It may not seem like a big deal but transitioning your skin care routine from winter to summer can make all the difference between healthy, happy skin and feeling uncomfortable. For example, that heavy cream you've been slathering on your face was doing wonders for you through the cold and dry season, but with summer's heat and humidity it'll feel thick and overbearing. And while you may not have needed as much SPF since you were more covered up, splurging on a bigger bottle is def worth your trouble. We reached out to a handful of skin care experts who were eager to share their transitional tips that'll prepare your skin for summer, from head to toe.
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Use a Lighter Moisturizer on Your Face
As mentioned, the change from winter to summer is an ideal time to swap out existing face cream for a lighter moisturizer or even a hydrating serum.
"Think of creams as heaviest, lotions as intermediate, and serums as lightest," says Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO and founder of Curology. "As the days get longer, consider leaving out [heavy] ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil. Instead, opt for serums, which are the lightest form of hydration. They're perfect for the summer months."
Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, agrees. She explains that when the weather is cold and dry, we need those heavy emollients in order to reduce the amount of water that evaporates from our skin. "As the temperatures and humidity increase, those heavy products may feel sticky and greasy," she says.
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Switch to Gel or Water-Based Cleansers
Using that same line of thinking, our experts all agree that switching to gel-based cleansers — for face and body — from oil-based products is best for warm weather.
"With more humidity in the air as we transition into summer, products with a gel base tend to be more pleasing," says Dr. Lortscher. "Generally, oil production increases in the summer, so trade in rich, hydrating creams for lighter, gel and water-based products."
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Double Down on Your SPF Applications
It's important to wear sunscreen no matter the time of year and no matter how much or how little time you spend in the sun. However, the warmer months usually mean we're covered less, so remember to apply to your scalp, neck, chest, arms, legs, and feet, as well.
"Every part of your body should be covered in SPF on a daily basis in the summer. Keep products in your bag for easy access because you don't know where the day will take you, and you must always be prepared," says Bobbi Del Balzo, the lead medical aesthetician at New York's Deep Blue Med Spa. "The sun rays are very strong and reflect off the ground and many surfaces. Just because you may be in the shade doesn't always mean you're protected. Many burns come from reflected lights and hazy skies."
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Start Using a Bacne-Busting Body Wash
While sweating doesn't cause "bacne" — aka back acne — Dr. Lortscher says that it's true that moisture produced by sweat may encourage the acne bacteria to go wild and cause problems. If you struggle with this, he says to use a body cleanser that specifically targets acne.
"[Use] this product every other day in the shower to start, and then increase to daily as tolerated," he advises, adding that you should seek out products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and pyrithione zinc. "It's best to avoid isopropyl myristate, laureth-4, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can worsen acne in some people."
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