As temperatures rise, a whole host of summer-specific skincare issues tend to appear, including clogged pores, increased body odor, and sun damage. That’s why your skincare routine might need some tweaking right about now: Just like your wardrobe, your products should change with the seasons. So we spoke with Rolanda Wilkerson, PhD, senior director of beauty care at P&G, for some top-tier advice. From sun safety and pore care to shaving tips and deodorant suggestions, she shares expert strategies for keeping your skin healthy all summer long.
Why does our skin require a different approach in the summer, compared to cooler months?
Dr. Wilkerson says a combination of environmental factors, personal habits, and physiological changes can cause our skin to need extra love in the summer. First off, clogged or enlarged pores, sun damage, and dry skin are all issues you might experience this season. This is also the time of year when — no surprise — you should be breaking out the SPF frequently. “Increased sun exposure means more sun damage, so you’ve got to be diligent about SPF use,” says Wilkerson.
Let’s talk about sweat and clogged pores: What causes them in summer, and how can you keep skin clear and balanced?
Higher temps not only make you sweat more, they cause skin to produce more sebum — an oily substance secreted from pores for natural protection and hydration. “An increase in sebum can lead to more clogged pores, and excess sweating means water loss, which can lead to dehydration and dry skin,” she says. “While you might be tempted to cover up any clogged pores with heavy makeup, Dr. Wilkerson says that habit may exacerbate the problem: “Instead, focus on prevention, with daily gentle but deep cleansing,” she suggests. “Look for a product that can achieve effective and deep cleansing without drying out skin, like Olay Cleansing Melts.”
When it comes to sun exposure, are there ways beyond SPF to support skin that’s spending more time outdoors?
Hydration is key for skin health year-round, but especially during the sweaty days of summer. And while it may seem counterintuitive, frequent swimming can actually cause dryness: Both chlorine and salt water strip skin of protective oils, which may leave it feeling dry and irritated. That’s why Dr. Wilkerson suggests looking for a product including ingredients that hydrate and even out skin, in addition to providing sun protection: “Olay Super Cream contains SPF 30 for sun damage protection, as well as niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, which can help to even skin tone caused by sun damage, protect against oxidative stress, and hydrate and brighten the skin.”
We tend to shave more frequently in summer, especially the legs, underarms, and bikini lines. What’s your advice for avoiding irritation and keeping post-shave skin healthy?
Call us a broken record, but once again, hydration is essential: Shaving dry skin is a sure-fire way to earn yourself a painful case of razor burn. But Dr. Wilkerson says there’s more to a healthy shave than just adding water: “It’s also important to lubricate and protect the surface of the skin with shaving cream before shaving. Some razors, including Venus brand, have been designed with a special lubricant around the blades to enable gliding across the skin, and the pivoting head allows for flexibility in shaving hard-to-reach areas.” Dr. Wilkerson also suggests choosing a razor with multiple blades to enable a close shave and minimize irritation. For even more skin protection, consider exfoliating before you shave, to leave skin feeling even smoother.
Underarm skincare is often overlooked: What should people consider when choosing deodorants or antiperspirants for summer?
Dr. Wilkerson has a hot tip for hot weather: Consider applying your antiperspirant at night before bed in addition to putting it on first thing in the morning: “Nighttime application enables the antiperspirant to work more effectively during the daytime,” she explains.
If you find odor to be more of a problem in the summer, Dr. Wilkerson also suggests trying a stronger product, like Secret Clinical: “It’s an effective option during the hot summer months, when sweating can be more excessive. If you have delicate skin, Secret Clinical Aluminum Free has no aluminum, parabens, dyes, or alcohol, so it’s great for sensitive underarms that need extra odor protection.” Secret anti-perspirants and deodorants come in a variety of forms including invisible solid, invisible cream, dry spray, and clear gel, so there’s truly an option for everyone.
What’s the most common skincare mistake people make in the summer?
Yes, we’re going to talk about SPF again. Even if you’re diligent about applying sunscreen before you head outside, a single application isn’t enough to keep you protected all day. “You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re out in the sun,” says Dr. Wilkerson. “And don’t forget your neck and décolletage.”
