Tips for Transitioning to Summer Skin Care

CLEVELAND – Now that the weather has finally warmed up, you may be wondering if you need to update your skincare products – and the answer is, yes.

Amy Kassouf, MD, dermatologist for Cleveland Clinic, said many people notice that their skin tends to change in the summer, so they may need a different kind of moisturizer, for example.

“If you use something too rich in the summer, you may break out, or you may get those little milia, everybody hates those little, tiny white cysts that they get from too rich of a moisturizer – from kids all the way through adults,” said Dr. Kassouf. “It’s not an age thing. Everybody thinks it is, but it’s not. So, there are reasons to switch.”

Dr. Kassouf said when it comes to switching your skincare, make sure to have a good foaming cleanser.

She says the most important product to use is sunscreen, which is critical in the summer when UV rays are the strongest.

If you prefer other products, just make sure you’re staying consistent.

As for people who wear makeup, they may notice they’re breaking out more in the heat if they’re applying sunscreen, lotion and makeup.

It really depends on the individual, but it could help to skip the lotion.

As for anti-aging products, Dr. Kassouf prefers products with antioxidants.

“I also like the retinols. There’s a big myth that you can’t use your Retin-A or your retinol in the summer. There are two issues with it. One is that the sun will inactivate it, so use it at night. It will work better if you use it at night. And you probably tolerate it better in the summer, so you’ll get more use out of it. It does turn over that dead layer of skin cells, so it makes it a little more important to use your sunscreen,” she noted.

While it may be tempting to spend long hours in the sun to get tan, Dr. Kassouf said that should be avoided as it increases the risk for skin cancer.