Summer-Proof Your Skincare Routine with These *Must-Have* Expert Tips and Tricks

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Learn how to transition your skincare routine from spring to summer.

As the seasons change, so do the needs of our skin. In the same way, you may transition the clothes in your closet from one season to the next, your skincare routine requires adjustment. While in cooler months, you don't have to worry as much about potential damage from beaming sun rays and the presence of excess oil clogging your pores, the summertime is a totally different story that calls for changes as far as your skincare routine is concerned.

Transitioning your skincare routine from spring to summer is essential for maintaining healthy skin and meeting its unique needs when the weather heats up. In this article, we will explore the impact of seasonal changes on the skin and provide expert advice on adjusting skin care practices. We'll also recommend some of the best summer-approved skincare products to help you transition smoothly, just in case you needed some help in that area.

Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Changes on the Skin

Increased sun exposure and higher temperatures are the biggest threat to your skin during the summer. Adapting your skincare routine to match your skin's needs during this time needs to be prioritized sooner than later, suggests Dr. Evan Rieder, dual board-certified dermatologist, psychiatrist, and skin expert for CeraVe. "As we move into summer, the weather is warmer and typically more humid. Skin can get oilier, pores can get clogged, and acne can become an issue," explains Dr. Reider. From choosing lighter-weight products to reevaluating the steps in your skincare routine, transitioning for the summer is essential for combating common summer skin woes.

Transitioning Your Skincare Routine

As briefly mentioned, adjusting your skincare routine from spring to summer entails several steps depending on what your individual skin needs to transition between the seasons smoothly. Below are some ways to consider transitioning your skincare routine in the summer, according to Dr. Reider.

Cleansing and Exfoliating

No matter the season, properly cleansing your skin and regularly exfoliating are key steps to achieving healthy, glowing skin. In the summer, you need to adjust the frequency of cleansing and exfoliating based on how your skin responds to the change in temperature and humidity. Generally speaking, most individuals benefit from cleansing twice daily (the typical frequency), while others may require additional cleansing during the summer. "With a few exceptions, I recommend cleansing twice daily for almost everyone. There are occasionally people who are so oily that they might need to double cleanse or cleanse midday as well, but most people do well with twice daily," Dr. Reider explains. If you fall into the latter category, adding a third cleanse with a gentle cleanser may help control the excess oil production your skin may be experiencing due to the heat.

While Dr. Reider recommends exfoliation one to two times per week during the colder seasons, he notes that most people can tolerate exfoliating more in the summertime. However, you should always pay close attention to your skin and steer clear of over-exfoliating, which can lead to damaging your skin barrier, the structure that helps your skin protect itself from external environmental factors.

Hydration and Moisture

Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for all skin types, particularly in summer. Dr. Rieder recommends lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. "Because of the tendency of the skin to produce more oil in the summer and the fact that acne bacteria feed on oil, it is also critical—even if you don't struggle with acne—that your moisturizer is non-comedogenic. This means that it has been tested and does not cause acne," Dr. Reider explains.

Though producing excess oil may be annoying in the summertime, skipping moisturizer altogether is not recommended. If you have oily skin, please remember that your skin also needs hydration (aka water)— an oil-free moisturizer must be in your skincare arsenal for summer. You can also try incorporating hydrating serums into your routine that boost moisture levels while preventing excess oiliness.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure is the biggest external factor that can age our skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, according to Dr. Reider. The rays from the sun, especially UV rays, can damage our skin cells and even lead to greater chances of developing cancer. UV-A rays, in particular, can penetrate deep into the skin and cause collagen (a protein that keeps our skin firm) to break down, leading to signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and moisture loss. Visible light from the sun can also have negative effects, especially if you have pigmentation issues. Additionally, when temperatures rise, our bodies respond by dilating blood vessels and increasing sweat production, which can make our skin oilier and more prone to acne breakouts, warns Dr. Reider.

