Summer Skincare | How to Keep Your Skin Healthy All Season
Everyone loves the summer weather, but it’s good to keep in mind how the sunshine can affect our skin. Longer days and warmer temperatures can do wonders for your mood, they can also bring skincare challenges—from excess oil and breakouts to sun damage and dehydration.
To help you enjoy everything summer has to offer without compromising your skin’s health, prioritize a simple, effective, and dermatologist-recommended skincare routine designed specifically for the sunny season.
Step 1: Cleanser
Summer heat means more sweat, oil, and frequent SPF reapplication; all of which can lead to clogged pores and irritation if not properly removed. To help prevent breakouts and maintain a healthy, clear complexion, it’s important to find a cleanser that works for your skin.
Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, a cleanser used twice daily will keep your complexion clear without over-stripping or drying it out. And if you’re not sure what’s best for your skin, take our cleanser quiz!
Recommended Product for Sensitive Skin: Avène Cleanance Hydra Cleanser
Recommended Product for Acne-prone Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Step 2: Pigment Corrector
Summer isn’t just about UV rays, your skin is also exposed to pollution and other skin stressers. This is where pigment correctors, serums, and antioxidants come in; offering a range of powerful benefits. They can brighten dull skin, protect against sun-induced damage, and improve overall skin tone and elasticity. Some ingredients to look for include vitamin C, which is excellent for brightening the complexion and reducing pigmentation; niacinamide, known for balancing oil production and strengthening the skin barrier; and ferulic acid, which enhances the stability and effectiveness of other antioxidants.
Apply your product in the morning after cleansing, and follow with moisturizer and SPF.
Recommended Product: SkinMedica Even and Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
Recommended Product: Lumivive System
Step 3: Retinol
Retinol is a skincare powerhouse—it helps fade dark spots, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture. However, retinol does increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. To use retinol safely during the summer, start with a low concentration (around 0.25–0.5%) if you’re new to it. Make sure to apply sunscreen every morning and when first starting, only use two or three times a week, then gradually increase as tolerated. In addition, be sure you are only applying retinol at night! Retinol is light-sensitive, meaning sunlight can break it down and reduce its effectiveness.
If you notice redness or flaking, reduce the amount or combine with moisturizer to reduce irritation.
Recommended Product: SkinMedica Retinol Complex
Recommended Product for Sensitive Skin: RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
Step 4: Moisturizer
High humidity can make heavy creams feel greasy on your skin. To avoid this, choose a lightweight moisturizer that provides effective hydration without clogging pores. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
Apply morning and night.
Recommended Product: SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer
Step 5: Sunscreen
If you do one thing for your skin this summer, let it be sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. And remember, sunscreen isn’t just for beach days—apply it every morning, even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy.
To get the most out of your sunscreen, reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming (try Colorscience’s Brush-On Shield SPF 50 for easy, on-the-go re-application!). Don’t forget often-missed areas like your neck, ears, chest, and hands. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, choose mineral sunscreens that contain ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
If you’re not sure what to choose, check out our sunscreen quiz to find the right pick for you!
Recommended Products:Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF, EltaMD UV Clear SPF, SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear, Colorscience Total Protection Face Shield
Bonus tips for a radiant summer glow:
Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Exfoliate gently once or twice a week using a mild exfoliant to help keep your pores clear. Don’t forget to wear protective accessories like UPF clothing, hats, sunglasses, and other clothing to add an extra layer of sun protection.
Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. By cleansing, hydrating, protecting with SPF, you can enjoy that warm-weather glow all season long, without compromising your skin’s health.
If you’re not sure what to pick for your skincare routine, schedule a visit with one of our providers and they’ll help you customize and create a plan perfect for you!