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."

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."

We tend to only associate dry skin with the winter months, however, spending time in the pool and air conditioning can actually dry out your skin in the summer. For this reason, Schlessinger urges his patients not to forget moisturizer—even if you're prone to oily skin. If you're worried about slathering on something too heavy, opt for a lightweight summer solution such as SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $120. "It's great for more humid and hot summer weather," says Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at the Art of Skin in San Diego, California. "The 5 different types of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin without making it sticky or feeling like it is unable to 'breathe.'"

Any time spent in the sun can make current melasma (brown spots on your skin) more noticeable, as well as create new dark spots down the road, warns Schlessinger. While wearing sunscreen and a hat for protection is key, there are also products to help control it as well. "The new SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, $98, is a great option because it includes kojic acid, tranexamic acid and other lightening ingredients to help fade the look of brown spots," he says. "Again, be sure to always wear sunscreen over the top of products like these to further protect the skin and to help maintain lightening results."

Another great product to help fight brown spots caused by sun damage is SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum, $154. "The light preparation is perfect for summer skin while the active ingredients, including tranexamic acid, phytic acid, niacinamide, phenylethyl resorcinol and marine extract blend, help hit multiple facets of pigment production, breakdown and skin barrier protection," says Palm.