woman in white button down denim shorts and straw visor for summer
Image via @brooke_kenney

Summer is a great time to be outdoors, from glowy complexions to mood-boosting warm weather to all of the outdoor activities that come along with the season. But with an agenda that includes al fresco dining, beach trips, hiking, and being under the sun’s stronger rays, it’s also time to evaluate your summer skincare routine.

Before stepping outside, make sure you have a protective hat and proper clothing to reinforce a barrier between you and the sun. Sun damage to your face and body is irreversible, which is why I caught up with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Ahead, he spills all of his summer skincare tips to help keep you healthy and protected all season long.

woman sunning herself in black sundress
Image via @kristalheredia

1. The Golden Rule: Minimum of SPF 30, all day, every day.

I don’t know who needs to hear this but sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Dermatologists cannot suggest this enough for year-round, but especially as summer skincare. Dr. Zeichner recognizes people may get lazy during the wintertime but he is adamant that you absolutely cannot skip the sunscreen in summer months. “During the summer you are outdoors more and the rays of the sun are much stronger,” says Zeichner.

“Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Use a quarter-size dollop amount for the entire face and reapply every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming,” he suggests.

Try: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55

woman wearing a white knit tank and tie dye pants in the sun

2. Avoid pesky summer acne with salicylic acid.

When the weather heats up, the sweat starts pouring. That can lead to an increase in clogged pores, which in turn can lead to pesky, unwanted acne. Fight it with cleansers that contain salicylic acid, says Zeichner. “Beta hydroxy acid helps move excess oil and dead cells from the surface of the skin to keep the pores clear,” he explains.

How do you make sure the cleanser is really getting in there? “Think of your cleanser as a short contact therapy,” says Zeichner. “To ensure enough contact time, apply your cleanser, let it sit while reciting the alphabet, then rinse off,” he suggests.

Zeichner explains that exfoliating is also a great way to remove dead cells and sweat, dirt, and oil that build up on the skin. “Start exfoliating once per week and advance to twice per week if you can tolerate it. Stick to gentle scrubs to avoid skin irritation,” says Zeichner.

For your face try: CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser

For your body try: Dove Exfoliating Body Polish

woman carrying a straw hat as summer skin protection
Image via @trulyaria

3. Vitamin C serum is your new BFF.

Try incorporating a vitamin C serum into your daily summer skincare routine. ”Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage. It works along with your sunscreen to help protect your skin from the sun,” explains Zeichner. “Add a vitamin C serum to your routine in the morning, under your sunscreen,” he says. This simple addition to your skincare routine will go a long way.

Try: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

woman in gingham two piece shorts set
Image via @rachel.hersey

4. Yes, over-showering is a thing.

This might sound strange but over-showering is a real thing (just maybe don’t tell your teenage brother this). Zeichner explains that over-showering can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to inflammation. “Try showering once a day, especially after exercising or spending the day getting sweaty at the beach. Use a gentle soap-free cleanser, which will help avoid disrupting the outer layer of your skin,” suggests Zeichner. Pro tip: Always apply moisturizer within five minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in hydration.

Try: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

woman wearing a yellow bikini and straw hat as summer skincare protection

5. Don’t forget to moisturize!

You may think that moisturizing isn’t as important during the summer heat as opposed to dry winters, but that’s not the case. “During hot, humid months, your skin may feel more oily, but you still need to moisturize,” says Zeichner. He suggests sticking to lightweight lotions or gel moisturizers which are easy to spread and won’t weigh down the skin in the summer. Finding a moisturizer with SPF is a bonus.

Try: PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30

woman in summer sun wearing a floral jumpsuit
Image via @_alyssalauren

6. If you do get sunburned, treat it properly.

To prevent further damage to your skin,  here are the steps Dr. Zeichner suggests taking:

Step 1. Take an aspirin to reduce inflammation from the inside out

Step 2.  Apply a light, aloe containing moisturizing lotion to the skin (you want to avoid heavy ointments that can prevent heat from being released from the skin) Try: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion

Step 3. If your burn is severe or you develop blisters, seek professional medical help immediately.

Have summer skincare questions? Ask in the comments–and shop more seasonal must-haves from our Summer Essentials!