For many, summer is the best time of the year with its long days, endless bbq’s, and time underneath the sun. With all the fun we’re having outdoors and getting our tan on, we need to be extra cautious of our skin health and make sure that we’re still moisturizing and protecting with SPF.
Warmer temps do bring on more sweating and oily skin which can cause breakouts, so you may be wondering, ‘should I really be wearing moisturizer when it’s 95 degrees outside and my face feels oily?’ The answer is yes! Read on to learn more about summer skincare tips and how to keep your skin healthy this season (without that extra unwanted shine!)
Make some adjustments to your skincare regime
Just like you wouldn’t wear thick, heavy clothing from colder months right now, you won’t want to use heavy skincare products either because it could just weigh your skin down and add more oil than you want. So lighten up your routine…instead of using thick, heavy cream cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, opt for more gentle options like a foaming cleanser or lightweight moisturizer.
Don’t stop moisturizing
Even though summer brings on heat and humidity, you don’t want to completely stop moisturizing. FYI, that extra layer of sweat on your face does NOT count as moisturizer! You still want to follow cleansing with a moisturizer because it protects your skin from harmful pollutants and prevents further dryness. We recommend lightweight moisturizers like SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal.
Introduce an antioxidant rich serum to your routine
Investing in a high-grade antioxidant serum (containing vitamin or polyphenols) is great year round but even more important in the summer months. Vitamin C helps improve the appearance of fine line which can be caused by sun damage. It also helps combat inflammation, prevents hyperpigmentation and helps with collagen production. Rub in a few drops into your skin after cleansing and before your moisturizer. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum.
Slow down on exfoliation
Continue exfoliating in the summer but keep to a minimum, one to two times a week because exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity and irritate sunburned skin even more. You’ll still want to exfoliate to get rid of pore-cloggers such as pollution, humidity, SPF, and sweat but instead of using irritating scrubs, opt for gentler options like foaming cleansers or a cleanser with gentle exfoliants like SkinMedica's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
The most important tip of all is to always make sure you’re wearing sunscreen! Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and, if you’re in the sun, don’t forget to apply every few hours everywhere, including your hands, feet, ears, and lips. We love EltaMD's UV Daily Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen w/ SPF 40, either the Tinted version OR Non-Tinted version. Both are amazing and will protect your skin all summer long!
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our West Dermatology dermatologists, click here.
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team