Summer is great for your mood, but it can be a bit confusing for your skin. One day it feels oily, the next it feels tight and uncomfortable. If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. Here are three of the most common ways summer affects skin, and what actually helps.
Dehydration can make skin look dull and feel tight
In hot weather, you lose more water through sweating. Add air-conditioning into the mix and your skin can become dehydrated even if it still looks oily. This often shows up as tightness, rough patches, or makeup not sitting well.
Wondering what helps? Try these:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day (not all at once)
- Use a light moisturiser
- Ingredients like shea butter can help support dry skin without feeling heavy when used in lighter formulations like lotions
Sugar can trigger breakouts and redness
Summer socialising often means more sugary drinks, cocktails, and treats. These can increase oil production and inflammation, which may lead to breakouts or flushing, even if you don’t usually struggle with acne.
Remember to:
- Balance richer foods with regular, healthier options.
- Cleanse your skin gently (over-washing can make breakouts worse)
- Avoid harsh scrubs because they irritate skin more
Sun exposure can increase pigmentation
Even short daily sun exposure adds up over time. Plus, sun exposure stimulates melanin production. This could cause dark patches to deepen or new marks to appear, sometimes even without obvious burning.
Top tips:
- Use daily sun protection, even on cloudy days. In other words, never leave home without your SPF (sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor)!
- Avoid trying new, strong products during very hot weather.
- Look for skincare products that contain ingredients commonly used to support more even-looking skin tone, such as niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid, or kojic acid, and use them gently, but consistently.
You don’t need a brand-new skincare routine for summer. You just need small adjustments that help your skin cope with heat, sun, and dehydration. Do these, and you’ll be glowing all season.
References
https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/beauty-style/black-dermatologists-skin-care-tips/
https://www.healthline.com/health/kojic-acid
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-summer-skin-problems
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/beauty-style/black-dermatologists-skin-care-tips/
