06-05-2025
What you need to know about summer skin care, according to dermatologists
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Your skin has special needs in summer, but there are plenty of products that can give it the TLC it needs. (Getty)
Summer is just around the corner, and as a beauty editor, I've already started transitioning my daily regimen to products that can better support my skin as warmer temperatures hit. I've talked with countless dermatologists over the years, so I know that what my face requires when it's 90°F and humid is a lot different than what it needs when it's a frigid, wind-whipping -5°.
But the best summer skin care isn't solely about finding the right products, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "To avoid skin irritation in the hot summer months, you should wear loose-fitting clothing made with natural fibers whenever you can. And, if you're exercising in nylon and spandex, you should remove your workout clothes as quickly as possible and shower to keep skin from developing rashes and infections." Shamban also advises clients to track the UV index and avoid being outside in direct sunlight when it's high. "If you have to be in the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing," she explains. To best support summer skin at home, Shamban says you should trade long, hot baths for shorter, more tepid showers and focus on hydration — not just via ample H2O intake, but by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
As for makeup, she says, "Lay off the heavy, full-face foundation in hot summer months, which can trap bacteria and clog pores. Instead, opt for lighter noncomedogenic makeup options — there are now so many multi-tasking products that can serve as a primer and a light lotion foundation with full SPF that can be skin saviors in summer."
Below, I asked Shamban and Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist, for the products they recommend most as the thermostat rises.
For cleansing summer skin
The first rule of summer skin care? Getting serious about clearing your face of accumulated grime after a hot day. "You should always use a gentle cleanser to wash away debris, sweat and oil," says Spearman. "Also, I recommend showering with cooler or even cold water to keep the skin cool and promote better blood flow — hot showers tend to dry out the skin even more."
Amazon EltaMD Oil-In-Gel Facial Cleanser
"This is a highly effective face wash with an advanced cleansing complex," says Shamban. "What I like about it is it's tough enough to remove waterproof sunscreen and heavy makeup while remaining gentle on the skin. It's a silky oil that morphs into an emulsion with pumpkin enzymes and vitamin E, so it also exfoliates and provides antioxidant support." $33 at Walmart
Explore More Buying Options $37 at Amazon$37 at Dermstore
For exfoliating summer skin
"One of the best ways to care for your skin in summer is to exfoliate often to remove dead skin cells," says Spearman. Adds Shamban: "Exfoliating also helps to ensure that the actives and antioxidants in your skin care can penetrate and that excess sebum and bacteria are not trapped on the surface, causing blemishes."
Amazon Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant
Spearman's pick for best warm-weather exfoliator is this internet-famous potion by Paula's Choice: "I recommend this exfoliant often because it is great for all skin types. It is great for cleaning clogged pores and targeting blackheads," she says. "And if you're prone to breakouts, this is a good add to your summer regimen because sebum buildup is more likely to occur due to excess sweat and oil."
It's not just Spearman who's enamored with this product — more than 77,000 five-star Amazon reviewers agree and have made it a top-seller. $14 at Amazon
Amazon Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic
In the summer, Shamban recommends swapping chemical exfoliants for gentler physical or enzymatic versions. "Chemical exfoliants may cause sun reactions, irritation, inflammation or interfere with skin barrier function," she says. "I tell clients to look for versions with rice enzymes or natural fruit enzymes."
This beloved rice polish is a longtime favorite of celebrities and skin-care experts alike. Meghan Markle once told Allure that she loves it because "it just sort of foams on your face and gives you a really subtle exfoliation."
Every beauty editor I know uses this to cleanse their skin at night — it's especially good for those of us who are over 50. $68 at Amazon
For moisturizing summer skin
"Always always moisturize," says Spearman. "Summertime can cause dry skin due to dehydration from sun exposure and things like the sand and ocean water, so it's important to keep the skin hydrated."
SkinCeuticals SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
Spearman says this SkinCeuticals moisturizer is "great for all skin types and it's especially good for oilier skin types, provides hydration but is light weight so it can be layered with other products like makeup and is great for minimizing pores too." $78 at Skinceuticals
For protecting summer skin
"SPF is definitely essential and should be used regularly," Spearman says. "If you are going to be in the sun all day or in the pool/ocean, it's of course important to reapply." Most experts I've spoken with recommend setting a timer and slathering on a fresh coat of sunscreen every hour.
Related: The best sunscreens for sensitive skin
Devices for summer skin
If you'd been considering picking up an LED mask, now may be the ideal time — experts like Shamban recommend red-light masks and devices specifically for use on summer skin. "Red light therapy is a great treatment to help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production and enhance wound healing — all beneficial for repairing sun-damaged skin throughout the summer," she says.
Omnilux Omnilux Contour LED Face Mask
I tested Omnilux's Light Therapy Mask for six weeks last summer, and within days, my sun-damaged skin looked tighter, particularly around my cheekbones. Within a month, the wrinkles on my forehead appeared less deep, and so did those around my mouth. My complexion was clearer overall. The results were subtle but apparent — my pores were smaller, my face looked softer and my skin had a bit of a glow. My conclusion: With consistent use, the Omnilux mask works — so well that we named it the best LED face mask of the year. $395 at Omnilux
