Want to know how the top experts change their skin-care regimen when the weather turns warm? Here, dermatologists reveal all their secrets.
Get rid of oil and bacteria
To remove oil and grime that might be on your skin, Wu recommends daily cleansing with Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser, which contains hydrating and purifying ingredients to cleanse without stripping skin. David Lortscher, MD, a licensed dermatologist and founder of Curology, suggests swapping out creamier cleansers for gel-based products, such as Avene Cleanance Cleaning Gel or Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. "If you have oily skin in the summer, opt for a foaming cleanser such as CeraVe Foaming Cleanser," he says. For a finishing touch to your makeup, Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, recommends Colorscience SPF powder. Tanzi, who is founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center, admits to having one in every bag she owns so she's never caught outside with it. "It's amazing because it absorbs excess oil and goes on like a pressed powder, so it works beautifully over makeup and provides excellent sun protection," she says.
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors
No summer skin-care routine can skip SPF. And don't fall for these sunscreen myths, which make dermatologists cringe. "I recommend using at least SPF 30, which blocks out 97 percent of the UVB (burning) rays," says Wu. "If you go in the water or exercise outdoors and work up a sweat, look for water resistant sunscreens that won't wash off. It's also a good idea to reapply every three hours, since it wears off or rubs off, especially if you have oily skin or touch your face frequently. Our 50 Fierce Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Moisturizer & Sunscreen not only protects you from sunburn, it also protects against the UVA (aging) rays that break down collagen and lead to premature aging." A great SPF tip comes from Francesca Fusco of Wexler Dermatology. She keeps trial/sample sizes of her SPF everywhere—her bag, her desk, her car, her pockets and the gym.
Don't restrict sunscreen to your face
Sunscreen is for any part of your body that's exposed to the sun, not just your face. Don't forget the back of your neck, the top of your ears if you wear your hair up, and the backs of your hands. "It's especially important to use sunscreen if you're using a retinoid or vitamin C product which can make your skin more sun sensitive," says Wu. Board-certified dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD, applies sunscreen to her hards and arms in summer, which she doesn't always do in winter. "If I'm wearing a skirt or shorts, I apply sunscreen to my legs as well," she says. "I prefer the thinner chemical sunscreens for daily use as the zinc and titanium oxide sunscreens tend to be a little thick. One of my personal favorites is Elta MD Clear SPF 46."
Go for multi-purpose skin protection
If you don't want to wear heavy makeup in summer—make sure you know how to make summer makeup last in the heat—but still want enough cover, the best skin-care products are multifunctional, like Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. "It's an all-in-one product that combines sunscreen, environmental protection, moisturizer and foundation in a beautiful formulation and convenient pump," says Maryland dermatologist Roberta F. Palestine, MD. "It goes on easily, feels lightweight, looks great, and is easy to remove." Dermatologist Anna Avaliani, MD, recommends SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion Tinted SPF 50. "It's lightweight, blends easily, does not turn my skin yellow and, because it's tinted, I don't feel the need to use much make up at all," she says. .
Go light on moisturizer
If you've been slapping the moisturizer on all winter, it might be time to ease off. "Water has a tendency to evaporate from the skin into the environment, especially in dry cold air. For this reason, skin requires more help during the cold winter months," explains founder of FryFace Fayne L. Frey, MD, FAAD. "In general, moisturizers that are thicker, ointment based, provide a better barrier to water loss than thin lotions and creams. Therefore, the skin benefits from thicker, greasier ointments during the winter months, and more frequent application of moisturizers as well. During summer months, when the air is warm and humid, there is less of a tendency for water to evaporate and less moisturization is required. As a matter of fact, when ambient humidity is high enough, the skin can actually pull water out of the environment." Tanzi agrees that lighter moisturizers are best for summer skin care since the skin produces more of its own natural oils. Try Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer.
Up your water intake
Before you even thinking about what you're putting on your skin, you should be thinking about what you're putting into it, says celebrity dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD. "When it comes to properly transitioning one's skincare routine to adapt to the warmer months, first and most importantly, everyone should be drinking more water," he says. "Staying hydrated is essential for beautiful skin and good health. Being well-hydrated stabilizes the skin barrier, which moisturizes your skin and provides the proper medium for cell turnover and collagen production." According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Public Health, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins. As it's generally accepted that less toxins equals more radiant skin, it's a no-brainer.