Should I Change My Skincare Routine During The Summer?
People should change skincare routines with the season. Different weather brings different concerns. During the winter months, hydration is key due to the cold weather. Most people focus on keeping skin moisturized to prevent chapped skin. However, the summer is different. Many people struggle with oily skin that can lead to breakouts. Year-round, but especially in the summer, people also need protection from harmful sun rays.
How does the sun affect the skin?
The sun helps the body produce the important mineral vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure can wreak havoc on the skin. The sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause wrinkling, sunspots, cataracts, and skin cancer. Frequent sun tans or sunburns can also reduce the skin’s elasticity. Therefore, sunscreen is a must during the summer.
What type of cleansers are good for the summer?
Most people can get away with using a lightweight cleanser during the summer months. These cleansers can be gel- or cream-based. The sun can ramp up sebum production which makes skin very oily. Additionally, the body sweats more due to the heat. People can wash the face more than once per day to keep pores clean and minimize oil or dirt buildup.
Don’t forget to hydrate the skin
After cleansing the face, apply a serum and a moisturizer. A vitamin C serum is good for brightening and refreshing the skin. People can also opt for a gel-based moisturizer to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Moisturizers with an SPF are great for the summertime. These moisturizers can be cream- or gel-based with SPF protection of 15 or higher.
Can I exfoliate during the summer?
Exfoliating the skin is a great way to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. The two most popular types of exfoliants are physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants are scrubs with grains or beads. Another type of physical exfoliant is a cleansing device like a cleansing brush. Chemical exfoliants are made from acids that penetrate the skin to remove impurities. Some common acids are alpha hydroxy (AHA), glycolic, lactic, and salicylic. Exfoliants make skin sensitive to the sun so patients must use sunscreen after exfoliating.
Should I wear makeup during the summer?
There is nothing wrong with wearing makeup during the summer months. But try to wear noncomedogenic makeup. This type of makeup is made with ingredients that do not clog pores and create acne. Some of these ingredients include witch hazel, rose water, aloe vera, vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E. People should try to wear noncomedogenic makeup year-round, but this makeup is especially helpful in the summertime when the skin is more prone to breakouts.
Can my doctor help me create a skincare routine?
A medical professional with knowledge of dermatology can help patients create an appropriate skincare regimen for the summertime. This medical professional can examine the skin to diagnose any issues and help patients find the right products. Consider speaking to a dermatologist or another healthcare provider to learn more about summertime skincare.
