As temperatures rise and summer creeps in, it’s easy to slack off on your acne homecare routine — especially when beach days, sweat, and travel start to interfere with your schedule. But here’s the truth: summer is not the time to hit pause on your skincare. If anything, your skin needs even more support to stay clear, balanced, and protected during the warmer months.
Why SPF is Non-Negotiable (Especially Now)
If you’re using products with active ingredients — like benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid, retinoids, or exfoliating acids — your skin is already more vulnerable to the sun. These powerhouse ingredients work hard to resurface, unclog, and renew your skin, but they also thin the outermost layer and reduce melanin protection. That means you’re more likely to burn, hyperpigment, or experience sensitivity if you skip SPF.
Even if you never burn, sun exposure can sneakily undo all the progress you’re making in your acne journey. That breakout that finally healed? UV rays can turn it into a lingering dark mark. That clear skin glow you’ve been working toward? Sun damage can dim it fast.
Don’t Skip Actives — Adjust Your Approach
Yes, actives can make your skin more sun-sensitive — but that doesn’t mean you should stop using them entirely. With the right strategy, you can stay consistent with your acne treatment while still protecting your skin:
- Focus on hydration and barrier repair in the morning. Think lightweight hydrating serums, non-pore-clogging moisturizers, and of course — SPF.
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Ease up on intensity when needed. If your skin is feeling dry, tight, or easily irritated, you may benefit from spacing your actives out (every other night instead of nightly, for example). This is something that should be spoken about with your esthetician to ensure it is the right choice.
Reapplying SPF is a Must — Not a Maybe
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: one application of SPF in the morning isn’t enough. Especially if you’re spending time outdoors, sweating, or wearing makeup, reapplying every 2 hours is essential to maintain protection.
Not sure how to reapply without ruining your skin or your makeup? Here are a few easy ways:
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Use a powder SPF for on-the-go touch-ups.
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Keep a travel-size sunscreen in your bag or car for quick reapplication.
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If you’re bare-faced, don’t be afraid to reapply with clean hands using your favorite broad-spectrum SPF.
Consistency Over Perfection
Summer might bring vacations, BBQs, and spontaneous beach days — and that’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is consistency. Even if you miss a night here and there or have to simplify your routine while traveling, the key is getting back on track and not giving up.
If you’re unsure how to tweak your homecare for summer or feel like your products are starting to feel too heavy or too harsh, let’s chat. I can help adjust your regimen to match the season — while still staying focused on your acne goals.
