Most of us welcome summer in every single way — except for shine it inevitably leaves on our skin. We can thank rising heat and humidity levels for signaling our oil glands to produce even more oil. In turn, this excess oil and bacteria can congest pores and cause breakouts on the face, back and chest, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, MD, board-certified dermatologist and contributor to the cosmetic treatment site RealSelf.
"Simultaneously, and perhaps surprising to some, skin can also become drier in the summer months if you live in a drier climate or spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools or air conditioning," Schlessinger adds. And, as if we weren't trying to balance enough skin concerns, pool and jacuzzi water can introduce new bacteria to our skin that leaves us even more oily and prone to breakouts.
So what should you do to protect your skin from the heat and humidity? Switch up your skin care and makeup routine, of course. Here are some of the best products and ingredients to keep your face looking fresh and shine-free all summer long.
Image via Imaxtree
"Simultaneously, and perhaps surprising to some, skin can also become drier in the summer months if you live in a drier climate or spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools or air conditioning," Schlessinger adds. And, as if we weren't trying to balance enough skin concerns, pool and jacuzzi water can introduce new bacteria to our skin that leaves us even more oily and prone to breakouts.
So what should you do to protect your skin from the heat and humidity? Switch up your skin care and makeup routine, of course. Here are some of the best products and ingredients to keep your face looking fresh and shine-free all summer long.
Image via Imaxtree
We know you're wearing sunscreen every day (right?) but it's important to choose one that won't leave skin looking slick. "While sunscreen is important for skin health at any time of year (yes, even on cloudy days too), we tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer making it even more important to make sure your skin is protected," says Schlessinger. His go-to sunscreen for summer is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $33, because it's lightweight, non-comedogenic and provides great broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and octinoxate. Plus, it's formulated so it won't exacerbate acne or blemishes — in fact, it contains 5 percent high purity niacinamide to help clear breakouts.
If you want extra sun protection for peak summer months, Schlessinger recommends adding Heliocare dietary supplements, $30.50, to your routine. "They supplement (but don't replace) your sunscreen with a potent antioxidant that helps support the skin's immune response to the sun, providing about an SPF of 4-6 on top of your normal sunscreen protection," he says.
If you want extra sun protection for peak summer months, Schlessinger recommends adding Heliocare dietary supplements, $30.50, to your routine. "They supplement (but don't replace) your sunscreen with a potent antioxidant that helps support the skin's immune response to the sun, providing about an SPF of 4-6 on top of your normal sunscreen protection," he says.
Many people associate exfoliating with the winter months since your skin tends to be drier and more prone to collecting dead skin cells on its surface. However, lack of exfoliating during the summer will cause skin to become more oily due to clogged pores, which can lead to more breakouts. "Exfoliation not only makes the skin look more radiant and smooth, but it also helps moisture penetrate more effectively," says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. "When dead, flaky skin cells pile on the top of the skin surface, the skin barrier is compromised and the skin cannot effectively lock moisture in." For summertime use, she recommends Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads, $56, which contain 5 percent glycolic acid to eliminates dry, flaky and dull skin.
The summer months bring ample opportunity for beach and pool days, so adding waterproof makeup to your makeup bag is a great idea. The best place to start is by purchasing a good waterproof mascara. A budget-friendly choice recommended by celebrity makeup artist, Erin B. Guth, is Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara, $8. "It is nourished with vitamin E, provides fuller-looking lashes and comes off easily with makeup remover," she says. Another one of her favorites is Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara by Lancome, $25. "Delivering up to 24 hours of buildable volume, this creamy formula is notably free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates." If you'll also be applying eyeliner on the reg, choose one that's guaranteed not to smudge or bleed, like Senna Cosmetics Ultra Last Eyeliner, $20.
She recommends finishing off your look with a long-wearing lipstick. "Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, $20, comes in a nice range of colors that are highly pigmented and smudge-proof," says Guth. "Before the product sets, you can tap your lip with your ring finger and gently apply the residue to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color."
She recommends finishing off your look with a long-wearing lipstick. "Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, $20, comes in a nice range of colors that are highly pigmented and smudge-proof," says Guth. "Before the product sets, you can tap your lip with your ring finger and gently apply the residue to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color."
Since the humidity and heat make it more likely that we'll sweat, we are more prone to bacteria and oils that sit on the skin and clog pores. This combination is also known to cause blemishes. To prevent this, Schlessinger recommends opting for non-comedogenic (or oil-free) skin care and beauty products. "If you're acne-prone, try using a cleanser that exfoliates, like the LovelySkin Luxe Clarifying Gel Cleanser, $40," he says. "It contains 2 percent salicylic acid to help clear pores and 2 percent glycolic acid to exfoliate away dull and dead skin cells."