising skin’s protective barrier.
Dermatologist Picks:
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser – a pH-balanced foaming cleanser formulated with amino acids to gently remove impurities while healing and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s ideal for sensitive, post-sun skin.
ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser – a lightweight gel formula provides a refreshing clean, using a botanical blend that calms skin as it removes oil, makeup, and debris. Suitable for all skin types, it’s a go-to for those who want effective cleansing that won’t irritate skin.
Step 2: Lightweight Moisturizing
You may think heat and humidity means that skin doesn’t need extra moisture added, but exposure to sunlight and air-conditioned buildings dehydrates skin. Additionally, failure to apply moisturizer after removing sweat and oil by cleansing can trigger the body to produce even more natural, sebum oil. The right hydrating summer skincare products should deliver moisture without a heavy finish.
Dermatologist Picks:
ALASTIN Skincare® Ultra Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology® – with an ultra-lightweight formula, ALASTIN’s proprietary TriHex peptides support collagen and elastin renewal to soothe and hydrate skin without clogging pores.
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture – this weightless moisturizer provides hydration and antioxidant protection. Formulated with botanical extracts like burnet, cinnamon, and ginger, it reduces the size of pores, making it a summer favorite for normal to oily skin types.
Step 3: Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection
No daily skincare routine is complete without sunscreen, and this is especially important during the summer. Daily application is crucial for preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with 30 or higher sun protection factor (SPF) for summer sun protection. You should also consider lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that protect skin without clogging pores or causing an oily appearance.
Dermatologist Picks:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (Non-Tinted) – this patient favorite sunscreen is formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It’s gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin with a lightweight, silky finish.
Revision Skincare Intellishade® Clear (formerly Multi-Protection Broad-Spectrum SPF 50) – an innovative product that combines anti-aging peptides with SPF 50 protection. It hydrates, protects, and improves the appearance of fine lines.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 – an advanced sunscreen that adapts to skin tone for a natural look. It offers high-level protection with antioxidants to guard against environmental stressors.
Bonus Tips for Healthy Summer Skin
In addition to sticking with a consistent skincare routine that utilizes high-quality, lightweight products, there are a few additional steps you can take to keep skin healthy all summer, including:
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Stay hydrated from the inside out – dehydrated skin is prone to irritation and shows fine lines and wrinkles more clearly. Drink plenty of water to support skin from the inside out.
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Avoid harsh exfoliants – while gentle exfoliation removes dead skin to prevent clogged pores, over-exfoliating in summer can lead to sensitivity and increased sunburn risk. Use a gentle exfoliant and only apply once or twice a week during the summer.
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Wear protective clothing – sunscreen is essential, but it can also be beneficial to wear hats, gloves, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing for an added layer of sun protection.
Develop the Ideal Summer Skincare Routine
Don’t let summer be a season of skincare setbacks. Instead, take the opportunity to simplify your regimen with a few high-impact products that protect, nourish, and heal. The best skincare for hot weather is about quality. Not quantity. Maintain a simple, consistent skincare routine during the summer for healthy, glowing skin.
Explore More Quality Skincare Products
If you’re ready to update your summer skincare lineup, explore the curated collection of dermatologist-approved cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens from DermSkincare. Whether your skin is oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between, the right lightweight products can help you beat the heat and keep skin flawless. Interested in learning more about dermatologist-recommended skincare products and tips? Read our blog regularly.
