6 Skin Damaging Summer Mistakes

1. Keeping Skin Care Routines the Same in Each Season

Changing your skin care routine and products as the season changes may seem obvious to you as the professional, but many of your clients may not know how keeping their products the same year round can damage their skin. As the temperature changes, skin changes as well. For summer specifically, it’s time to education your clients on the importance of hydration and boosted sun protection.

“Summer is here, and just like we change our clothing to match the season, we should be changing up our skin care too. With the hotter months comes more perspiration. This can lead to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, and atopic dermatitis,” said Stormy Palmer, Skin Script Skin Care marketing manager and esthetician. “To prevent this, use products with hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, heavy water and cucumber. Use a lighter moisturizer in the morning time, always wear SPF and use more nourishing products at night to ensure maximum skin health.”

2. Improper Skin Hydration and Balancing

One of the biggest skin changes that takes place in the summer months is increased water loss due to more sweating, outdoor activities and dehydration. This leads to skin being improperly balanced and producing excess oils that lead to breakouts or skin irritation. It is key to perform hydrating skin services, as well as recommend retail products the restore and balance the skin to prevent damage.

“Warmer weather causes increased water loss from the skin, leading to dehydration, drier skin and leaving skin parched. At the same time, higher temperatures can also lead to increased oil production (think clogged pores, and potential breakouts) and oilier skin,” said Lisa Bookman, director of brand marketing and communications for M.A.D Dermaceuticals. “Educate your clients on the importance of daily skin balancing including exfoliation, hydration and moisture. Due to summer weather, many clients tend to skip the important hydration steps. There’s a need to balance increased oil production and dehydration for healthier, younger-looking skin.”

3. Unprotected Sun Exposure

Summer is the height season for increased sun exposure and opportunities for sun damage. If your clients are not correctly protecting their skin with daily SPF application, UVA/UVB rays can not only cause irritation, but also speed skin aging and cause hyperpigmentation.

“Clients are spending more time outside, facing environmental aggressors and damaging UV rays – the ideal time for increased hyperpigmentation and signs of aging. Additional sun exposure can worsen existing dark spots and cause new ones to form,” said Bookman. “Stress to clients not only the importance of SPF, but serums and treatment products formulated with vitamin C, antioxidants, and lightening botanicals to help prevent additional hyperpigmentation, help lightened current hyperpigmentation and deliver a burst of radiance to dull skin.”

4. Forgetting to Protect the Eye Area, Ears & Scalp

We know the importance of daily sunscreen protection for the face, but there are a few areas of the body that are often forgot about that are just as important including the eye area, ears and scalp. These sensitive areas are easily suspectable to sun damage, and clients will benefit from taking the extra precaution to protect these areas.

“It can be easy to do when you are rushing to apply your sun and environmental protection, but don’t forget to apply your protection to those delicate areas,” said Sara Botta, licensed esthetician and wellness enthusiast. “There are also products made to protect the hair and scalp, but putting a light dabbing of sunscreen and layering on any hair parts will protect the scalp without being greasy, especially if you use your facial formula. Protective clothing and hats are also a great idea for full coverage.”

5. Stopping Corrective Products & Facial Treatments

Clients during the summer months tend to think that using products with active ingredients is a no-no when exposing skin to the sun, but if the skin is supplemented with proper protection and hydration, these products and facial treatments can applied year round. Tell your clients that they should not be afraid of corrective ingredients or services during warmer months, as long as they are taking the time to protect their skin with daily SPF.

“Many of my clients ask if they need to stop using their active serums like hydroxy acids and retinol or stop getting facials over the summer,” said Botta. “When it comes to ingredients like retinol and hydroxy acids, you need to be using sun protection year-round to prevent sun sensitivity and reap the full benefits. So, if you are diligent with your sun protection over the summer and are willing to reapply SPF as directed, then there is no need to stop those products.

6. Forgetting Certain Medications Can Cause Sun Sensitivities

Many of your clients might not be aware that there may be medications that they take daily that can change their skin sensitivity to the sun in the summer months. There are various common acne medications that your client may be prescribed by their derm that can make their skin prone to sun sensitivity and damage.

“Certain medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making it more prone to sunburn and other forms of sun damage. These medications, including some antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and acne treatments like isotretinoin, can cause photosensitivity reactions,” said Beth Bialko, Bioelements’ senior director of education. “To prevent skin damage while taking these medications, it’s crucial to take extra precautions such as wearing hats and sunglasses, seeking shade during peak sun hours and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Additionally, consulting your healthcare providers for guidance on potential sun side effects along with sun protection strategies can help minimize the risk.”