Key Takeaways

• Dermatologists recommend adjusting your skincare routine based on the season and changing weather.

• Expert-approved summer skincare tips include using SPF, incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C into your routine, and regularly exfoliating.

It’s once again time to break out the summer skincare routine. Like switching out your wardrobe from scarves and sweaters to sundresses and sandals, your warm-weather skincare routine should be lightweight and free from thick or heavy products. “It’s essential to adjust your skincare routine to address changes in temperature and humidity,” says board-certified dermatologist Mona Foad, MD. “I recommend switching to lighter, hydrating products like those with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, which provide hydration without feeling heavy.”

A good summer skincare routine isn’t just about lightweight moisturizers, though. For the low-down on how to get the best skin this summer, we asked Foad and board-certified dermatologists Ava Shamban, MD, and Karan Lal, DO, for the best skincare tips they swear by all season long. Ahead, six expert-approved summer skincare tips to incorporate into your routine.

Meet the Experts

• Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist, clinician, and author based in Los Angeles. She is the founder of AVAMD Dermatology and Althaea Skin.

• Karan Lal, DO, is a celebrity double board-certified adult pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, AZ.

• Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Mona Dermatology based in Cincinnati, OH.

Protect Your Skin From Head to Toe

Arguably, the most essential part of your summer skincare routine (or any season, TBH) is wearing SPF. By now, you probably already know that wearing sunscreen is a must. But on top of that, remembering to apply it everywhere that may get exposed to those harmful UV rays, like on the scalp and lips, will prevent unwanted surprise burns. (Your scalp burns way faster than you’d think, especially after a long winter hiding under beanies.)

“More concentrated time spent outdoors in high UV index weather requires some additional measures,” says Shamban. Brush a mineral powder SPF (like zinc oxide, which “won’t irritate even the most sensitive” skin) all over your scalp, specifically concentrating on the hair’s part, she says. “It also helps to absorb excess oil [in the hair].”

Shamban also recommends swapping out lipsticks for SPF lip balms. “Summer is the best time of year to put away drying matte lipsticks and pencils to protect your pout,” she says. If you’re not ready to give up the full glam makeup look, there are plenty of options out there with color. “SPF products with tint will prevent transepidermal water loss and keep lips smooth, supple, plump, hydrated, and healthy.”

Cool Off With Your Skincare

Cooling skincare ingredients will feel so refreshing on the skin after a long day in the heat and humidity, even if you haven’t been in the sun. Foad says to look out for ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, and even mint-based products, as these will “provide instant relief, especially after sun exposure, and help calm the skin.”

If you do find yourself feeling a little crispy after too much time in the sun (it happens to the best of us), after-sun recovery products will provide some quick comfort. Foad expects these types of products to gain popularity over the summer. Keep an eye out for “formulations with ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and hyaluronic acid, which provide much-needed hydration and repair to skin that has been exposed to the sun,” she says.

Get Your Antioxidants

If you ask any dermatologist what ingredients are in their ideal skincare routine, an antioxidant like vitamin C will absolutely be one of them. Antioxidant-rich skincare is a must-have, especially in the summer. Vitamin C “helps to prevent premature aging and protect against environmental damage,” says Foad. Shamban recommends increasing your antioxidants or adding a vitamin C serum into your routine if you don’t use one already.

Another popular antioxidant is niacinamide. “This ingredient is a powerhouse that helps repair the skin barrier [and] helps with hyperpigmentation,” says Lal. “In the summer months, I recommend people use niacinamide either in a serum or in their moisturizer once a day to help fight free radicals from excessive UV exposure.”

Don’t Be Afraid of Self-Tanner

Staying out of the sun is a surefire way to help keep your skin healthy and prevent premature aging. Fortunately, sun tanning alternatives abound, from body self-tanners like mousses and creams to bronzing face drops. Lal recommends contouring with self-tanner to get a bronzed look without spending time in those UV rays. “I think this is brilliant for those who want to have that contoured look for longer and that sun-kissed appearance,” he says. Both Lal and Shamban also suggest wearing sun-protective, UPF-rated clothing if you will be spending extensive time in the sun.

Exfoliate Regularly

If you’re noticing your pores are getting clogged more often during the summer, you’re not alone. “High temperatures combined with extreme humidity and heavy sweating can lead to increases in sebum production or trapping bacteria on the skin surface, leading to clogged pores,” says Shamban. To combat this and keep pores clean and clear, she recommends double cleansing, using an exfoliating cleanser, or wiping a peel pad on your skin at night.

“Opt for gentle exfoliation with AHAs, BHAs, or physical exfoliants to help with skin turnover and enhance product absorption,” says Foad. Ingredients to look out for include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or enzymes, adds Shamban.

Try Multi-Tasking Products

If you want to keep your routine quick and easy, investing in multi-use skincare products is a must. Summer-friendly hybrid products often combine skincare or makeup with SPF. “We are moving towards the ‘sunification’ of beauty,” says Shamban.

It’s always important to apply a traditional standalone sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine, even if you’re using an SPF-infused makeup or skincare product, as you might not be applying enough product to get the full SPF value of the makeup product. But, if you’re in a pinch or want an extra layer of protection, derms are all for these easy-to-use products. “I’m seeing a shift toward SPF-infused skincare products, such as moisturizers and foundations with built-in sun protection,” says Foad. “These provide added convenience and ensure we’re consistently protected from harmful UV rays throughout the day.”

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