"Wear your sunscreen" is something that experts warn people about now more than ever as the number of sun rays hitting the Earth's surface has increased tremendously over the last few decades. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital year-round, but it becomes even more critical during the summer months when the sun's presence is way more prominent (and aggressive, depending on where you live). "While in the winter [wearing sunscreen may only entail] the face, neck, ears, and hands, during the summer months, much more of our body surface area is exposed," says Dr. Reider. When applying sunscreen, remember all parts of your body that may be exposed to the sun.

Make sure to apply sunscreen generously (most experts recommend two fingers worth of sunscreen) and reapply it every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors. Though remembering to reapply sunscreen may not sound like much fun when you're more concerned with enjoying a beach day, your skin will thank you in the long run.

Related: The 8 Best Sun Protection Products to Add to Your Stash

Lightweight Serums

Tweaking the essential steps in your skincare routine is the first step to preparing your skin for summer; however, giving your skin an extra line of defense against the sun is especially wise. Consider incorporating lightweight serums containing antioxidants to combat sun damage and enhance your skin's protection against environmental stressors. A great example is a vitamin C serum, which helps to prevent aging and promote a bright complexion.

5 Top Skincare Picks for Summer

If you're unsure where to start finding the right products for transitioning your skincare routine for the summer, here are 5 top picks to guide you.

Buy It: Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash, $12, Target.com

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3 complex, this luxurious formula cleanses away dirt, oil, and sweat while nourishing your skin. This body wash provides fast-absorbing, lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling clean yet soft and silky. The formula also contains Vitamin C, a known antioxidant to help defend against free radicals. It's also worth mentioning that the tantalizing fragrance makes for the ultimate sensorial experience while you shower.

Buy It: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, $21, Target.com

This dermatologist-tested formula gently removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Enriched with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it restores your skin's natural barrier, acts as a magnet for hydration, and calms your complexion. Additionally, this cleanser can be used head to toe from AM to PM. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating formula is a solid choice for transitioning your skincare routine to accommodate heat and humidity.

Buy It: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $34, Sephora.com

This daily leave-on exfoliator features two percent salicylic acid, which effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and visibly smooths wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, it targets concerns such as enlarged pores, uneven texture, acne breakouts, and blemishes. It's also enhanced with green tea for antioxidant benefits and methyl propanediol (which enhances the absorption of skincare) for hydration. This liquid formula penetrates deeply to reveal a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Buy It: BYOMA Hydrating Serum, $20, Target.com

This lightweight facial serum delivers much-needed moisture to the skin, minimizes water loss, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. Enriched with a unique Tri-Ceramide complex and "hydrating heroes" like glycerin and squalane, it strengthens and nourishes the skin's barrier—a must for skin during the warm summer months.

Buy It: Black Girl Sunscreen, $16, Target.com

This must-have sunscreen for head-to-toe protection is formulated with skin-loving ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil, ensuring your skin stays nourished and hydrated. With its cast-free formula and SPF 30 protection, you can confidently enjoy your time outdoors while keeping your skin shielded from harmful UV rays.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Transition

Beyond skincare, there are a few lifestyle choices you can make to help your skin transition between seasons.

Adjusting Your Makeup Routine

Opting for sweat-proof and breathable makeup options is best if you choose to wear makeup during the summer. Consider using a mattifying primer or forgoing foundation altogether and focusing on applying concealer to targeted areas that require coverage, suggests Dr. Reider.

Hydration and Diet

Your skin is your body's largest organ, which means there are ways to improve its condition from the inside out. Staying hydrated by consuming enough water is essential, especially during warmer months. Additionally, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce inflammation, benefiting conditions such as acne and rosacea, Dr. Reider notes.

Transitioning your skincare routine for the summer doesn't have to be complicated as it may seem. By following the simple yet effective tips outlined in this article, you'll be well-prepared to embrace the sun-soaked season while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Remember to cleanse gently, exfoliate regularly, and protect your skin with sunscreen. Also, embracing the power of antioxidants and adjusting your lifestyle in the summer will benefit your skin and contribute to your overall well-being.

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