Fact checked by Nick Blackmer

I have fairly dry, sensitive skin. This means that, in the winter, my skincare routine amounts to fighting a (losing) battle against freezing temps and dry air with an arsenal of heavy moisturizers and balms.

But now, the weather’s getting warmer and I’ve put my sweaters, hats, and boots into storage—should I do the same with my winter skincare products? I consulted S. Max Vale, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Washington and a partner at Kirkland Dermatology Associates, to find out.

The question: Should you switch up your skincare routine when the weather gets warm?

The short answer: “Small tweaks are reasonable between summer and winter months,” Dr. Vale said. “But the core routine should remain the same. Most people don’t need more skincare products in the summer—they need better sun-protection habits.”

Dr. Vale laid out what a typical skincare routine could look like in the summer:

• Cleanse: In the morning, the skin should be cleaned with a gentle cleanser.
• Apply any serums: This should be based on your individual goals. For example, a serum containing vitamin C and ferulic acid may provide an additional layer of defense against free-radical damage from UV exposure and environmental pollution.
• Moisturize: The most common tweak I recommend in the summer months is to lighten things up. Thick, heavy moisturizers are great for dry, sensitive skin in the wintertime, but they might be too occlusive [protective] or heavy-feeling in the summer. Try lotions and lighter creams.
• Sunscreen: This is by far the most important step of the entire routine. To cover your face and neck, you need to use around one-half teaspoon of sunscreen. I also recommend an SPF-containing lip balm to protect your lips. For most people, SPF 30 is an appropriate minimum when applied generously and reapplied appropriately (every two hours). However, because many people underapply sunscreen, SPF 50 can provide an additional margin of safety.
• Evening routine: Cleanse again. Then, if it’s part of your routine, apply an anti-aging retinoid (unless pregnant or breastfeeding), followed by a moisturizer.

That’s a great core routine. But the summertime heat means lots of sweating—which may be especially concerning if your skin already has a tendency to be oily or acne-prone. People with dry skin (hello!) may be able to get away with just swapping out a heavy moisturizer for a lighter one. But I asked Dr. Vale if there are any other helpful summertime swaps if your skin feels like a swamp in the summer.

What are some other ways to tweak your routine, especially if you have existing skin concerns?

Dr. Vale: It may be tempting to stop moisturizing in the summertime, but even oily skin benefits from appropriate hydration. Just try a lotion or lighter cream.

Cleansers can also be adjusted—a creamy or oil-based cleanser can be more gentle in the winter, but if you’re feeling extra oily or sweaty in the summer or just don’t feel totally “clean,” try a foaming option in the summertime.

Exfoliation can be helpful for maintaining skin texture and brightness year-round. If you have more oily skin or are prone to clogged pores, a gentle AHA or BHA exfoliant can be a nice addition to the morning routine. Ease into it—start a couple of times per week, and see how your skin reacts. I like a 5–10% glycolic acid exfoliant. But be careful, as AHAs make your skin more sensitive to the sun. (Sunscreen remains key!)

There are also tweaks you can make for specific skin conditions, Dr. Vale says:

• Acne: Clogged pores, acne, and folliculitis are more common during the summertime—increased temperatures and humidity increase oil production by your sebaceous glands, which can cause breakouts. Look for moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup products that are labeled as “noncomedogenic.” This means it was formulated to minimize the risk of clogging pores. Using gentle acne products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide also may help reduce acne and folliculitis. The same is true for hypochlorous acid sprays, which are anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
• Discoloration: For some people, increased sun in the summer can mean an increase in dark spots. Patients with melasma, a skin condition that causes brown splotches to appear on the face, need to be especially careful about wearing SPF in summer months. If you are melasma-prone, making a summer plan with your board-certified dermatologist is important.
• Sensitive, allergic, or eczema-prone skin: Some patients with eczema and sensitive skin have flares in the spring and summer as aeroallergens (like tree and grass pollens) sit on the skin and trigger inflammation. For these patients, I recommend rinsing off after spending time outside to remove the allergens from the skin. Just don’t overdo it—aggressive or too-frequent washing (especially using soap multiple times per day) can dry out the skin, even in the summer months.

Sounds like a summer skincare tune-up might be in order for me! But along with face washing and skincare products, I want to make sure I’m doing all I can to keep my skin looking and feeling healthy this summer.

Any final tips for maintaining healthy skin in the summertime?

Dr. Vale: When it comes to your skin, the most important part is protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. Here are a few tips to do that:

• Apply SPF every day—I recommend moisturizing sunscreens, which combine two steps in your skincare routine.
• If you’ll be spending more time outdoors in the summertime, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or significant sweating. Set a timer on your phone so you don’t forget! If you don’t like reapplying SPF, then sun-protective clothing and hats are a great option that can safely protect you from UV damage all day.
• Protect the scalp! If you have a part in your hair or any hair thinning, be sure to apply sunscreen or wear a hat to protect that vulnerable skin.
• Seek shade when you can, and remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Kristina Dawson