This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on July 31, 2026.
Summer is on its way, which means it’s time to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. More vacations, pool days, sporting events and grilling with friends means more sweating, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, peeling, breakouts, and dehydration—so we have to deal. Keep scrolling for five easy tips to prepare and protect your complexion from summer’s intense heat.
Tip #1: Stay Hydrated
Long hours in the sun can seriously dehydrate your skin, leaving it lackluster. Combat this by adding a solid hyaluronic acid serum and ceramide cleanser to your regimen. Our Go-Getter Day Serum uses hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate your parched summer skin—plus, it’s made with antioxidants like cucumber, watermelon, ginseng, avocado and Kakadu plum to boost the effectiveness of your daily SPF.
Tip #2: Limit Exfoliating
When the summer hits, be cautious with retinol and AHAs, like our Multitasker Night Serum. Although it’s made with a gentle, mildly exfoliating fruit acid complex, it can still increase sun sensitivity. Consider scaling back two to three times a week, and only at night. If you’re using a more potent exfoliator like glycolic or lactic acid, try using it only once a week, and avoid using it on days of high sun exposure, like vacation or a long day at the pool. Most importantly, always wear sunscreen the next day after using any exfoliating product.
Tip #3: Cleanse Efficiently
Although we’re big advocates of “less is more,” you might consider increasing cleansing to twice a day during the summer months—especially if you’re prone to sweating or prefer to exercise mid-day. Washing your face more than once will help control breakouts by removing excess sweat, sunscreen and dirt.
However, keep in mind that your skin becomes more dehydrated and brittle under more intense heat—if you’re not careful, over-cleansing can make this worse. Opt to cleanse more efficiently with our Good Day Face Cleanser. Made with a gentle Ceramide Complex, it effectively hydrates and supports a healthy skin barrier, without ever stripping your skin's natural oils—so it’s safe to use twice a day. Real superberries like Goji Berries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries slow aging skin by fighting free radicals, promoting cell turnover, and increasing collagen production.
Tip #4: Use SPF
Protecting your skin from the sun should be your number-one priority this summer. Besides preventing melanoma, sunscreen helps reduce hyperpigmentation by preventing further damage. Daily application of at least SPF 30 will help to shield your skin from UV light to control melanin production on a cellular level.
With the newest generation of sunscreens ditching that dreaded white cast and greasy feel—there's really no good excuse to skip SPF anymore. Look for a high-quality lotion and use it on your face and body. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 daily, then reapply every two hours when out in direct sunlight. Pro Tip: Combine a powder sunscreen for your face with a tinted moisturizer to save a step!
Tip #5: Skincare Fast
Vacations are a great time to take a break from your skincare all together. Not only does this mean less to pack—it also gives your skin a much needed break, especially with increased sun exposure. Continue to cleanse and apply SPF daily, but feel free to skip a week of serums and oils with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, AHAs, niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my skincare routine need to change in the summer?
Heat, sun exposure, sweat, and more time outdoors can lead to dehydration, hyperpigmentation, peeling, and breakouts. Adjusting your routine helps your skin stay balanced and protected through these seasonal stressors.
How can I keep my skin hydrated in the heat?
Long sun exposure can dry out your skin. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum and a ceramide-based cleanser to your routine helps plump and replenish moisture while supporting your skin barrier.
Should I stop using retinol and exfoliating acids in the summer?
You don't have to stop completely, but you should scale back. Gentle exfoliants are best limited to two to three nights a week, while stronger acids like glycolic or lactic acid should be used no more than once a week. Avoid exfoliating before high-sun-exposure days, and always follow up with sunscreen the next day.
Should I wash my face more often in the summer?
Many people benefit from cleansing twice a day in summer, especially if they sweat more or work out midday, since this helps clear sweat, sunscreen, and dirt that can lead to breakouts. Just be careful not to over-cleanse, since heat already makes skin more prone to dehydration. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping your skin's natural oils.
What SPF should I be using, and how often should I reapply?
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, on both face and body. Reapply every two hours when you're out in direct sunlight. Daily SPF also helps prevent hyperpigmentation by limiting further sun damage.
Is it okay to take a break from active ingredients while on vacation?
Yes. Vacations are actually a good opportunity to simplify your routine. You can pause products with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, AHAs, niacinamide, retinol, and vitamin C for the week; just keep cleansing and applying SPF daily.
What's the most important summer skincare habit?
Sunscreen. Beyond preventing sun damage and hyperpigmentation, daily SPF use is your best defense against long-term skin damage, including melanoma risk.
