Should you change your skin care routine in summer?

Cora Berry

Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Massage Therapist

Most of us have our at-home skin care routine down to an art. We use the same cleansers, the same moisturizer, the same makeup and the same serums day in and day out. As temperatures, humidity levels and weather change throughout the year, though, what worked for your skin in December simply may not work as well in June.

Should you change your skin care routine in summer? Medical aesthetician Cora Berry spoke about summer skin care needs and what products to avoid.

How does the summer season affect your skin?

“Often, summer is when our skin deals with some pretty harsh conditions,” said Berry. “Think about all that heat, the humidity the South is famous for, salt if you visit the beach and chlorine from swimming pools. All of this can leave your skin very irritated!”

One good way to adapt to summer sun and heat is to switch to a lightweight moisturizer that won’t sit so heavily on your skin, potentially clogging pores or feeling greasy.

Berry also added that you should always wear sunscreen and be sure to reapply every one to two hours throughout the day. Many moisturizer options on the market include built-in sunscreen, letting you skip that step while remaining fully protected. Just make sure you’re still reapplying every 1 – 2 hours.

Are there skin care products/treatments you should avoid during the summer?

“Products like retinol encourage the production of new skin cells, and that new skin is often delicate and sensitive to sunlight,” said Berry. “I encourage those who use retinol treatments to use it at night during the summer months. Chemicals peels during summer make you more likely to suffer from sunburn and skin damage, as they also make your skin much more sensitive.”

Berry advised planning for chemical peels during the fall and winter and avoiding them during the summer.

What beauty treatments can help prepare your skin for summer?

“It sounds too easy to be true, but the best way to prepare your skin for summer is to make sure you are drinking enough water,” said Berry. “Well-hydrated skin is better able to handle the sun’s rays and the uptick in humidity.”

Berry added that a gentle exfoliation can also be good for summer skin, although it would be best to do this during the evening so that your skin can some time to rest before heading back out into the sunshine.

Should dry skin be treated differently than oily skin in summer?

“Your skin will adapt to the climate you’re living in,” said Berry. “So, for those of us here in the hot and humid South, you may find that it feels like your skin becomes very oily or prone to blemishes during the summer, while feeling consistently drier in the winter.”

For dry skin, it’s especially important to hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

For those who rely on a heavy moisturizer to handle dry skin during the fall and winter, changing over to a lighter formula for summer can help keep your skin clear. For oily skin, hydration is still key, as it helps to balance oil production. Still, opt for gel-based or water-based moisturizers that provide hydration without feeling greasy. While both dry and oily skin need hydration in the summer, the approach differs. Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol-based toners and cleansers, sulfates or heavily fragranced products, as these can be extra drying in the summer.

Is chemical sunscreen harder on your skin than physical barrier sunscreen?

There are two main types of sunscreen, chemical and physical. While neither is inherently better, they each offer different benefits depending on your skin’s needs.

Physical sunscreen stays on the surface of the skin, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. Its thicker texture can also provide extra moisture for individuals with dry skin.

Chemical sunscreen tends to absorb quickly and is typically more resistant to sweat and water, making it a convenient choice for active summer days.

How can you manage hyperpigmentation in summer?

“Sun exposure is the largest trigger for dark spots to worsen or return, making managing hyperpigmentation in the summer tricky,” said Berry. “In terms of prevention, sunscreen is going to be your best friend. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 50 (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen properly and reapplying consistently is essential. Tinted sunscreens protect against visible light, which makes them even more useful with hyperpigmentation.”

Berry added that products with ingredients that fade existing pigment and lessen production of melanin will help fade or prevent new dark spots from forming. Look for ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin C and azelaic acid.

Staying out of the sun during peak hours, usually between 10 a.m.–4 p.m., is also helpful. If you need to go out during sunny days, stick with wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

“There’s also an evening repair routine I recommend when managing hyperpigmentation during sunny summer days,” said Berry. “Focus on skin barrier repair and pigment-correcting ingredients. I recommend a gentle exfoliation one or two times per week to improve how well you’re absorbing product.”

Berry noted that aggressive laser treatments and deep peels in summer can worsen pigmentation, so it’s important to follow aftercare instructions after professional treatments.

What can you do to manage acne flareups during summer?

“If your skin seems to break out more during the summer months, you are not alone,” said Berry. “Sweat and heat increase sebum production, while humidity slows evaporation, trapping bacteria and oil on the skin. This combination creates the perfect environment for acne flare-ups. Throw in heavy sunscreens and increased sun exposure, and it’s no surprise we see more acne this time of year.”

To manage breakouts, start by cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle foaming or salicylic acid-based cleanser. If you wear sunscreen and makeup, a double cleanse at night is essential to thoroughly remove product buildup.

Choosing the right sunscreen is also key. Look for options labeled non-comedogenic, oil-free or gel-based. Berry noted that mineral SPFs with zinc oxide are usually better tolerated by acne-prone skin.

Gentle exfoliation can also help. Incorporating a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or mandelic acid two to three times a week helps keep pores clear, but you’ll want to steer clear of gritty scrubs, especially when skin if sweaty or irritated.

Shower and change clothes promptly after working out, since staying in damp athletic wear can lead to body acne.

If you’re prone to breaking out on the back or chest, consider using antibacterial body washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Hair products can also trigger breakouts, so avoid letting those oils or gels transfer to your face. You may also find that cutting back on high-glycemic foods and dairy can help reduce flare-ups, too.

These small changes can make a big difference in keeping skin clear all summer long.

Why does it feel like my skin gets too dry during the summer?

“The answer to this is often air conditioning,” said Berry. “Many of us spend lots of time in air-conditioned buildings, which can have much dryer air than the outdoors, potentially leading to irritation.”

Issues with dry skin often flare up after travel or time spent in less-humid environments, too. Apply moisturizer consistently and consider using a product for dry skin at least during the times that your skin feels irritated or dried out.