Summer Skincare Routine for Healthy Skin: Expert Tips

Taking care of your skin during summer can help keep your skin healthy, even during harsh environmental conditions. In this article, we’re sharing a simple summer skincare routine with insights from board-certified dermatologists.

“The increased exposure to UV rays, heat, and humidity can have significant effects on the skin,” says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a Dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, “which can potentially cause sunburn, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.”

Below, we’ll discuss four practical steps for a summer skincare routine, other helpful tips, and answers to common questions about maintaining healthy skin.

A Simple and Effective Summer Skincare Routine

Kopelman suggests keeping up with your summer skincare routine by opting for a simple but effective practice: hydrating, moisturizing, applying sunscreen, and exfoliating.

Hydrate

During summer, sweating and exposure to the sun can dry out your skin and cause dehydration. Hydrating can help alleviate dry skin and keep your overall body healthy.

Drinking more water, using a humidifier, and applying hydrating skincare products can offer extra hydration during summer.

Moisturize

While water alone hydrates, it’s not enough to moisturize your skin. Moisturizers have oil-based ingredients, which can create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin.

Moisturizing can help reduce fine lines, offer extra hydration, and fight against skin conditions.

You can use moisturizing face cleaners, body wash, and lotion for your summer skincare routine to reap the benefits of moisturized skin.

Sunscreen

“Sunscreen is your best defense against harmful UV rays,” says Kopelman. “I recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.”

Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body, including your ears, neck, and the top of your feet.

Exfoliate

Kopelman explains that exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which is especially helpful for a summer skincare routine as your skin can dry out more than usual.

It’s important to gently exfoliate during summer because over-exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. “I recommend using a mild exfoliant 1-2 times a week to keep your skin smooth and glowing,” says Kopelan.

Oakwell Cosmetics Brown Ale & Oats Beer Soap is ideal for exfoliation. It contains oats, which help with gentle exfoliation and skin protection. It also has olive, coconut, and castor oils, which moisturize and keep your skin nourished.

Summer Skincare Tips for Sunburn

While it’s best to avoid getting sunburned, it’s bound to happen, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should treat your sunburn as soon as possible with the following:

• Take cool baths or showers frequently to relieve the pain
• Apply a moisturizer with aloe vera while your skin is still damp after your bath or shower
• If you get blisters, keep them clean and avoid popping them because they can protect your skin from infection
• Drink extra water to prevent dehydration
• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort

Summer Skincare Routine: FAQs

Make the most of your skincare routine for summer with answers to the following questions.

How can I keep my skin safe from the sun?

To keep your skin safe from the sun, it's best to wear sunscreen daily. If you're going to be outside for extended time periods, reapply sunscreen every two hours, wear protective clothing, and stay in the shade.

What if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you should use products, including sunscreen, that don’t contain chemicals, says Anthony Rossi, MD, FAAD, FACMS. This helps ensure you stay protected from the sun without irritating your skin.

Can I skip moisturizer during summer?

You shouldn’t skip moisturizing during summer, although it can be tempting if you’re sweaty and your skin feels oily.

In the summer, sweat and the sun dry your skin out. Using a moisturizer helps you maintain a protective layer of skin, which helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents skin conditions.

If your skin already feels moisturized, use a lightweight moisturizer once daily or after sun exposure.

Should I use aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a soothing agent, so it can be helpful if you get sunburned and need relief.

Rossi recommends choosing an aloe vera product with minimal ingredients. He explains that some products contain little to no aloe vera, so it's best to opt for a natural product that shows aloe vera as the primary ingredient. He also suggests avoiding aloe vera with lidocaine and benzocaine, as these ingredients can irritate the skin.

Summer Skincare Routine: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and feel inspired to care for your skin this summer. Being mindful of your skin can help you stay healthy and enjoy the summer season.
Keep your skincare routine simple yet effective this summer by hydrating, moisturizing, applying sunscreen, and exfoliating.