Summer skincare refresh

Summer is officially here — and even though this summer looks a bit different than most, we are here for all the juicy watermelon, sunny stoops, and socially-distanced backyard hangouts. What we’re not here for? Well, the shift to the hot and humid days of summer can sometimes play out on our skin. In this post, we’ll break down how you can help your skin enjoy the extra warmth and vitamin D as much as you do.

3 reasons to update your skincare routine

1. Oilier skin. Even if you have an oily face all year round, oiliness can intensify in the summer. Thanks to added heat and humidity, our sebaceous glands ramp up, which means they produce more sebum (that’s oil). Whether you’re seasonally oily or oily all year round, the best moisturizers for oily skin are lighter in weight — more on this in a second.

2. More sun. Whether you’re just popping out for quick walks or embarking on a lengthy hike, you’re still exposing yourself to a sun that’s more intense than it is at other times of year. That means more intense UV rays — and potentially epic sunburns if you aren’t on top of sun safety. Wear (and re-apply!) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. And try to avoid direct sun by seeking shade and wearing sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and clothes with SPF.

3. More sweat. It’s simple math. Heat + humidity = sweat. Sweat doesn’t cause breakouts on its own, but wearing sweat-soaked, form-fitting clothing can lead to body acne. Itchy skin when you sweat? This can happen when sweat plugs up the sweat ducts, causing heat rash (and a prickly-feeling heat).

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Our favorite skincare products for summer

If it feels like your skin changes as often as the weather, try swapping in some of these products. You can also enjoy these products all year round, especially if you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.

Light moisturizer: Even oily skin can get dehydrated. We know, that seems counterintuitive — but trust us. No need to layer on a thick moisturizer, though. A gel or water-based moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated without weighing you down, so you can keep your natural glow.

• The gel moisturizer by Curology

• Pixi Beauty H20 Skindrink

• First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer

Blotting paper: When you’re on the go, blotting papers are great for dabbing away sweat and oil. These absorbent sheets soak up excess moisture(no cleansing required!) and they won’t remove your makeup.

• e.l.f. Shine Eraser Blotting Papers

• Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Facial Blotting Sheets

• NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Paper

Vitamin C serum: Like drinking a glass of orange juice for your face, vitamin C serums boost sun protection while repairing sun-damaged skin. Serums are also one of the lightest forms of hydration, and these products can work double time as sun protection boosters and summer moisturizers.

• e.l.f. Beauty Shield Vitamin C Pollution Prevention Serum

• №7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum

• Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Mineral sunscreen: If you have sensitive skin, physical sunscreens made from minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentle and non-irritating (so long as they don’t contain any other bad ingredients). Unlike other sunscreens, you don’t have to wait for these to absorb into your skin — they start blocking harmful UV rays as soon as they’re applied.

• Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

• CoTZ Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40

• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen SPF 50

Face moisturizer with SPF: A great double-teaming product that can save you time in the morning all year round, lightweight moisturizers with SPF are especially great for summer. Just remember to let them absorb for 20 minutes before heading outside.

• Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

• Murad Oil And Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35

Sunless tanner: You don’t have to choose between sun protection and the perfect tan — you can safely get a bronzey glow by using a self-tanner. Here are 3 options for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

• Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Face Lotion

• Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning

• Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion

Winter, spring, summer or fall

Reliable, custom skincare that can adapt to your skin’s unique needs has never been more accessible thanks to Curology. When you sign up for a free trial, you’ll be paired with one of our in-house medical providers who will prescribe you a custom cream with a mix of 3 ingredients to help with skin woes like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. We’ll throw in our hydrating cleanser and your choice of moisturizer, too: our award-winning gel moisturizer or new rich moisturizer. You’ll just pay $4.95 (plus tax) to cover shipping/handling on your first month of Curology. Start your free trial of Curology today and see what custom skincare is all about.

We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).

Written by

Curology Team