Summer has arrived, but have you begun adjusting to a summer skincare routine? While it’s a time of year to sit back and enjoy a drink with a tiny umbrella in it, it’s not a good time to relax on your skincare routine. As the seasons change, you must be aware of the ways your skincare routine needs to change right along with it.
At The Skin Spot, we want to help you keep your skin looking and feeling great no matter what season it is. We have put together some daily skincare routines and tips that can help you get through the heat of the summer with radiant and healthy skin.
Summer: What It Does to the Skin
So how exactly does the summer weather impact your skin? As you probably know, the sun is a big factor. The UV rays of the sun are not good for the skin since it can lead to premature aging and damage.
The heat is also a factor since hot temperatures increase the water loss your skin experiences. This leads to dehydration that can result in dry, red, and irritated skin. Sweating is also an issue related to heat that can lead to increased oil production in the skin and lead to breakouts.
Adjusting skincare based on seasonal changes is something many professionals emphasize, and experts like Sheila Nazarian often highlight that heat, sun exposure, and humidity can all shift how the skin behaves and responds to products.
Your Summer Skincare Routine
You know the basics of a good skincare routine so switching it up a bit for summer won’t be too difficult of a task. Learn more about Mascne now by visiting our blog.
Cleanser
In the summer months, you should use products that help to hydrate and replenish the moisture that is lost. It’s a good idea to give exfoliating cleansers a rest during the summer months so your skin isn’t stripped to bare, which can lead to larger problems.
Opt for a cleanser that is lightweight and helps to soften and soothe the skin as it gently washes away impurities. Make sure to cleanse at least twice per day in the summer to help keep skin clear and healthy as you reduce the chance of breakouts.
Some great summer cleansers to have on hand include:
Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser
This self-foaming cleanser is gentle on the skin so it won’t lead to drying or irritation. It also contains a blend of vitamins and moisturizers that work to keep your skin balanced as it soothes and softens.
Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion
In the summer you need a cleanser that won’t strip away the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which makes this gentle cleanser a great choice. Its naturally-derived ingredients help to gently clean the skin as it conditions.
These are a great cleansing solution for when you’re on the go and they’re perfect for keeping skin clean and moisturized. The key ingredients of these pre-moistened wipes soothe and moisturize the skin no matter where you are.
Toner
In the summer months, you need a facial toner more than ever so make sure not to skip this step in your skincare routine! Sweat, sunblock, and dirt can clog your pores and when you throw in the fact that summer temperatures can lead to oily skin, then removing the oil, dirt, and debris is crucial to keeping skin clear.
It’s probably best to stay away from alcohol-based toners in the summer since they can strip skin of its essential moisture. The best toners will work to control oil as they moisturize your skin, so look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help you achieve this.
Our favorite summertime toners include:
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
Do you know that dry, tight feeling you can have from using some toners? You won’t find that with this moisturizing, alcohol-free toner. It hydrates skin as it helps to remove impurities and is great for all skin types.
This alcohol-free toner is made with witch hazel to help remove excess oil while calming the skin. Plant extracts also work to soothe the skin and promote a healthy balance. The spray delivery also is effective in cooling you down.
Serums
Skincare serums are a must-have in any good skincare routine, but what serum you use depends on what your particular skincare needs are. In the summertime, increasing hydration is the ultimate goal. A moisturizing serum can go a long way in helping to maintain supple, smooth skin this summer. Plus, they are lightweight which is key during hot and humid weather.
Some of our favorite summer serums include:
With a potent combination of antioxidants to help combat free radicals that can damage skin, this serum helps to even skin tone as it protects the skin from moisture loss. Visit our blog to learn more about SkinCeuticals products.
NazarianSkin HA Boost Serum
If you tend to have dry skin that needs an extra boost of moisture no matter the season, then this is the serum for you. It manages to pack a powerful punch of moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
This serum works with your skin’s natural hydration to keep skin balanced. It’s a great complement to other moisturizing products in your skincare lineup and is great for use year-round.
Moisturizer
During the summer you will be battling against humidity and heat. Just because it feels moist outside doesn’t mean that your skin is benefiting from the weather. You still need to use a good moisturizer in your summer skincare routine. It should be lightweight to help combat the oil that your skin is producing during the hot weather.
Some of the best summer medical grade moisturizer include:
NazarianSkin Brightening Moisturizer
This moisturizer is so light, you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all! However, you will still see the difference it makes in your skin, leaving it soft and moisturized even in the summer heat. This antioxidant-rich formula also helps to protect your skin from damage by harmful UV rays, so it delivers a double whammy of protection in the summer.
NazarianSkin Lipid Infusion Creme
Part of the beauty of this lightweight moisturizer is how quickly it absorbs into the skin. It fights the signs of aging as it also helps to keep your skin moisturized in dehydrating summer weather.
Re-energize your skin as you protect its moisture barrier. This hydrating yet lightweight formula helps to make your skin more resilient in the harsh summer weather.
