Clear, glowing skin is undoubtedly on your summer beauty wish list. Hot weather, humidity, and excessive sun exposure, on the other hand, can cause sweat-induced blocked pores, sunburns, and dark spots if you don’t take steps to prevent these typical summer skin issues in your skincare regimen. 

The proper skincare regimen will work for you year-round if you stick to it, but there are a few modifications you can make to help reduce the seasonal side effects of summer on your skin.

And who better to turn to for skincare advice than dermatologists? We spoke with three leading dermatologists to get their best summer skincare recommendations. Continue reading to learn how to keep your skin looking great all summer long – and beyond. 

1.Increase the use of  sun protection factor (SPF) 

Dermatologists believe that UV protection is the most critical element in any skincare routine all year, but especially during the summer when the days are longer and you will surely spend more time in the sun.

“SPF should be applied every day to exposed regions — which commonly include the face, neck, chest, ears, and hands — and it is especially vital to reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She advises 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 if you need to reapply on the move.

It’s also important to use enough sunscreen to achieve proper protection. “When applying sunscreen to your face and neck, use two fingers,” recommends Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “Every day, apply one strip of sunscreen to your index and middle fingers, which is the recommended dosage for the face. When it comes to exposed portions of the body, a shot glass quantity is sufficient.”

Furthermore, Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and the creator of Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California, recommends using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and taking into account the time of day you spend outside. “For outdoor activities, seek cover and avoid being in direct sunshine between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest,” she advises.

In addition to sunscreen, you should consider wearing UPF 50 or higher clothes or taking a supplement that boosts UV radiation protection. Heliocare, which contains the herb polypodium leucotomos, is mentioned by Dr. Palm.

2. Use a Lighter Moisturizer 

Even if you sweat more in the summer, you still need to hydrate your skin. However, because seasonal dryness isn’t as widespread in the summer as it is in the winter, you won’t require a heavy cream. 

“I’m all about ditching the petrolatum and heavy moisturizers in favor of light hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers,” Dr. Lal explains. “These moisturizers keep your skin hydrated without making you feel greasy or heavy.”

3. Ensure that your items are non-comedogenic. 

In the summer, clogged pores can contribute to outbreaks. Using non-comedogenic skincare and cosmetics products is a simple approach to keep perspiration and oil out of your pores. 

“I recommend looking for non-comedogenic goods,” adds Dr. Palm, which means items that don’t trigger or contribute to breakouts. “During the summer, stay away from very hydrating or greasy formulas.”

Those with acne-prone or oily skin might use chemicals like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or niacinamide in their regimens to help keep pores free. “All of these substances are anti-inflammatory and assist with acne,” Dr. Palm adds. “Ask your doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing because some of these aren’t safe to use.”

4. Wash Your Face Correctly 

“Because you’ll be sweating more throughout the summer months owing to outdoor activities or simply being more active,” Dr. Palm advises, “I also recommend cleaning your face up towards your hairline – this area is often disregarded, resulting in breakouts around the hairline or the outside borders of your face.” 

“This is when the heavy weapons, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid-containing washes, come out,” Dr. Lal says. “These cleansers will clear your pores while also killing acne-causing germs,” says the author.

5. Retinoids should be used in moderation. 

While there are no components that should be avoided during the summer, you may need to change how you utilize them. One such component is retinoids. 

“Summer is when folks start to notice greater retinol/retinoid discomfort. Retinols and retinoids increase your sun sensitivity “Dr. Lal elucidates. “As a result, I recommend either limiting the frequency of usage or using sunscreen more aggressively.” 

However, you can continue to utilize any retinoid or retinol if you apply sufficient sun protection.

Image from: Foto de Anastasiya Gepp: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/mujer-en-azul-y-blanco-rayas-top-levantar-ella-mano-izquierda-1462637/