Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be one of the most challenging seasons for your skin. Increased sun exposure, heat, humidity, and sweat can all take a toll, leading to everything from clogged pores to sun damage and premature aging. At Keller Aesthetics, we believe that informed care leads to better results.
Why it’s Important to Properly Care for Your Skin During Summer
Summer brings longer days, more sunshine, and more time outdoors, which means more exposure to harmful UV rays, sweat, pollution, and heat. Without proper summer skin care, your skin can suffer from dryness, clogged pores, sun damage, or even outbreaks of cold sores in those with a history of them. Even if your skin usually looks smooth and healthy, this time of year poses unique risks that can lead to long-term damage, premature fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone if you’re not careful.
Summer Skincare Basics
Your skin’s needs to shift with the seasons, and summer calls for extra care. From sun protection to hydration and proper cleansing, these essential steps help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion while minimizing the risk of damage:
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is your best line of defense. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to all exposed area 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. UV rays can worsen acne scars and deep scars, trigger cold sores, and accelerate aging. If you’ve had a superficial peel or other skin treatments recently, your skin is especially sensitive and more prone to sun damage.
Hydration
Hot weather and air conditioning can dry out your skin. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Hydrating facials can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and deeply hydrate for a smoother appearance.
Properly Cleanse the Skin
Sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can clog pores, leading to acne and dull skin texture. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin. For some, a mild product with glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help exfoliate and control breakouts.
Incorporate Vitamins C & E
These antioxidants combat sun damage, promote collagen production, and brighten dull skin. Vitamin C can reduce the appearance of brown spots and age spots, while Vitamin E soothes and supports healing in damaged skin. Apply in the morning under sunscreen for enhanced protection.
Hydrafacial & Other Facials
HydraFacial is one of the best skin treatments for summer; it’s non-invasive, highly effective for improving skin texture, and safe even with frequent sun exposure. Custom facials and gentle, superficial peels (using glycolic or salicylic acid) are also great for rejuvenating the skin without increasing risk of irritation or photosensitivity.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Skipping on Sunscreen
Missing even one day can result in sunburn or accumulated sun damage. If you wear makeup, choose products with built-in SPF, but never skip dedicated sunscreen, especially after a chemical peel or facial.
Harsh Exfoliating
Avoid over-exfoliating with physical scrubs or multiple exfoliating acids. These can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to irritation. A light chemical solution is okay when professionally administered, but avoid medium or deep chemical peels during peak summer sun exposure unless under the guidance of a dermatologic surgeon.
Neglecting Cleansing & Hydrating
If you sweat more in the summer but don’t cleanse properly, dirt, makeup, and oil can build up, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. Similarly, failing to hydrate can result in flakiness and stressed skin. Apply ointment to dry areas when needed, especially after treatments that remove layers of damaged skin.
Harsh Lasers and Peels
Avoid deep peels, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, carbolic acid peels, or medium chemical peels unless you’re staying out of the sun for a few weeks. These procedures remove multiple layers of skin from the treatment area, and healing takes five to seven days or longer. Exposing new skin to UV light can lead to severe hyperpigmentation and complications, particularly in those with darker skin types or a family history of pigmentation issues.
Schedule a Consultation
At Keller Aesthetics, we help you determine the best summer skin care routine and treatments to achieve your desired results. Our hydrating facial masks, HydraFacial, light chemical peels, and laser treatments are all safe and effective ways to improve skin texture, reduce acne, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles without risking irritation or sun damage. Book your consultation today with Travis Keller, Medical Esthetician, and take the first step toward radiant, healthy skin this season.
