5 Common Summer Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid

Warm, summer months bring with them their own set of skin care rules. When temperatures rise, your skin can produce more sweat and oil, leading to dullness and breakouts when not properly taken care of. Plus, there’s the increased risk for sun damage, which makes sunscreen application—and reapplication—critical. Here, we got to the bottom of five common summertime skin care mistakes so you can avoid making them.

You Forget to Reapply Sunscreen.
“Once is not enough!” says Melbourne, FL, dermatologist Anita Saluja, MD. “I often praise my patients for their diligent use of sunscreen, but I stress the importance of reapplying it throughout the day, too. It’s easy to forget when we have a busy schedule or we’re out having fun, but sunscreens lose efficacy after short periods of time, and not reapplying increases risk for skin cancers, hyperpigmentation, aging and sensitized skin.” 

You Don’t Follow a Proper Cleansing Regimen
Aesthetician and celebrity makeup artist Geri G says that adding a second cleanser into your routine for use at night—one that is a little more deep cleansing—will help you get rid of any extra oils and debris that may have accumulated during hot summer days. “Sweat, dirt, makeup and oils can build up and you may need a stronger cleanser to remove and break them down,” she adds. “Gentle cleansers are great for use in the morning or when your skin is not exposed to so many environmental factors. But at night, you want something a little tougher (sometimes you may even need to cleanse twice) to ensure that you have removed all of the dirt and grime so your pores are clean and ready for a good night’s sleep!” 

You Skip Exfoliation
Air pollution, the sun’s UV rays and the sweating out of internal toxins mixed with a long day of reapplying sunscreen can leave your skin feeling super grimy. “Incorporating enzyme-based products or exfoliating devices like a Clarisonic into your regimen can keep all of these toxins from building up and causing breakouts, as well as help you maintain a healthy glow,” says Dr. Saluja. 

You Use Too Many Acid-Based Products on Your Skin
Although skin care products with acids in them can make your skin feel clean and less oily, Geri G says that acids can strip your skin of the vital oils, water and nutrients that it needs during the summer months for pH balancing and protection. “If you do one strong peel or use acids in your products every day, you are actually thinning your skin, which makes it drier and more susceptible to sun damage, hyperpigmentation and increased oil production.” It can also lead to breakouts and premature skin aging due to lack of hydration and water, so make sure to limit your use of these products during this time or consult with your dermatologist about what is best for your skin. 

You Don’t Wear a Good Moisturizer
Healthy, beautiful skin can take a beating during scorching summer weather. “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!” says Dr. Saluja. “Our skin cells function optimally with proper hydration. After a good skin exfoliation, use products that are rich in key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalene or aloe vera to keep your skin’s lipid barrier layer intact, help balance sebum production and instantly plump up fine lines and crepey-looking skin.”