Summer Skincare: Best Products and Routines for 2025
Summer Skincare: What Every Skin Type Needs to Survive the Summer (Without Breaking Out)
Summer is officially here – bringing full sun, high humidity, and longer days. That also means it’s time to revamp your skincare routine. In this blog, we are talking about everything you need to know about summer skincare, the changes your skin experiences during the summer months: how your skin changes with the seasons, how to adjust your routine from winter to summer, and tips tailored for every skin type. Let’s dig in!
How the Skin Changes During the Summer
When temperatures rise and humidity increases, your skin changes. Increases in humidity and sun exposure can ramp up oil production, dehydrate your skin, or cause irritation. For someone with normal skin, you may notice it feeling oily. If you’re spending time outdoors, especially at the pool or under the sun, your skin may feel tight and dry. If hydration isn’t a priority, dryness becomes more noticeable.
Common Summer Skin Problems
Let’s break down some of the top skincare challenges that occur in the summer months:
Acne Breakouts
One major trigger for acne is not swapping out your skincare products. As a licensed esthetician, I always recommend different skincare for summer versus winter because your skin’s needs shift with the weather. Summer’s heat and humidity cause more sweat and oil, which mix with bacteria and clog pores. The American Academy of Dermatology says, “When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts.”
Dry Skin
Even with high humidity, dry skin can still happen, especially if you use harsh scrubs, gel cleansers, or spend too much time in chlorinated pools. Alcohol consumption also dehydrates the skin, making it appear dry and flaky. Be mindful of the ingredients in your skincare and keep hydration top of mind.
Dark Spots and Melasma
Sun exposure doesn’t just tan your skin; it also darkens hyperpigmentation and melasma. Ingredients like retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so if you’re using actives, be extra cautious. Your best defense? Minimize direct sun exposure, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and apply a zinc-oxide-based sunscreen daily. Melasma, an inflammatory skin condition, can worsen even without direct sun exposure. As someone who suffers from melasma and avoids direct sun exposure, I notice that being outside, even in the shade, darkens my melasma. As mentioned in our previous blog, “Melasma is thought to be triggered by sun exposure, but multiple factors cause the skin to darken and it’s not all sun-related.”
Sunburns
Sunburns will wreck your day – and your skin barrier. UVB rays are the main cause, leading to redness, inflammation, and discomfort. As the Mayo Clinic notes, “The immune system reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected areas, which causes the inflamed skin (erythema) known as sunburn.”
Does Summer Make Your Skin Clearer?
Sometimes. Some people notice fewer breakouts and more of a glow. Others struggle with congestion and oiliness. Here’s why your skin may look better in the summer:
☀️Increased humidity (more moisture retention)
☀️More vitamin D exposure
☀️Boosted mood from time outdoors
☀️Increased oil production can make the skin appear plumper
How To Prevent Summer Skin Issues
To avoid summer breakouts or irritation:
- Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type
- Avoid overly thick moisturizers
- Don’t strip your skin (this leads to more oil production)
- Wash your face after sweating to prevent clogged pores
- Opt for lightweight hydration and always wear SPF
Can I Use Retinol in the Summer?
Yes, with caution. Retinol use for over a year and are diligent about sunscreen, it can be safe in the summer months. For beginners, we recommend waiting until the fall. Retinol increases sun sensitivity and can cause micropeeling, which makes your skin prone to sunburns. Instead, try Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that’s safe for sun exposure and great for anti-aging without the side effects.
Summer Skincare for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Hot weather can lead to breakouts, especially if you’re using products that strip your skin. Here’s our summer skincare routine:
Cleanser: Gel cleanser or foam cleanser that’s non-stripping
Exfoliant: Light Gommage once a week
Treatment: Hygia Oil for hydration or our Acne serum with Salicylic acid for spot treatments
Moisturizer: Lightweight lotion
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen over your moisturizer or an all-in-one tinted SPF moisturizer
Summer Skincare for Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Yes, even in summer, dry skin needs TLC. Keep it gentle and skin barrier-friendly:
Cleanser: Cream-based cleanser to clean without stripping
Exfoliant: Light Gommage once a week
Hydrating Serum: Hyaluronic serum at night
Moisturizer: Lightweight options for sensitive skin or normal/dry skin
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen over your moisturizer or an all-in-one tinted SPF moisturizer
Caring for Aging Skin in the Summer
Mature skin is more prone to sun sensitivity. Retinol can cause micropeeling, so we recommend skipping it during the summer months unless you’re mostly indoors. Here’s our summer skincare routine:
Cleanser: Cream cleanser to clean without stripping
Exfoliant: Gentle Gommage once a week
Serum: Vitamin C in the morning to brighten, boost sunscreen, and fight free radicals. Use Bakuchiol at night instead of retinol
Moisturizer: We have 2 moisturizer options that hydrate without clogging the skin. One for sensitive skin, one for normal/dry skin
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen over your moisturizer or an all-in-one tinted SPF moisturizer
Ready to Upgrade Your Summer Skincare?
All the products mentioned above are available on our website. Not sure what’s best for your skin? Give us a call or book an appointment. We will create a summer skincare routine that works for your unique skin type and lifestyle.
