As the summer heat intensifies, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate increased sweating. While protecting your skin from sun damage is a priority, understanding how sweat impacts your skin is just as crucial. Kim Chang, an aesthetician at Baylor Medicine, shares expert advice on modifying your routine to work in tandem with the hotter months.
The Role of Sweating in Skincare
“Sweating is an important bodily function that cools you down, expels toxins through your skin, and gives you that famous post-workout glow,” explains Chang. Understanding how to factor sweat into your daily skincare can enhance your skin’s health. The key steps in any skincare routine include:
- Cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
- Protecting
Adjusting Your Skincare Routine
- Cleansing: During summer, switch from creamy, thicker cleansers to foamy textures. Creamy cleansers often provide extra moisture, which may not be necessary in the heat. For those who sweat heavily—such as athletes or outdoor workers—exfoliating products like diatomaceous earth or jojoba beads help remove sweat buildup in the pores.
- Exfoliating: Exfoliating helps remove sweat and debris that can clog pores, preventing breakouts. Look for gentle exfoliants suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation.
- Hydrating: Hydration remains essential, but opt for lighter products during sweatier days. Switch from heavier moisturizers to serums containing Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, or use water-based gel or oil-free moisturizers. These help keep pores from clogging while maintaining moisture balance.
- Protecting: Sunscreen is crucial in summer to avoid sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Choose an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen that’s water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB). Water-resistant sunscreens allow sweat to roll off without washing away, preventing irritation from sunscreen in your eyes.
Makeup Tips for Sweat-Prone Skin
Many people skip makeup during summer due to the risk of breakouts. However, opting for tinted sunscreens can provide coverage without clogging pores, offering a convenient workaround for a fresh summer look.
Skincare for Post-Treatment or Sensitive Skin
Sweating can be uncomfortable if you’ve recently undergone skin treatments like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. These procedures may leave residual acids on the skin, causing a burning sensation when sweat is produced. Retinol and Retin-A treatments can also cause discomfort when combined with sweat.
Similarly, products with benzoyl peroxide or lactic or glycolic acids—often used to treat acne—can cause irritation when exposed to sweat. While some discomfort is normal, if it becomes intolerable, seek advice from your dermatologist.
Additional Protection for Your Skin
Beyond skincare products, there are other ways to protect your skin during the summer:
- Wear UV-resistant clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin from direct sun exposure.
- Monitor UV levels using weather apps to determine when sun exposure is highest.
- Maintain a balanced diet to reduce skin inflammation and breakouts, which may require additional skincare products.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body,” Chang reminds us, “and when we know how to take care of it, we can enjoy our summers without worry.”
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