Best Summer Skincare Routine – Dermatology Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Mise à jour le : 21 Aug 2025

Sweltering heat, but finally the chance to visit the beach and get that perfect tan! Scorching sun above the head, but finally the extra woolen layers are off and the floral dresses are out of the wardrobe! Summer is all about paradoxes, isn’t it? You want to love the season (there are definitely perks!), but something stops you from embracing it wholeheartedly. What’s stopping you? Is it the constant fear of damaging your skin and often facing dermatological problems? Probably yes! While summer does bring you a whole lot of things, the fact that it causes extreme damage and discoloration on the skin cannot be ignored. And this makes it essential for every person to follow a certain skincare routine.

Following a basic skincare routine in summer is a necessity for all. But formulating a summer-special skincare routine requires you to understand the nuances first so that your skin can be effectively protected against dehydration, sun damage, and other seasonal concerns. So, even if you love basking in the sun and soaking up a fair share of vitamin D, stepping outside without applying a layer of sunscreen is nothing short of blasphemy! But is that all, or is there something more to summer skincare? This blog will act as a comprehensive guide!

But Does Summer Call for a Separate Skincare Routine?

Most definitely! The hot weather in summer brings along a lot of dust and dirt, which clog the skin pores and the sweat ducts, thus trapping perspiration. Needless to say, this results in itchy rashes, bumps, blisters, and viral infections on the skin. Also, the summer season strips your skin of hydration, and it becomes dry and more susceptible to sunburn. Dry lips, hyperpigmentation, rashes, sunburn, and more – the summer season causes a whole lot of damage to your skin. And there is only one way to ward off the evil – make skincare a habit and practice applying the right products on your skin.

Summer is different, and so is your skin during this time. The needs are not the same as those of winter. The epidermis remains vulnerable in summer and easily gets affected by outdoor activities, sweating, and excessive heat. Your skin deserves a separate skincare routine, and our dermatologists can help you with that.

So, what’s the first step?

Knowing Your Skin Type Is Essential

Skincare varies. So does your skin. Without knowing your skin type, implementing the wrong skincare routine will do you no good.

1. Oily skin has enlarged pores and tends to break out easily. People with oily skin often have an excessive shine on their faces.
2. Dry skin is mostly tight and flaky. People with dry skin often feel irritation on the skin surface and may have white patches.
3. Combination skin is a mix of dry and oily zones. People with combination skin have an oily T zone but drier cheeks.
4. Sensitive skin often gets red, and you may find yourself asking what is rosacea! People feel a stinging sensation while using certain products and experience rosacea as well.

While summer calls for major hydration and definite application of sunscreen, knowing your skin type will help you formulate the right skincare routine addressing your specific concerns. Our dermatologists can help you identify the right skin type.

But Why Do You Need to Visit a Dermatologist? What Are the Skin Problems You Could Be Facing?

There are some basic skincare steps you can follow at home. But even then, it is always a better idea to visit a dermatologist, who assesses your skin type and suggests skincare accordingly. Also, the onset of the summer season is not only characterized by trees blooming and birds chirping but also different skin problems as well. Sad, but true! So, a visit to the dermatologist becomes imperative.

What if You Have Eczema?

Summer is all about sitting by the pool or frolicking in the waves by the beach. But little do you know that relief is not the only thing you are getting from the cool water! In no time, people with sensitive skin will experience rashes, often known as eczema. The skin’s natural oil barrier is stripped by chlorinated pool water and salty seawater, making it dry and prone to different forms of eczema flare-ups.

Are You Experiencing Skin Irritations?

It is lovely that the scent of freshly-bloomed flowers and freshly-mown grass has filled the air, but people with allergy-prone skin cannot even enjoy the summer season normally! Mold spores, pollen, and the presence of other allergens in the air trigger the skin surface, which mostly results in itchy and irritated skin. Also, dehydrated skin makes it all the more flaky and causes itchiness and irritation.

Has There Been an Acne Breakout?

