"Summer Skincare: A Guide to Transitioning Your Routine from Spring"

As our planet moves into a different phase with each season, so does our skin. Just like you switch from heavy winter coats to lighter summer outfits, it's important to adjust your skincare routine as well. During cooler months, beaming sun rays and excess oil aren't as much of a concern. But when summer rolls around, it's time to make some changes to keep your skin looking its best.

To properly care for your skin in the summertime, it's essential to adjust your skincare regimen and address its unique needs. In this article, we've gathered some expert advice to help you adjust your skincare practices to match the summer weather. We'll also introduce some of the best skincare products for summer to make your transition easier.

In the summer, your skin is most at risk from the increased sun exposure and higher temperatures. Dr. Evan Rieder, dual board-certified dermatologist, psychiatrist, and skin expert for CeraVe, suggests prioritizing the transition to summer skincare sooner rather than later. 'As we move into summer, the weather is warmer and typically more humid. Skin can get oilier, pores can get clogged, and acne can become an issue,' explains Dr. Reider. From choosing lighter-weight products to reevaluating the steps in your skincare routine, transitioning for the summer is essential for combating common summer skin woes.

To get your skin ready for summer, you'll need to make some adjustments to your skincare routine depending on your individual skin needs. Here are some tips from Dr. Reider:

Regardless of the season, properly cleansing and exfoliating your skin are crucial steps to achieving healthy skin. In the summer, adjust the frequency of cleansing and exfoliating based on how your skin responds to the change in temperature and humidity. In general, most individuals benefit from twice-daily cleansing, while others may need additional cleansing during the summer. 'With a few exceptions, I recommend cleansing twice daily for almost everyone...most people do well with twice daily,' advises Dr. Reider. If your skin needs extra cleansing, adding a third cleanse with a gentle cleanser may help control excess oil production caused by the heat.

For exfoliation, Dr. Reider recommends exfoliating one to two times per week during the cooler seasons. In the summertime, however, you can usually tolerate exfoliating more. But, be careful not to overdo it because over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, which protects it from external environmental factors.

To keep your skin looking and feeling great in the summer, choose a moisturizer that caters to your skin type. Dr. Rieder suggests using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion that provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. 'Because of the tendency of the skin to produce more oil in the summer and the fact that acne bacteria feed on oil, it is also critical—even if you don't struggle with acne—that your moisturizer is non-comedogenic. This means that it has been tested and does not cause acne,' explains Dr. Reider.

It's important to note that skipping moisturizer altogether isn't recommended even if you have oily skin because your skin needs hydration. In such cases, you can try incorporating oil-free moisturizers and hydrating serums into your routine that boost moisture levels while preventing excess oiliness.

Dr. Reider states that sun exposure is the biggest external factor that can age your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. The rays from the sun, especially UV rays, can damage your skin cells and increase your chances of developing cancer. UV-A rays, for instance, can penetrate deep into your skin and cause collagen to break down, leading to signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and moisture loss. Visible light from the sun can also have negative effects, especially if you have pigmentation issues. When temperatures rise, our bodies respond by dilating blood vessels and increasing sweat production, making our skin oilier and more prone to acne breakouts, warns Dr. Reider.

'Wear your sunscreen' is a warning that experts emphasize now more than ever due to the increase in sun rays hitting the Earth's surface over the last few decades. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial year-round, but during the summer months when the sun is more prominent and aggressive in some areas, it becomes even more critical, says Dr. Reider. Remember to apply sunscreen generously to all parts of your body that may be exposed to the sun, and reapply every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors.

Adjusting your skincare routine is the first step to preparing your skin for summer; however, incorporating lightweight serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C can provide extra protection against sun damage. Here are five top picks to guide you.

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3 complex, this body wash cleanses your skin while providing fast-absorbing, long-lasting hydration. It also contains Vitamin C, which helps defend against free radicals, leaving your skin feeling nourished and silky.

This dermatologist-tested formula gently removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. With essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it restores your skin's natural barrier, acts as a magnet for hydration, and calms your complexion.

This daily leave-on exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and visibly smooths wrinkles. Enhanced with green tea for antioxidant benefits and methyl propanediol for hydration, it reveals a clearer, more radiant complexion.

This lightweight facial serum enriched with Tri-Ceramide complex, glycerin, and squalane provides much-needed moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and nourished while strengthening and nourishing the skin's barrier—a must for skin during the warm summer months.

This sunscreen provides head-to-toe protection with its cast-free formula and SPF 30, containing skin-loving ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil for supporting well-hydrated skin while shielding from harmful UV rays.

Aside from skincare, lifestyle choices like opting for sweat-proof and breathable makeup options, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can improve your skin condition from the inside out, benefiting conditions such as acne and rosacea, according to Dr. Reider.

Transitioning your skincare routine for the summer doesn't have to be complicated as it may seem. By following the simple yet effective tips outlined in this article, you'll be well-prepared to embrace the sun-soaked season while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Remember to cleanse gently, exfoliate regularly, and protect your skin with sunscreen. Also, embracing the power of antioxidants and adjusting your lifestyle in the summer will benefit your skin and contribute to your overall well-being.