7 Tips To Get Radiant Skin This Summer

If you want to maintain glowing, healthy skin, the Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa in Bryn Mawr has some tips for how to tweak your summer skincare routine as the weather gets warmer.

Summertime is a season of fun and outdoor activities, but it can also bring challenges for your skin. Preventing acne breakouts and reducing sun exposure is more difficult than it is in cooler months. Although it’s best to maintain a good, basic skincare routine all year round, there are still some adjustments that should be made during each transition from one season to the next.

Continue scrolling for more details about how summer weather impacts your skin and what you can do to maintain a clear, vibrant complexion and how to avoid sunburn or other conditions that can spoil your summer fun. 

How Is Your Skin Affected by Summer Weather?

Summer can have both positive and negative effects on your skin. The sun’s rays hitting your skin may feel great, but all that excess heat, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation exposure bring about a new slew of problems. The most common issue during summer is sunburn. Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to redness, pain, blistering, and peeling of the skin. Sunburn  also increases your risk of skin cancer. Moreover, hot weather can cause excessive sweating, leading to dehydration. When your body lacks proper hydration, your skin may become dry, flaky, and dull. Sun exposure also triggers an overproduction of melanin, causing certain areas to become darker. This can result in hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots or melasma—particularly if you don't adequately protect your skin from the sun.

How Can You Maintain Your Best Skin?

By following some simple yet effective tips, you can protect and maintain your skin's health throughout the summer season.

1. Always Wear Sunscreen 

Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially critical at this time of year. You should apply one that has an SPF of at least 30 and has water resistance to all the sun-exposed areas of your body. Remember to reapply it every two hours. Sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine.

If you notice any unusual appearances with your skin, then it’s important to get it checked as skin cancer can be caused by overexposure to the sun without protection. Thankfully, there are a lot of skin cancer removal specialists out there to help remove the cancer if required.

2. Cleanse Your Skin 

With increased sweating and exposure to environmental pollutants, it's important to cleanse your skin regularly. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleansers that can disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Select  cleansers with natural ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil, which have soothing and antibacterial properties.

3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated 

Moisturizing is still important during the summer, especially since you’re sweating more. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Hydration helps to replenish lost moisture, improve skin elasticity, and promote a youthful appearance.

4. Stick to More Lightweight Products

Now’s the time to switch over to a more gentle, lighter cleanser and moisturizer instead of the heavier ones you may have been using during colder months. Use a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer. 

5. Keep Pores Clear

Want to avoid (or at least reduce) summer breakouts? Non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products can be best if you want to avoid sweat and oil accumulating in your pores, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. The term “non-comedogenic” refers to products that are unlikely to trigger breakouts or cause blockages in pores. Look for products that contain ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and helpful for acne. 

6. Stay Vigilant About Allergies

If you're prone to allergic reactions, be mindful of potential triggers and take appropriate precautions, such as avoiding contact with allergens or using antihistamines as recommended by a healthcare professional. 

7. Exfoliate to Reveal Fresh Skin 

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy glow. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin. Of course, an increase in sun exposure is stressful on your skin on its own. Choose a gentle exfoliator and limit it to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. Exfoliating helps unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and enhance the absorption of skincare products.

For more advice about dermatology, contact Bryn Mawr’s Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa. Call 610.525.5029 or fill out a contact form if you would like to request a consultation.