Sunscreen
While sunscreen is important all year long, it’s vital to the continued health of your skin in the summertime when the rays of the sun can be at their most intense. Look for products with zinc oxide to give an extra boost of protection while helping to keep breakouts at bay.
Some of our favorite summer sunscreens include:
This sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun while it also helps your skin to stay moisturized. It’s gentle but highly effective sun protection you shouldn’t go without.
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This nearly weightless sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide as it also helps to increase the resistance of the skin to some of the heat-induced stress summer can bring with it.
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
The Alastin Skincare HydraTint is a all-physical broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is ideal for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The perfect solution for all-day protection against the sun. Use daily to decrease the risk of premature aging.
Best Lightweight Skincare Routine for Summer
When humidity rises, the texture of your products matters as much as the ingredients inside them. Heavy creams and thick emollients that perform well in winter trap heat against the skin in summer, which increases congestion and can trigger breakouts even in non-acne-prone skin.
The switch is simple: replace creams with gel moisturizers, swap serums for lighter fluid formulas, and use a fluid or gel-texture SPF rather than a lotion-based one.
"In summer, lighter delivery systems let the same actives work without overloading the skin. A fluid SPF and an antioxidant serum replace what a heavy cream was doing in winter." — Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Browse summer serums and lightweight SPF options.
Summer Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin does not automatically improve in summer. Hot air and UV exposure actually increase transepidermal water loss, pulling moisture from the skin surface faster than cooler months. If your barrier is compromised going into summer, the heat makes it worse.
The fix is layering: a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid applied on damp skin, sealed immediately with a lightweight ceramide moisturizer, then SPF on top. Never skip the moisturizer step because the weather feels humid.
"Hot air pulls moisture from the skin surface faster than most people expect. Dry skin patients often see more dryness in summer, not less. The barrier needs active support year-round." — Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Shop dry skin moisturizers and hydrating serums.
Summer Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
Combination skin behaves differently in summer than any other season. The T-zone — forehead, nose, chin — produces more sebum as temperatures rise, while the cheeks and jawline stay dry or become dehydrated. Using the same product across the entire face causes two problems at once: over-moisturizing the oily zones and under-treating the dry ones.
The most effective approach is zone-specific: a mattifying gel moisturizer on the T-zone and a slightly richer hydrating formula on the cheeks and jawline.
"Combination skin is the most mismanaged type in summer. The answer is zone-specific products, not one formula for the whole face." — Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Shop oily skin solutions and hydrating moisturizers.
Summer Skincare Tips
Use these tips to help efficiently care for your skin during the hot and humid summer weather.
Cleanse Twice a Day in Summer
As previously mentioned, the summer weather can make skin extra oily. That, along with sweat, can lead to acne breakouts. Cleansing your skin twice each day with a moisturizing yet gentle cleanser can help to wash away the excess sweat and debris to keep your skin healthy. Wash first thing in the morning and then again before bed. Check out our blog to learn more about creating a skincare routine for oily skin.
How to Layer SPF in Summer
While there are some ingredients you don’t want to double up on for the health of your skin, SPF is not one of them. Feel free to use a moisturizer with SPF and then apply sunscreen on top of it. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours when you’re going to be outside, more often if you’re sweating heavily or swimming.
It’s also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection and to avoid being outside when the rays of the sun are at their most intense.
Try Self-Tanning Instead of Sun Exposure
One of the things that people love the most about summer is that sun-kissed glow. The problem is that the glow doesn’t last and what is left behind is skin damage that can lead to bigger health issues such as skin cancer. The good news is you can have the glow without the damage by exploring self-tanning options.
Why Night Moisturizer Matters More in Summer
You may be tempted to skip the moisturizer in your nighttime routine but you shouldn’t! A nourishing night cream is the way to go since it can help to replenish the moisture your skin has lost during the day as you sleep. Plus, whenever you’ve been out in the sun during the day, nighttime moisturizer can help to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Check out our blog where you can learn more about the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Ready, Set, Summer!
Follow your summer skincare routine along with these tips and your skin will be ready to take on the world!
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Skincare
What is the best summer skincare routine for dry skin?
Hydrating serum on damp skin, followed immediately by a lightweight ceramide moisturizer, then SPF. Cleanse only twice daily with a sulfate-free formula. Never skip the moisturizer step because of humidity.
What are the best lightweight skincare products for summer?
Gel moisturizers, fluid SPFs with zinc oxide, and antioxidant vitamin C serums. Avoid heavy creams and oil-based formulas in heat.
How often should I reapply sunscreen in summer?
Every two hours during outdoor activity. After swimming or heavy sweating, reapply immediately regardless of the two-hour window.
Does skincare routine change in summer?
Yes. Texture, not just ingredients, should shift. Lighter formulas prevent congestion while maintaining protection and hydration.
"The two non-negotiables in any summer routine: antioxidant serum in the morning and SPF applied on top. Those two together provide more UV protection than SPF alone." — Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Take the Skin Quiz to find your personalized summer routine or browse summer SPF.