As welcome as summer is in just about every corner here in the Northeast, these months come with their own set of skincare challenges. It’s a little harder to prevent breakouts, for example. And the potential for sun damage is always looming. Then there’s the matter of moisturizing in 100% humidity.
For the most part, your skincare regimen should be applicable to all seasons (and climates). That said, there are a few tweaks you could make to your skincare routine to help ensure your skin glows through the dog days of summer.
Yes, you still need to moisturize
For starters, keep moisturizing—even if your skin already feels oily. That persistent layer of sweat on your face and much of your body doesn’t count as moisturizer.
Moisturizers reestablish the outermost layer of your skin, which protects from harmful pollutants and chemicals and prevents further irritation and dryness.
But you can, and should, replace your heavier cream or oil cleanser with a gentle, foaming option. Lighten up your moisturizer, too, by switching to a combination moisturizer and sunscreen through the end of the summer (SPF 30 or higher). In this heat and humidity, thicker moisturizers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Right after cleansing and before moisturizing, layer a few drops of vitamin C serum on your skin. It’ll help prevent hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of fine lines.
Exfoliate even more often
Normally, the tendency is to over-exfoliate. But in the summer, the more exfoliation, the better*, especially if you have oily skin. *Don’t take that to mean you should be doing it every day, though. Rather, if you typically exfoliate once a week, try doing it two or three times a week.
Stick to makeup that won’t clog your pores
It’s a good practice to use only non-comedogenic makeup (products formulated without pore-clogging ingredients) year-round, but it takes on even greater importance during the summer, when your pores are already trying to fend off sweat and a barrage of airborne pollutants.
And wear sunscreen!
The best advice I can give you with regard to maintaining healthy, glowing skin is also the most basic. And yet, it’s the most frequently ignored. Try to limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible.
If you plan to be out during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin (if you’re not already wearing a combination moisturizer), wear an extra-large hat, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Everything You Need to Know About Applying Sunscreen