That summertime glow we’re after? Sometimes it looks a little more like sunburn, sweat, and shine. While warmer temps, summer Fridays, and spending more time outdoors may make summer one of the best times of the year, it can also wreak havoc on our skin. “Many people ask how they should change their skincare routine in the summer. If you’re using all of the right products for your skin type, you shouldn’t need to change your routine too much”, celeb aesthetician and skin expert Shani Darden tells us. However, there are certain skin concerns that tend to pop up during the warmer months that may require honing in on specific ingredients and remedies. We asked Darden for her advice on dealing with many of these concerns, from sunburn to melasma to body acne and oiliness.

Sunburn and Heat Rash

As diligent as we are about putting on our SPF, sometimes sunburn just happens. Wearing broad-spectrum sun protection daily, reapplying frequently, and simply staying out of the sun are the best ways to protect skin. “It’s also important to make sure you’re reapplying every 2 hours if you’re outside in the sun and even more frequently if you’re in the water”, Darden adds. “However, if you do end up with a sunburn (which I hope you don't!), aloe is a wonderful ingredient to calm and soothe the skin”. Our Hydrating Plumping Mask uses aloe leaf juice to replenish skin, giving it a cooling sensation that can feel quite nice on sunburns. Pop the mask in your fridge before applying for extra relief. 

If you come across heat rash (which is different from sunburn because it can appear anywhere, not just exposed skin, and is caused by trapped moisture blocking the sweat glands), cool off by moving indoors ASAP and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.

Melasma

Melasma, a type of pigmentation that causes dark, brown, or gray patches to appear on the skin, can be exacerbated by the summertime heat, even more so if you’re pregnant. “Even just sitting outside or working out can cause your face to become hot, so protection from the heat is another essential component in preventing melasma”, Darden says. “Keeping your face protected with an SPF 30 or higher and a wide brim hat is essential when you’re outside, but you have to make sure you’re keeping your face cooled off too. I like to keep my face cool with a fan or even by spritzing water on my face!”

Oily Skin

Heat and humidity can be triggering for the skin during the summertime, as it will signal the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, causing an oily, shiny complexion. “One of the only things I generally recommend changing in your routine in the summer is switching to a lighter moisturizer”, Darden advises. “Try adding in a hyaluronic acid serum before sunscreen in the morning and before moisturizer at night for a boost of hydration. If you have normal to oily skin, you can follow up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for hydrated, glowing skin”. Dew Point, formulated with sodium hyaluronate (a type of HA) is ideal for those with oily, breakout-prone complexions or for a summertime moisturizer. 

Breakouts and Body Acne 

A combo of excess oil and sweat makes skin more prone to breakouts—and not just on the face. It’s very common to see acne pop on the back, shoulders, bum, and more all year round, but especially during the summer. Besides turning to our new Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist, rinse off in a cool shower (not hot, as heat can worsen inflammation), and use a gentle exfoliating body scrub to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores. If you think your sunscreen is causing you to break out, Darden says to “look for oil-free formulas which are better for those who are more prone to congestion in the skin and acne” like Guards Up.

Ingrown Hairs +  Razor Bumps

Summer dresses and bikini lines may mean you’re shaving more than usual (although, to each their own) but, unfortunately, ingrown hairs (hair that gets trapped under the skin due to clogged follicles) and razor bumps (a type of ingrown hair that appears after hair removal) are often part of the package. Exfoliating regularly to scrub away dead skin cells, always using a sharp razor blade, and lathering up with shaving cream or gels (hint: You can sub in Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm for this) will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps from appearing post wax, shave, or dermaplaning.

Bug Bites

Bug bites may not be that big of a deal (unless you’re allergic, of course, in which you should see a doctor ASAP) but they sure are a pain. Scratching can break the skin and lead to bacterial infections, so hands off! A cold compress is always a good idea to reduce swelling, while oatmeal and honey mixed with water and stirred into a paste is a natural remedy for itching.

It’s also common to be noticing more skin issues due to wearing a face covering this summer. Here’s how to treat maskne.