Summer Skin Care Unveiled: Debunking Myths and Mastering the Essentials

Navigating summer skin care can be more perplexing than you might think! The sheer number of myths out there is staggering. Some believe that vitamin C and the sun don’t mix, while others are convinced that retinoids cause hyperpigmentation and sunburn. It’s time to clear the air! We’ll reveal which actives to avoid from May to September and highlight the must-haves for your summer skincare routine. Let’s set the record straight and keep your skin glowing all summer long!

Summer Skin Care Rule #1: Pump up Your Antioxidants

Summer is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying outdoor fun, but with more time outside comes increased UV exposure and pollutants that can accelerate oxidative stress and aging. That’s why giving your skin an antioxidant boost during this season is key to keeping it healthy and looking fresh.

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E neutralize free radicals, preventing damage and protecting your skin’s health. Vitamin C is especially crucial in summer because, in addition to its antioxidant properties, it’s necessary for collagen production, counteracting UV-induced collagen loss. Data shows that sun-damaged skin can have 20-30% less collagen compared to healthy skin! No other season makes it more important to support collagen replenishment.

THA: The Vitamin C Game Changer

If you’re sold on the idea of boosting vitamin C in summer, we’ve got amazing news for you! There’s a new player on the block that offers all the benefits of vitamin C without its usual flaws, like instability in formulas—meet tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THA)! This game-changing form of vitamin C is stable and fat-soluble, ensuring deeper penetration and greater effectiveness. Be sure to try THA products this summer!

Quick Tip: THA or any other ingredient is much easier to find if you have a tech helper like OnSkin—just scan the barcode, and the app will break down the ingredient list for you—far quicker and easier than squinting at labels to find what you need.

Summer Skin Care Rule #2: Don’t Put Actives on Hold for No Good Reason

We all want to protect our skin, so when certain ingredients are deemed risky in summer, our knee-jerk reaction is to avoid them. But hitting pause on your actives can undo all your hard-earned progress, leaving you back at square one. While some ingredients should indeed be avoided during the summer months (we’ll cover those later), it’s crucial to distinguish myths from evidence-based advice. Let’s clear up the confusion and not make life harder than it needs to be.

Retinol in Summer Skincare 101

Many people think they need to stop using retinol in late spring and pick it back up in the fall, only to deal with the annoying redness, flakiness, and irritation that come with restarting. In doing so, they also miss out on the collagen-boosting and protective benefits of retinoids when their skin could really use them. It’s a hassle and a setback, if you ask us.

This common misconception stems from the belief that retinoids increase the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation. However, research spanning over seven decades has never confirmed this. In fact, retinoids may actually help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase.

So, what’s the real deal with retinol in summer? It’s simple: retinoids are sensitive to UV light and break down in sunlight. That’s why it’s best to apply them after sunset to avoid wasting product. And, of course, proper sun protection is key to keeping that glow intact—though, let’s be honest, sunscreen is a must year-round, no matter what’s in your routine.

Summer Skin Care Rule #3: Learn What Needs to Be Avoided

Put the Brakes on Your Acids

So, are there actives you should avoid in the summer months? Absolutely! Studies show that exfoliating acids, especially glycolic acid, can increase redness, inflammation, and DNA damage from UV exposure. Some people also notice breakouts when combining acids and sun exposure. It’s wise to give your exfoliating acids a break during summer. This will help protect your skin from potential damage and keep it looking its best.

No Shirts, No Shoes, No Lasers

Thinking about getting laser treatment for rosacea, melasma, hyperpigmentation, or facial rejuvenation? Timing is crucial! It’s super important not to schedule these treatments during the summer months. Increased UV exposure can cause a host of problems and significantly increase the risk of side effects. And who wants that? Save your skin and plan your laser treatments for the cooler, less sunny months to ensure the best results and minimize any risks.

Sun Protection: The Ultimate Staple of Summer Skin Care

We know, we know, you’ve heard it before—sun protection is crucial. But it’s true! Sunscreen is your shield against UV rays that lead to aging, burns, and even skin cancer. We won’t bore you by rehashing the basics but instead dive into some exciting new insights!

Erase and Rewind

Did you know some ingredients can repair sun-damaged DNA? It might sound like science fiction, but it’s actually science! Ingredients like photolyases (a type of enzyme) and certain peptides have been shown to reverse UV damage at the DNA level. Some skincare brands have already incorporated them into their products—be sure to give them a try!

Your Perfect Pair for Summer

Think mules are the perfect pair for summer? Think again! Recent research has shown that pairing sunscreen with antioxidants boosts the effectiveness of both, making your summer skincare more powerful. Whether in separate products or a combined formula, this duo is a summer must-try! It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep your skin safe and glowing.

Sunscreen Mistakes Are High-Stakes

Recent research has revealed that most people make a common sunscreen mistake that can really take a toll on their skin’s health—take our quick quiz and see if you’re making it too!