All your summer skincare questions answered by an expert dermatologist
How should you switch up your skincare routine for summer?
In the summer, you may want to swap heavier face creams for lighter gels to avoid clogging your pores. You can opt for a foaming face wash, which will help with the excess oil that tends to be a problem in the warmer months. Finally, be more diligent about using sunscreen if you haven’t already! Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots, leathery skin texture and skin cancer. You want to protect your skin from the sun at all costs while enjoying its warmth to the fullest.
What skincare ingredients or treatments should you avoid in the summer?
Our skin cell turnover tends to slow down in the colder months, which is why exfoliants are usually used in cooler weather. In summer, with increased sweating, activity and sun exposure, skin cell metabolism normalizes or accelerates, so you may not need to use natural exfoliants or acid exfoliants as often. The same goes for in-office treatments like deeper chemical peels and some types of lasers. It’s best to either wait until the cooler months or be extra diligent about sun protection and avoidance after skin resurfacing treatments.
What kind of SPF should we use?
In general, it’s best to choose a sunscreen that has at least two things on the label:
- Make sure you sunscreen does it say “broad spectrum”? protects against UVA and UVB rays — it’s very important to have both!
- Choose at least SPF 30 or higher. An SPF 30 can block 97% of UV rays when applied correctly. No sunscreen can block 100%, even if applied perfectly.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen for a day at the beach or pool, it might be best to also look for a sunscreen that says “water resistant” for up to 40 or 80 minutes. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen, but it is important to choose a waterproof one when swimming or sweating for better protection. Newer research shows that choosing a higher SPF number may be more beneficial, especially on days where sun exposure is more intense, as we tend not to apply enough sunscreen to get adequate protection!
See also
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVA rays penetrate the skin at a deeper layer and contribute to tanning, wrinkles and skin aging. UVB rays cause sunburn and are the main type of rays linked to skin cancer. It’s important to note that both types of rays can technically contribute to the development of skin cancer, so you want to choose a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” coverage, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
How often should we reapply sunscreen?
In general, it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours outdoors, or sooner if you’re swimming or sweating. During the work week or if I’m indoors most of the day, I tend to apply my sunscreen in the morning after I finish my skincare routine and then reapply before I leave work and drive home when moving around my house or going out. Sunscreen has to become a habit, rain or shine, so make it a habit to put on your sunscreen every day! Use a spray to easily apply on the go or even at home. If you wear makeup, many brands make a sunblock powder that you can use to reapply during the day over your foundation.
Where should we put sunscreen in our skincare or makeup routines?
Sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine. It is best to apply after moisturizer but before any makeup.
