18 Things Dermatologists Do to Protect Their Skin Every Summer
Experts give advice for lowering skin-cancer risk and achieving glowing skin through a healthy summer skin care routine.
Lighten makeup and layer sunscreen
Just like you swap wool and cashmere for breezy cotton and linen in your wardrobe, your makeup should lighten up with the weather as well.
“I don’t like the heavy feel of foundation on top of sunscreen in the summer,” says Papri Sarkar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Brookline, Massachusetts. “But I think everyone should wear two layers of sunscreen—we never put on enough with the first layer.”
Her strategy is to wear lightweight layers of sun protection—to put on her SPF, then follow up with a tinted moisturizer containing physical sunscreen. She likes Alastin Hydratint. “It somehow matches every skin tone, blends seamlessly and has a bit of shimmer to add radiance.”
(Related: The 7 Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF That Protect and Even Out Skin)
Supplement your SPF
“As I tell my patients, sunscreen alone doesn’t fully protect your skin from sun damage,” says Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin.
In addition to wearing traditional topical SPF, Dr. Bowe takes Heliocare, an antioxidant supplement that helps the body repair the damage done by UV rays. “I encourage my patients to take a 360-approach to sun protection, starting from the inside out,” Dr. Bowe says. “Heliocare is meant to be used as a supplement to your sunscreen not a replacement and is one extra layer of protection against premature signs of aging, including brown spots and skin cancer.”
Find cold comfort
“Since the sun and heat can cause rosacea flares, I find these cold packs that I give out to calm swelling post-procedures can be also used as an easy cool-down method when I’m going to spend time outside,” Dr. Sarkar says.
Just chill an ice pack and put it in your bag for beach trips or kids’ soccer games to keep your skin cool and avoid a rosacea flare. They’re also handy for treating swelling brought on by bug bites, bumps, and bruises.
Shield your eyes
One of the most vulnerable areas you’re exposing during summer activities is the skin around your eyes. “Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the body, unfortunately, and skin cancers can often occur around the eyes,” says Marguerite Germain, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
In fact, eyelids are one of the ten places you’re probably ignoring when you check for skin cancer. “I wear wraparound sunglasses to protect my eyes and use Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 to protect my eyelids and under my eyes. In addition to the sun protection, it also improves dark circles and decreases fine lines.”
(Related: Why You Really Need to Wear Sunglasses, According to Doctors)
Don’t forget your lips
“The lip skin is thin and especially sensitive to the sun, so I like to use a mineral-based lip balm,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital. Lips are easy to neglect, but sun protection is a must for this delicate area.
(Related: The Best Lip Balms with SPF)
Avoid shaving irritation
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can be avoided if you use a clean, sharp razor every time and replace your blade every three to five shaves, Dr. Sarkar advises. Plus, she suggests applying an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy lotion to the area between shaves to exfoliate and help keep the follicle clear. This will also ensure you have a smooth surface for the next shave.
(Related: You May Want to Swap Your Shaving Cream for a Shave Bar)
Prevent ‘bacne’ breakouts
If you’re prone to developing acne on your back, sweat brought on by summer heat might aggravate the condition. “Always shower after working out to wash away sweat and the bacteria in sweat which can cause back acne,” says Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Redondo Beach, California. She suggests treating the area with a body wash that includes benzoyl peroxide to help kill bacteria. In addition, avoid tight-fitting clothing and wear your hair up so you’re not trapping dirt and oil on your back.
Use a sunscreen with antioxidants
“While SPF acts as the first line of defense against the sun’s damaging rays, antioxidants are the second line of defense,” says Rachel Pritzker, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. “If the sun’s energy is able to penetrate the first line of defense, antioxidants quench the damaging free radical cascade that forms in the skin.” Dr. Pritzker suggests ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+, which contains the antioxidant vitamin E.
(Related: The Best Skin Care Routine for Your Age, According to Dermatologists)
Pair retinoids with sunscreen
“I always recommend patients continue with their retinoid use throughout the summer months,” Dr. Germain says. “Consistent retinoid use increases collagen production, creates more youthful skin, and decreases the risk of skin cancer. If you stop or decrease retinoids in the summer, you lose all of these benefits.” Since her patients tend to have oilier skin in the summer, many find retinoids less irritating.
While year-round sun protection is crucial, it’s important to be extra vigilant while using retinoids in summer, due to the increased potential for sunburn. Retinoids thin the skin, making it more vulnerable to sun exposure.
Seek gentle products
If you’re already using a retinoid or if you have sensitive skin, you don’t want to add an aggressive ingredient that could risk irritation or cause sun sensitivity. Dr. Robinson likes peptides for these reasons, as she explains they help build collagen and elastin fibres and she can find formulas that don’t irritate her complexion, which is prone to eczema and acne. She likes Alastin Restorative Complex, as it’s potent but well tolerated.
Lose old layers
Twice a week, scrub skin with a brush, an exfoliating scrub, or a salicylic acid wash to brighten it and allow lotions and serums to absorb more deeply. If your skin becomes irritated, exfoliate just once a week.
(Related: Why You Should Dump Your Plastic Loofah for an All-Natural Alternative)
Cleanse without cream
As the weather warms, switch from a cream cleanser to a gel variety that’s lightweight but soothing. If you have oily skin, try a foam cleanser. Be sure to wash your face every night in the summer. More time outside means more exposure to harmful air pollutants, which can attach to moisturizer and makeup and exacerbate signs of aging.
Lighten the lotion too
Heavy creams contain lipids that can cause clogged pores and pimples in more humid months. Instead, opt for serums, lotions, or hydrating gels.
Strategize sunscreen
“I keep the Colorescience Sunscreen Brush in my purse to reapply sunscreen,” says Dr. Sarkar. “It’s great because it absorbs sweat and you can also use it on your scalp to protect your part.”
(Related: 13 Sunscreen Sticks and Powders That Make Mid-Day Touch-Ups a Breeze)
Consider wearables
Each inch on a sun hat’s rim increases coverage of your face by 10 percent. Exercising outside? Wear sun-protective clothing (look for the ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, on the label). You cut exposure further by heading out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
(Related: 9 of the Best Summer Hats That’ll Keep You Cool and Protected)
Be wary of clouds
Burns can still occur on cloudy days, when cooler air may persuade you to skip sunscreen. Clouds block only about 20 percent of the sun’s UV rays, so be sure to apply sunscreen just as you would on the sunniest of days.
Remember the sly spots
A surprising number of skin cancer cases occur behind the ears and on other areas that you may ignore when applying sunscreen. Cover your ears, the tops of your feet, and your hands.
Eat to support healthy skin
Studies show that loading up on foods high in antioxidants (such as colourful fruits and vegetables, iced green tea, and nuts) and probiotics (such as Greek yogurt with live active cultures and kombucha, a fermented tea) may offer an extra layer of sun protection from within.
Next: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun
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