5 keys to care for the skin during the summer
Dermatologists emphasize that the use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and constant hydration are essential care during summer vacations
With the arrival of summer come sunny days and outdoor activities, but when the sun heats up, so does exposure to factors that affect skin health. To keep your skin protected, healthy, and radiant this season, it’s essential to adopt a conscious skincare routine.
Below are 5 essential recommendations, backed by experts and dermatological organizations, so your skin can enjoy summer as much as you do.
1. Apply sunscreen every day and in generous amounts: it’s a basic requirement, but you should make sure to choose a broad-spectrum one (which protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation; UVA rays and UV rays, the main cause of skin aging with an SPF of 30 or higher).
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasizes that sunscreen should be applied daily, even on cloudy days, and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat or swim.
Along the same lines, Dr. Elizabeth Hale, senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, insists that “sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine, especially in the summer.”
2. Seek shade and avoid peak sun exposure: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization strongly advise seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense. This significantly reduces direct exposure to harmful solar radiation. Shade is your best friend during peak sun exposure. No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so the combination of shade and sunscreen is crucial.
3. Moisturize your skin and body well: During the summer, heat and sweating can lead to both internal and external dehydration. Drinking enough water is essential to keep your skin hydrated from within.
For external protection,Experts recommend using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer after sun exposure and showering to replenish the skin barrier.
Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, notes that “well-hydrated skin is healthy skin. Summer heat can strip skin of its moisture, so it’s vital to replenish it by both drinking water and applying topical moisturizers.”
4. Protective clothing, a second skin: Both the AAD and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend wearing long-sleeved clothing, long pants, wide-brimmed hats that cover the face, neck, and ears, and sunglasses with 100% UV protection as effective forms of physical protection from the sun. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is particularly beneficial.
Organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation evaluate and certify UPF clothing products, validating their sun protection effectiveness.
5. Incorporate topical and oral antioxidants: While not a replacement for sunscreen, antioxidants (such as vitamins C, E, and green tea) can help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure, which contribute to cell damage and skin aging. Dermatology guidelines often mention the role of antioxidants as a complement to photoprotection.
Doris Day, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist, suggests that “antioxidants act as a second line of defense against sun damage. They can help mitigate the effects of UV rays that sunscreen doesn’t completely block.”
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