Dermatologist-Approved Tips & Products for the Summer

Dermatologist-approved tips & products to refresh your summer skin ☀️

According to dermatologists.

The summer season means humidity is here. And while most of us are at home beating the heat, we still want to keep cool. Hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, aloe, caffeine and coconut water are safe ingredients to lather with this summer for an instant cooling effect, says Dr. Stacy Chimento dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology.

But there are ingredients to avoid, too. In fact, some of the ingredients that give the skin a cool feel can be detrimental to sensitive skin. Many of these include menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus. “They can trigger contact dermatitis, exacerbate dryness, cause itchiness and inflammation,” says Chimento. “If you are not sure of the ingredients of cooling skin care products, or how you will react to them, it’s best to be conservative and cool your skin with a washcloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator or some ice cubes covered in a washcloth and run them over your skin being careful not to linger on one area for too long.”

Here are skin care tips to keep you looking and feeling refreshed this summer according to dermatologists Dr. Hadley King of Skinney Medspa and Dr. Stacy Chimento:

Go light

“Just as we shed players of clothes in the summer, lighten up your skincare routine too,” says Chimento. “The heat and humidity of summer means you can swap out a heavier cleanser in favor of a gentle, foaming option.”

Cleanse according to your skin type

“If your skin is dry, you may prefer to continue to use the same creamy cleanser you used during the colder months to prevent your skin from drying,” says King. “If your skin is oily then you may want a cleanser with a more foaming formulation. And if your skin is very oily and prone to clogged pores then a salicylic acid cleanser may be particularly helpful in the summer.”

Try vitamins

“Vitamins should go on your skin, too,” says Chimento. “Vitamin C is a good choice for your skin in the summer because it’s a potent antioxidant. Vitamin C blocks the effects of something called tyrosinase—an enzyme that’s responsible for melanin production in the skin.”

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration by replacing fluids lost through sweating, which helps to regulate body temperature, says King.

Try SPF powders

“Powder SPF products (like Brush on Block) are great because they serve two purposes: they allow you to easily reapply spf during the day and over makeup, and they help to absorb excess oil,” says King.

Exfoliate early & often

“Don’t forget to exfoliate your feet, hands and legs,” says Chimento. “These parts of our body get dry and flaky from the summer sun and sand.”

Ready to take on the summer heat? Try these products to refresh + cool your skin:

Osmotics blue copper 5 cooling moisture mist

This cooling facial spray restores your natural skin balance and relieves overheated, stressed-out skin, says Chimento. To keep your face hydrated, mist liberally.

$39.99

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Skinceuticals physical fusion UV defense SPF 50

This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad-spectrum protection with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, says Chimento. It’s also enhanced with artemia salina and it increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.

$34

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