Summer is not the enemy. But it does change things.
Here's what I see every year in my practice as the weather heats up, and what you can do about it.
Oil production goes up.
Heat stimulates sebaceous glands, which means more oil, more quickly. If you're already oily or acne-prone, summer tends to make that more noticeable. The fix isn't skipping moisturizer; it's switching to a lighter, oil-free formula and making sure you're cleansing morning and night thoroughly.
Sweat creates a different kind of congestion.
Sweat itself doesn't cause breakouts, but when it mixes with sunscreen, makeup, and dead skin cells on the surface, it can contribute to clogged pores, especially on the body. If you work out, rinse off as soon as you can. If you can't, a salicylic acid spray applied directly to the skin can help keep that buildup from turning into something more.
Sun exposure affects more than just your SPF.
UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation and slow the visible progress you're making with treatment ingredients like retinol or AHAs. This is why I recommend using vitamin C in the morning, every day in summer. It helps neutralize free radical damage from UV exposure and keeps skin looking more even over time. And yes, wear SPF. Every day, even when it's cloudy.
Your skin may purge or adjust.
If you're starting a new active ingredient this season, like a retinol or an exfoliating acid, don't be surprised if your skin takes a few weeks to adjust. This is normal. Start slow, moisturize well, and give it time before you decide it isn't working.
The basics matter more in summer than any other time of year.
Cleanser. Treatment. Moisturizer. SPF. In that order, every morning. If your routine is dialed in before summer hits, your skin will thank you.
Stay consistent. Take care of yourself. And enjoy the sun.
-Dr. Sandra Lee, MD
