With summer here comes the time to rethink your daily skincare routine. Some moisturizers and cosmetics can be too heavy and can leave your face feeling greasy and unsuitable for the summer heat. To help you develop a summer-friendly skincare routine, we’ve put together 7 items you should put on hold when the weather is hot, sunny, and humid, as advised by expert dermatologists.
7 Items You Should Keep When the Weather Is Hot
1. Facial oil
As the weather heats up, it’s best to stop using facial oils and serums. Dermatologist Sapna Palep says higher temperatures and humidity can trigger your face to produce more oil.
“The more oils and serums you use, the more skin problems you’ll have,” says Palep. “It can lead to acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.”
Why You Should Stop Using Facial Oils in Summer?
- Hot weather: Hot weather stimulates your face to produce more oil. Using additional facial oils will make your face oilier, clog your pores, and cause acne.
- Humidity: High humidity makes it harder for your skin to absorb oil. Using facial oil can make your face feel sticky and uncomfortable.
- Skin problems: Using too much facial oil can cause skin problems such as rosacea, dermatitis around the mouth, and seborrheic dermatitis.
So what should I use instead of facial oil?
- Lightweight moisturizer: Choose an oil-free or gel-based moisturizer to hydrate your skin without making it oily.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is very important. You should choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++.
- Serum with Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid helps retain moisture in the https://ufabet999.app skin without making the face oily.
2. Exfoliating products
Exfoliants like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and retinols can help keep your skin looking smooth and bright, but dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo says they can easily irritate your skin during the summer months.
“Try to reduce the use of products that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as AHAs (glycolic acid) and retinol,” Ciraldo says. “Products that can irritate your skin can make it redder in hot weather because your skin absorbs more of the product. At the same time, your body pumps more blood to your skin in the summer, which makes it naturally more prone to blushing.”
However, that doesn’t mean you should stop using these products altogether, Ciraldo suggests.
3. Facial scrub products
A rough-textured scrub that exfoliates dead skin cells is ideal for winter use, especially when skin becomes dry and flaky. However, Ciraldo recommends skipping scrubs in the summer, as cell turnover is faster during this time.
Why You Should Take a Break from Facial Scrubs in Summer
- Faster cell turnover rate: During the summer months, skin cell turnover naturally speeds up. Scrubbing your face can irritate your skin and cause redness.
- Sun Sensitivity: Facial scrubs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing your risk of sunburn.
- Dry Skin: Scrubbing your face can make your skin even drier.
So what should you do instead of exfoliating?
- Use a moisturizer: Moisturizers help hydrate your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated.
- Use sunscreen: Sunscreen is very important. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++.
- Face Mask: Face masks help moisturize and nourish your skin. Choose a mask formula that suits your skin type.
Try changing your skincare routine as recommended. Your skin will feel comfortable and fresh all summer long.
4. Change from thick facial masks to exfoliating masks.
If your skin can tolerate exfoliants well, dermatologist and beauty expert Marie Hayag suggests that summer is a good time to use a chemical exfoliant instead of the heavy winter masks.
Why you should use exfoliating masks in summer
- Hot weather: Hot weather causes your face to produce more oil. Using an exfoliating mask can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Humidity: High humidity makes it harder for your face to absorb oil. Using an exfoliating mask helps your face absorb skincare products better.
- Skin problems: Exfoliating masks help reduce dull skin, dark spots, and wrinkles.
So what kind of exfoliating mask should you use?
- Masks containing AHA or BHA: AHA and BHA are exfoliating acids that help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells.
- Mask with enzymes: Enzymes help remove dead skin cells without scrubbing the skin.
- Mask with clay: Clay helps absorb oil and dirt on the face.
5. Thick foundation
People who are prone to acne tend to have more oil on their faces as the weather warms up. “Wear makeup lightly and use noncomedogenic products,” Gordon told HuffPost. Summer is a good time to switch up your makeup style to avoid breakouts.
Noncomedogenic makeup products typically do not contain oils and will not clog pores, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
So what kind of foundation should I use?
- Lightweight foundation: Choose an oil-free or water-based foundation.
- Foundation with BB Cream: BB Cream helps to smooth out skin and conceal blemishes.
- Loose powder: Loose powder helps to make your face look matte and control oil.
6. Water-based cleanser
Gordon, a dermatologist, recommends a hydrating cleanser for winter to help replenish moisture for dry and sensitive skin.
“But as the weather gets warmer and the humidity increases, many people sweat more and have more oil on their faces,” he says. “So, you should choose a cleanser that contains ingredients that can effectively deal with oil on your face.”
“Try switching from a water-based cleanser to one that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid,” he says. “These ingredients gently exfoliate.”
7. Heavy-duty moisturizer
Save the heavy moisturizer for winter. Moisturizer is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. It keeps your skin hydrated and prevents itching during the winter months. But in the summer, the hot, humid weather causes your face to produce more oil. Using a heavy moisturizer can make your face oily, clog your pores, and cause acne.
So, you should switch to a lightweight, oil-free or water-based moisturizer.
A moisturizer suitable for summer should contain the following ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Helps retain moisture in the skin.
- Niacinamide: Helps control oil and reduce acne.
- Aloe vera: Soothes the skin and reduces irritation.