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Every summer, I turn to the same checklist: Dig those old shorts out of the back of my closet, remember to hydrate more, and (most importantly) switch my skin care routine. As a person with super sensitive skin, my daily lineup is pretty short—once I find a product I like, I tend to stick with it. But warmer temperatures bring with them a ton of new problems to consider, including chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunburns. And that means it’s time to shift away from the thick creams and ultra-hydrating serums I rely on during winter in favor of lighter, more soothing options that are gentle on my face and body.
A quick note about me: I’ve been a member of the sensitive skin club my entire life. I also deal with eczema, breakouts, and the occasional allergic reaction to new products (so fun). As a result, I often reach for lotions and potions that are fragrance-free and have shorter ingredient lists, which makes it easier to avoid potential irritants.
If your skin also goes through it in warmer months, then you might want to avoid or limit your use of ingredients that can make your skin more prone to sunburn, including retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide, Emily Milam, MD, board-certified dermatologist at NYU Langone Dermatologic Associates and assistant professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, tells SELF. You may also want to avoid using scrubs on your face and body, which can be too harsh, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.
In general, when it comes to your summer skin care routine, Dr. Milam recommends following the golden rule: “Keep things simple!” Below are the only seven items I need in my medicine cabinet to become the smoothest, glowiest version of myself all summer long. While my essentials may not work for you (because everyone’s skin is different), I’ve tested them for months—or years, in some cases—and they’re always my first line of defense when I need some relief.
The key ingredient in this spray, hypochlorous acid, is an editor favorite for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s gentle, soothing, and can be used to treat a whole host of conditions, including acne and dandruff, Dr. Zeichner tells SELF.
I use SkinSmart twice a day, after I wash my face but before I slather on my moisturizer. A few spritzes of this doesn’t just feel great, it also helps combat my heat- and sweat-related breakouts and can even make eczema patches feel less itchy. Pro tip: Invest in some mini bottles to toss in your tote bag for quick relief on the go (game-changer!).
In the summer, “it’s important to maintain adequate skin hydration without weighing down the outer skin layer,” Dr. Zeichner says. With its velvety texture, hydrating ingredients, and easy-to-use tube, Vanicream is my holy grail moisturizer when temperatures start to rise. A pea-sized amount is enough for my entire face and neck—plus, it sinks in quickly and layers well underneath the rest of my skin care and makeup.
Finding a good sunscreen for sensitive skin can feel impossible. I highly recommend this one from Good Molecules, which is broad spectrum (to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays) and rated SPF 30 (the minimum factor derms recommend to make sure you’re getting enough protection). It rubs in easily and contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump your skin.
Even better, this is a mineral-based formula, which can be less irritating than a chemical-based sun care product, according to Dr. Zeichner. It relies on 13.3% zinc oxide to prevent sunburn—just remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming, says Dr. Milam.
Dry patches are no match for Gold Bond’s Rough & Bumpy Daily Skin Therapy Cream. It has shea butter to moisturize skin and salicylic acid to stop the itch while exfoliating away any roughness. I love it for flattening my keratosis pilaris—tiny bumps on my elbows and upper arms that can form when dead skin cells build up and block hair follicles.
This cream comes in a huge tub that’s pretty budget-friendly, and a little goes a long way: I only need to apply a thin layer two or three times a week for softer, smoother arms. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that can aggravate sensitive skin, according to Dr. Zeichner, so I recommend patch testing it first (just to be safe). But after just a few uses, I can see and feel a difference that gives me a major confidence boost, especially at the beach or pool.
An alternative to petroleum jelly-based products (like Vaseline), “Lanolips is a great option to help hydrate and protect the skin,” Dr. Zeichner says. This do-it-all balm has just one ingredient: lanolin, a substance naturally produced by sheep that waterproofs their wool, he adds. Chemically, it’s similar to the sebum (a waxy, oily substance) that your skin makes—and it’s an excellent moisturizer.
Lanolips is by far my favorite lip balm I’ve ever used—I keep one tube on my nightstand and rotate at least three others between my work bag and other purses at all times. It stays on for hours and has a subtle, glossy sheen that’s pretty on its own or layered on top of other lip products. In a pinch, I also use it to heal blisters and prevent chafing while I’m on the go.
Note: Although some people do react to lanolin, Dr. Zeichner explains that “the purified fraction of lanolin that’s used in the product should not lead to skin allergies.” Still, it’s best to proceed with caution if you know you’re hypersensitive to the ingredient.
This may look like your average face moisturizer, but it’s actually the best product I’ve found for soothing sunburns. Aloe leaf juice is listed as its second ingredient, next to water, which helps heal skin while relieving any dry or flaky patches. It’s also packed with jojoba oil to boost softness, plus antimicrobial and reparative safflower seed oil.
Budget-friendly with a lightweight feel, Desert Essence’s Daily Essential Facial Moisturizer comes with me on every summer vacation. I love the glowy, non-greasy finish—the gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formulation is just another bonus.
Sometimes, I’m so focused on battling breakouts and sunburns everywhere else that I forget how important it is to take care of my scalp too. Sweat, hair care products, and scalp sunscreens can all cause grime and buildup (no thanks). To thoroughly cleanse and prevent flakes, I stock my shower with Kristin Ess’s Scalp Scrub.
This clear gel is made with sugar particles to gently exfoliate and glycerin to hydrate. It’s also packed with ingredients that are great for your hair, like avocado oil that can help prevent breakage and sweet almond oil that smooths and adds shine. I use it before shampoo and conditioner to keep my scalp healthy all summer. FYI: Although this product does contain fragrance, it’s worth noting that the scent is pretty mild, and I’ve never had any kind of reaction to it.
Related:
- The Best Lip Balms With SPF to Tint and Protect, Approved by Dermatologists
- 10 Cleansing Balms to Remove All That Oil, Sweat, and Makeup
- SELF Staffers and Dermatologists Love These 14 Mineral Sunscreens
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