The winter months pass by with you battling against dry and flaky skin, but the summer months bring the opposite challenge – the need to keep oil under control. People with oily skin (and sensitive skin as well) suffer from this the most. Humidity, heat, and sweat result in clogged pores and increased sebum production, which ultimately results in breakouts and blemishes. In fact, pregnancy acne worsens during summer.

Is There a Risk of Skin Cancer?

Sadly, yes. If you do not use sunscreen in the summer months, the harmful UV rays may cause skin cancer. Bask in the sun’s embrace all you want, but do not ignore the reality of what UV rays can do to your skin. 1 in 5 Americans are known to have skin cancer by the age of 70. Even if not skin cancer, it will result in premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

To keep skin problems at bay, have our dermatologist take a look at your skin and find the necessary solutions. If normal skin care cannot fix your skin issues, we will suggest cosmetic treatments.

Before Foraying into a General Summer Skincare Routine, Let’s Understand the Most Important Ingredient: Sunscreen

No summer skincare is complete without using sunscreen. The world today is increasingly aware of the benefits of using sunscreen, and influencers everywhere are promoting sunscreens from different brands. But which one to choose? How do you know the right ingredients? Does SPF mean anything?

UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun, and both cause damage to your skin. UVA penetrates the skin deeper and causes wrinkles, age spots, or even skin cancer. These rays can damage your skin even when you are indoors. On the other hand, UVB are shorter in length and mostly impacts the outer layers of the skin. You get discoloration on the skin or sunburn due to UVB rays. Approximately 33000 sunburns are reported in emergency rooms every year. Dermatologists also notice more skin moles on individuals in the summer months (do not worry, mole formation is not always an indication of skin cancer).

And this takes us to the next part, SPF: Sun Protection Factor.

Every sunscreen comes with an SPF number. SPF gives optimal protection against UVB rays, but not always against UVA. The SPF number most suitable for your skin type needs to be determined by a dermatologist.

Sunscreen formulas are of two types: Chemical Sunscreens (containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate) and Physical Sunscreens (containing Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide). While physical sunscreens are known for their broad spectra, chemical sunscreens are more suitable for everyday application and have a lightweight texture.

Dermatologists often suggest a sunscreen that has a mix of chemical and physical ingredients. You are advised to apply 15 to 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun, and if possible, reapply every 2 hours. The sunscreen will create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin and keep the UV rays from harming the skin as much as possible.

Now Is the Time to Know about a Summer-Special Skincare Routine!

You are in a hurry while heading out for work or hitting the gym, but neglecting to follow a skincare routine will wreak havoc on your skin and cause many bacterial infections on the skin. Maybe not in a day, but you will see the devastating results over time. And so, here is a simple skincare routine that you can take out a little time and follow.

Cleanse by Using a Gentle Cleanser

The beginning of the skincare routine entails the use of a hydrating and gentle cleanser twice a day. Purchase a cleanser that has the right ingredients to effectively remove dirt and sweat and also your sunscreen and makeup, but without stripping your skin off its natural oils. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Exfoliate Once in a While

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. But make sure you are using a gentle exfoliator that does not sensitize your skin too much and yet removes blackheads. Exfoliating too much or too harshly will expose your skin barrier all the more to the sun’s harmful rays. Choose ingredients like AHAs or BHAs present in the exfoliator.

Hydrate the Skin With Lightweight Serums

Hydration is equally important in both summer and winter. Using lightweight serums like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid will effectively hydrate your skin without weighing it down. Use the serum after cleansing and toning your face, and your skin will brighten up in no time. You can also consider using a serum sheet mask once a week.

Apply a Brightening and Hydrating Moisturizer

No matter how sweltering hot it is, never skip the step of applying a moisturizer. Gel moisturizers are incredibly effective for the summer season, as it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving an oily or greasy appearance. You can consider cooling off your skin more by spraying a cool face mist or a spritz.

Use a Broad-spectrum SPF

There is no better defense against the sun than using sunscreen. See a dermatologist beforehand to select the SPF range suitable for your skin type. Sunscreen application is crucial over all exposed parts of your body, and not only your face. Try reapplying the sunscreen every 2 hours.

