Summer’s longer days and warmer weather are perfect for enjoying time outside, but being out in the sun for long periods of time can take a toll on your skin due to the sun's UV rays. A summer skincare routine should protect your skin’s barrier from sun damage, keep it hydrated, and address seasonal skin concerns like excess oil, clogged pores, irritation, and redness. Learn how to protect your skin all summer in this post.
Why You Need a Summer Skincare Routine
Rich creams during the winter help combat cold, dry air, but those same skincare products can feel too heavy during the summer. Lightweight moisturizers and serums help hydrate your skin without trapping excess heat or oil.
Start With a Gentle Cleanser
During the summer, sweat, excess oil, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on your skin, which is why you need to cleanse your face morning and evening to remove this buildup and reduce the risk of clogged pores and breakouts. A foaming or gel cleanser is ideal during the summer. Our recommended cleansers for summer are:
Add a Lightweight Serum
Sun exposure, air conditioning, and heat can contribute to dehydration and a weakened skin barrier. A lightweight hydrating serum will help attract and retain moisture so your skin looks plumper and more refreshed. Lightweight serums are really good to use during summer because they provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Shop Epicutis’ lightweight serum.
Use a Lightweight Moisturizer
Even if your skin feels oilier in the summer, skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin more dehydrated. A well-hydrated skin barrier helps your skin function better, and can reduce irritation. Shop our recommended moisturizers. https://nmaesthetics.com/collections/moisturizers?filter.p.m.custom.product_type=Moisturizers
Always Use Sun Protection
UV exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. Which is why it’s very important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, regardless if it’s sunny or not. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently if you're outside for long periods of time, swimming, or sweating.
Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, right before you apply your makeup. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to commonly missed places like your lips, ears, under your eyes, and neck. Shop our recommended sunscreens.
Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
Here are common skincare mistakes to avoid during summer.
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Not wearing sunscreen or forgetting to reapply it throughout the day
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Assuming you don't need sunscreen on cloudy days or when you’re indoors
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Sleeping in sunscreen or makeup and not cleansing your skin nightly
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Over-exfoliating because this can weaken your skin barrier and make skin more irritated
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Still using heavy moisturizers that are too thick for summer
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Not paying attention to signs of sun damage like red or peeling skin
How to Start a Skincare Routine
If you have any questions about what products you should be using in the summer, what your skin type is, or to have a skincare routine customized for your needs, our estheticians will do a personalized consultation with you. Contact us at (571) 310-3223 or fill out our online form to request an appointment. NM Aesthetics is conveniently located in Ballston Exchange and proudly serves clients in Northern Virginia and the DMV area.
FAQs
Do you need sunscreen on cloudy days?
You should wear sunscreen even if it’s cloudy. Clouds don’t block all UV rays from reaching your skin.
Can I sleep in sunscreen?
Not washing off sunscreen at night can trap sweat, oil, makeup, and environmental debris that are on your skin. This can cause clogged pores, breakouts, irritation, or dull-looking skin.
What SPF should I use every day?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. If you're spending extended time outdoors, reapply it every two hours or more often if you’re in the water or sweating.
Should I moisturize if my skin feels oily in the summer?
Even if your skin feels oily, it still needs moisture. Use a lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates without feeling heavy.
Is it okay to exfoliate more often during the summer?
Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and make your skin more prone to irritation. Most people only need to exfoliate one to three times per week, depending on skin type.