Dermatologists spend summers underneath the same sun as the rest of us, but somehow, their skin still manages to stay clear and glowing all season long. Sure, it’s part of the job description, but even the professionals have to work a bit harder to prevent breakouts and minimize sun damage during the summer months. Warm weather brings a whole slew of skin-care challenges and questions, like “do I really have to moisturize even if it’s 100 degrees out and my face feels oily?” (Spoiler alert: Yes.) Luckily, the experts know exactly how to face summer — pun intended — head on.
“A solid routine should be applicable to all seasons and all climates,” says Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist and co-director of clinical research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “With that said, there are a couple of changes one might consider when transitioning from winter to summer.” Ahead, we asked three dermatologists for their best summer skin-care advice. Consider this your definitive road map to healthy-looking skin, all season long. Meet our experts, then keep scrolling for their favorite summer skin-care hacks, and, yes, one final reminder to wear broad-spectrum SPF this season.
1. Lighten up your skin-care routine.
If you’re not wearing a winter coat, why should your skin? “In the summer, I generally remind patients that just like their wardrobe, their skin-care routine may need to be a little more lightweight,” says Ibrahim. The heat and humidity of summer means you can swap out a heavier cleanser (think cream or oil cleanser) in favor of a gentle, foaming option.
2. Ditch that extra layer of moisturizer.
To help lighten things up, Ibrahim recommends switching to a combination moisturizer and sunscreen during the summer months. “A lightweight moisturizer with SPF of 30 or higher may be plenty for most people,” he says. In fact, Ibrahim notes that thicker moisturizers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. Especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin, losing one skin-care step with a combination moisturizer/SPF can help keep skin clear. Read more…