Nourish With Antioxidants

Environmental pollution and UV rays are constantly damaging your skin, one day at a time. Besides sunscreen, antioxidants are another staple of summer skincare and keep your skin supple and hydrated. The ingredients of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, resveratrol, or green tea extract keep your skin radiant by reducing inflammation and boosting collagen production.

Do Not Forget Your Eyes, Lips, Hands, and Feet

The skin around the eyes is delicate and requires extra protection. Apply retinol-based moisturizer every night to soothe your eyes. Also, consider applying SPF-rich lip balms on your lips while stepping out into the sun. Sunscreen application on your neck, hands, and feet is as important as applying it on your face.

Other Preventive Measures

1. Hydrate yourself with lots of water throughout the day to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
2. Include water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.
3. Wear light and breathable fabrics when going out in the sun.
4. Avoid caking up your face with too much heavy makeup.
5. Shower before leaving the house and once after coming back.
6. Consider using a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
7. Use an aloe vera gel at the end of the day to soothe the sun-exposed areas.
8. If body hair is trapping sweat, consider electrolysis or laser hair removal (as suggested by the dermatologist).

Will the Skincare Steps Vary According to Skin Type?

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing, applying sunscreen, and exfoliating once in a while – these crucial steps are to be maintained by all. But then why do you need to know about your skin type? What difference will it make? The steps remain the same, but you have to purchase products accordingly to avoid the possibility of skin purging.

For Oily Skin

Opt for water-based moisturizers and non-comedogenic gel or fluid-based sunscreen. A salicylic acid cleanser and water-based serums can be of great help. You can use a mattifying primer to give your face a matte look throughout the day.

For Dry Skin

Consider using gentle cleansers that will not rip your skin barrier off natural oils. Purchase a cream-based sunscreen that has ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Use sheet masks once a week or go for overnight sleeping masks to give that extra layer of hydration.

For Combination Skin

You can use a lightweight moisturizer for the T-zone and a cream-based one for the cheeks and chin. Purchase a gel-based sunscreen that has a broad spectrum and equally covers all areas of the face. The skin may get clogged, so exfoliate once a week.

What If Your Skin Is Still Breaking Out After Following a Skincare Routine?

Visit a dermatologist; there is no other way. The damage is deeper, and over-the-counter skincare products are not able to contain the damage. Suffering from skin rash anxiety will make the matter worse! Dealing with an extreme sunburn or recurring rashes requires a professional touch, so getting a few cosmetic treatments in the summer season is not a bad idea! For that, you have to visit a dermatologist’s clinic.

1. Consider getting hydrating facials. A revitalizing facial with the right ingredients will cure your face from sunburn and provide a cooling and soothing sensation to the overly sensitive skin you are experiencing.
2. Chemical peels can be greatly beneficial. A gentle chemical peel improves your sunburnt texture and removes dead cells for the skincare products to work more effectively. It will brighten your complexion.
3. Laser treatments are the best option for acute problems like dark sun spots, acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, etc. You will no longer have an uneven skin tone and look all fresh and rejuvenated all summer.

P.S. Ask the dermatologist if a laser is a suitable option to treat acne during pregnancy.

So, visiting a dermatologist will always prove to be beneficial. Early intervention and remediation measures beforehand will keep your skin from suffering the worst in the summer months. Union MD dermatologists in Montreal, River-Sud, Gatineau, and other places will be able to guide you to purchasing the right skincare products and using them the right way.

In Conclusion

The summer season gets you a lot of perks, but is sadly damaging to your skin barrier and may cause types of bacterial infections on the skin. But following a skincare routine will give you healthy and glowing skin. And since every skin type is different, it is better to consult a dermatologist for an appropriate skincare routine and not blindly follow what your friend is doing! Trust our dermatologist to guide you with personalized recommendations so that your summer is filled with adventure and not constant worries about getting skin blemishes and sunburns. Don’t let the sun get to you!