School's out, vacation's around the corner, and the beach is calling, which can only mean one thing—the summer season is upon us. While you may be looking forward to summer's warmer, longer days, these environmental shifts can also trigger summer skin problems like acne, dryness, and sunburn. High temperatures, humidity, and strong ultraviolet (UV) rays aren't exactly a winning combination for skin health.
But don't let skin woes kill your buzz. You can enjoy everything summer has to offer and maintain healthy skin with the right summer skin care routine. Here's how to care for your skin during summer—and why you need to.
How Summer Weather Can Affect Skin
Summer is notorious for sweltering heat, which can contribute to dry, irritated skin. What's more, UV radiation is strongest in summer, which is the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. Sunburns, heat rash, and sun damage are at the forefront of summer skin issues. Some people even experience sun allergy during the warmer months.
Warm summer air also tends to hold more moisture. With increased humidity, you may notice an uptick in sweat and sebum—both of which can clog pores and lead to acne. Increased perspiration can also trigger eczema and folliculitis (aka hair follicle inflammation) flare-ups.
Summer is often associated with youth. Ironically, prolonged sun exposure allows free radicals to wreak havoc on the skin, contributing to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. It can also cause or worsen hyperpigmentation. For example, melasma is often more prominent in the summer.
6 Summer Skin Care Tips
Summer can be tough on your skin, but you can take steps to protect and fortify your complexion. Incorporate these summer skin care tips to make the most of the season.
1. Wash Your Face More Often
Increased sweating from the hot, humid climate can contribute to congested skin, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. To keep your skin clear, cleanse your face twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, always wash your face after exercising or sweating excessively. EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser is a gentle-yet-effective cleanser that can not only cleanse your skin but help strengthen the skin barrier while helping calm irritation and facial redness.
If you have stubborn acne, consider a cleanser with active ingredients that fend off breakouts, such as Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide.
2. Incorporate an Acne-Fighting Body Wash
A solid summer skin care routine should address your skin from head to toe to tackle concerns like body acne and folliculitis. If you notice breakouts on your body, switch to a body wash formulated with acne-fighting ingredients. This can help clear up any breakouts along your neck, back, and buttocks and calm inflamed hair follicles.
3. Brighten Dark Spots with Antioxidants
To prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma from worsening—or new dark spots from developing—turn to antioxidants for help. You can find antioxidants in many common skin care products, including sunscreen, face wash, and moisturizer. For an extra boost, try a serum like EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum, concentrated with antioxidants Vitamin B and Vitamin E to counteract free radicals' aging effects in summer.
4. Use a Light, Hydrating Moisturizer
Increased sunlight, swimming pools, and air conditioning can all exacerbate skin dryness. Regardless of the season, moisturizer should always be in your skin care routine. EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer is perfect for summer because it feels airy and weightless on the skin, yet it's packed with hydrating ingredients like Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, and Coconut Fruit Extract.
5. Gently Exfoliate to Encourage Clear, Glowing Skin
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and clears clogged pores, making chemical exfoliants a must in the summer. They can also give skin a brighter, firmer appearance. When choosing an exfoliator, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid over harsh scrubs. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, so start with once a week and gradually increase to two to three times weekly. Keep an eye on how your skin reacts and adjust from there.
6. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen Diligently
One of the most essential skin care products for summer is sunscreen. Apply sunscreen as the last step of your summer skin care routine in the morning. Sunscreen reduces your risk of sunburn and skin cancer, and it can prevent visible signs of sun damage like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
When choosing a sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with SPF 30 or higher. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try a lightweight, oil-free formula. EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ checks all the boxes for summer sunscreen, and it's packed with hydrators and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C.
Apply your sunscreen every day about 15 minutes before venturing outside, and reapply at least every two hours or as needed.
Healthy Skin during Summer and Beyond
Sunscreen isn't just one of the best skin care products for summer—it's an essential step for year-round sun protection. The summer can be a good time to get into the habit of applying sunscreen daily, but remember to keep up with it throughout the year. It's also a great time to get serious about other sun protection habits, like seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing and accessories, and avoiding tanning beds.
In addition to sun protection, maintain a regular skin care routine to keep skin clear and hydrated. A simple cleanser and moisturizer will do the trick, but you can also add serums, toners, and exfoliants for targeted concerns to care for your skin throughout the year.
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