How to care for skin in summer

Build your morning routine around sun protection

Adjust your routine to what your skin needs rather than replacing everything for the season. Summer does not require a new cupboard of products, even if the seasonal displays have already voted otherwise.1

1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser suited to your skin type. Choose a hydrating cleanser for dry skin, or a mild cleanser that removes oil for acne prone skin.
2. 2Apply moisturizer if your skin needs it. Keep other skincare products before sunscreen.
3. 3Apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed skin, then apply makeup if you wear it. Allow 15 minutes before going outdoors, and follow the sunscreen's directions.

What sunscreen should you choose?

Choose SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection, which covers both UVA and UVB rays. SPF mainly describes UVB protection; a high SPF number alone does not tell you about UVA coverage. On UK labels, look for at least four stars for UVA protection; a UVA circle indicates the EU standard. SPF 50 or higher offers very high protection when applied generously.25

Read the directions for the format you choose. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face. Choose water resistance for swimming or sweating.45

Use enough sunscreen and cover the missed spots

For an adult covering the whole body, aim for around six to eight teaspoons. Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces its protection. Spread sunscreen over all skin that clothing leaves exposed, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Ask someone to help with your back rather than leaving an uncovered patch.345

Check these easily missed areas:

• Cover your ears, nose and the back of your neck.
• Cover your hands and the tops of your feet.
• Cover your hairline and exposed scalp, including areas with thinning hair.
• Protect your lips with an SPF lip balm.

Plan around the UV index, not just the heat

Check the local UV index on a weather app or website. Protect your skin when it is three or higher. UV rays can reach skin on cloudy and cool days and reflect off water, sand and concrete. A comfortable temperature does not mean low exposure. In the continental United States, UV rays are strongest from 10am to 4pm during daylight saving time. Plan outdoor activities for morning, late afternoon or evening where possible. Use shade during the day, but keep sunscreen and protective clothing on even under an umbrella or tree.3

Let clothing do some of the work

Wear clothes that cover more skin, such as long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt. Tightly woven fabrics give better protection, and a UPF rating of 30 or higher indicates good protection in sun protective clothing. Choose a hat with a brim all the way around to shade your face, ears and neck. A baseball cap leaves your ears and neck needing separate coverage. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB; close fitting wraparound styles also limit light entering from the sides. Darker lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection, so check the label.23

Reapply after swimming, sweating and towel drying

No sunscreen is waterproof. US water resistant labels specify 40 or 80 minutes of protection during swimming or sweating; follow the label's reapplication directions. Reapply straight after leaving the water, after towel drying and after sweating or rubbing sunscreen off. Continue reapplying every two hours outdoors. Water's cooling effect can make burning less obvious, while reflected UV increases exposure. Change into dry clothing after swimming because wet fabric is often less protective.245

Keep sunscreen out of direct heat

Keep sunscreen containers in the shade or wrapped in a towel rather than in direct sunlight. Excessive heat can affect the product. Replace expired sunscreen. If there is no expiry date, discard it three years after purchase; discard it sooner if you do not know how old it is.4

Cleanse after sweating and before bed

Wash your face morning and night, and after sweating. Remove makeup before bed and avoid scrubbing. More exfoliation is not a summer requirement: overusing exfoliating products can damage the skin barrier, the protective outer layer, leaving skin raw and irritated. Stop a product that irritates your skin. Otherwise, use your routine consistently rather than changing products repeatedly; allow at least 30 days to assess whether a skincare product is helping.1

If you have eczema, protect against heat and dryness

For nummular eczema, which causes spots and patches, moisturizer remains part of care year round. Apply a fragrance free, hypoallergenic cream or ointment to damp skin after bathing and handwashing. Use lukewarm water and mild products made for dry skin. Air conditioning can dry the air and your skin. Heat and sweating can trigger flare ups, so schedule activities for cooler parts of the day and wear loose, soft, breathable clothing. Choose fragrance free rather than unscented products, which can still contain fragrance. See a dermatologist for continuing patches or unbearable itching.6

Who needs extra care in the sun?

Take extra care if you burn easily, have many moles or freckles, have a family history of skin cancer, or spend long periods outdoors. Every skin tone needs sun protection. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight and ask a doctor before applying sunscreen. For older children, use sunscreen as directed alongside shade and clothing.45

What should you do if you get sunburn?

Cool sore skin with cool water or a cool bath or shower, then apply a soothing aftersun product such as aloe vera. Stay out of the sun until redness has gone. Seek medical help if you feel unwell or your skin blisters or swells badly. Report a new mole, growth or lump, or a mole or patch changing in size, shape or colour, to a doctor promptly.5