Expert Tips from Columbia Skin Clinic to Beat the Heat and Glow All Season Long & Why Summer Skin Needs Special Care
During summer, your skin faces a perfect storm of stressors: longer sun exposure, rising temperatures, higher humidity, and environmental pollutants. The body naturally produces more oil to help regulate temperature, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. At the same time, intense UV rays break down collagen and elastin, two proteins essential to youthful, resilient skin.
The result? More breakouts, more sun damage, and more visible aging—unless you’re proactive about your skin’s seasonal needs.
Sunscreen: Your #1 Summer Essential
If you only make one change this summer, make it this: wear sunscreen every single day.
UVA and UVB rays are responsible for premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or short errands, those rays penetrate the skin and cause cumulative damage.
Columbia Skin Clinic recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating).
Top dermatologist-approved picks we love:
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Lightweight, great for acne-prone skin
- Solbar Zinc SPF 38 – Ideal for sensitive skin and long outdoor days
- ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ – Combines UV protection with DNA repair enzymes
View all of our recommended sunscreens here.
Bonus: Choose tinted mineral sunscreens with iron oxides if you deal with melasma or hyperpigmentation, as they also protect against visible light. We love the Topix Mineral Tinted SPF 50.
Choose Summer-Friendly Skincare Ingredients
Your winter creams might be too rich for June’s humidity. Instead, lighten up your routine with products formulated for hydration and oil control.
Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic Acid – Holds 1,000x its weight in water for plump, hydrated skin
- Niacinamide – Soothes redness, regulates oil, and strengthens the skin barrier
- Vitamin C – Brightens skin and helps reverse sun damage when used in the morning under SPF
- Salicylic Acid – Gently exfoliates and helps prevent breakouts
- Green tea or chamomile extract – Calm inflammation and heat-triggered irritation
Avoid overly harsh exfoliants or alcohol-based toners, which can strip your skin and trigger more oil production.
Not sure what products to start with? You can find our recommended products here.
Know the Signs of Sun Stress and Heat Rash
Your skin will often tell you when it’s overwhelmed; you just have to know what to look for. Watch out for:
- Sunburn – Redness, tenderness, or peeling usually shows up 2–6 hours after exposure
- Heat rash (miliaria) – Itchy, bumpy red patches, especially in folds of skin
- Photosensitivity – Rash or blisters from sun exposure due to certain medications or ingredients
- Flare-ups of rosacea, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis – Common during hot, humid months
Tip: If you’re prone to heat rash or irritation, wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and avoid heavy creams on areas like your neck or back.
Don’t Let Summer Trigger Acne
Between sweat, sunscreen buildup, and increased oil production, breakouts are especially common during the summer months. To help prevent acne, wash your face twice daily and after any workouts to keep pores clear. Choose non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores, and incorporate a gentle chemical exfoliant, like salicylic or glycolic acid, once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. We love the Gly-Sal 5/2 Acne Cleanser.
Additionally, avoid letting hair products come into contact with your face, as they can contribute to clogged pores and irritation. And for a deeper refresh, consider scheduling a dermatologist-recommended facial or professional treatment to keep your skin clear, calm, and summer-ready.
Reminder: Back and chest acne (a.k.a. “bacne”) is treatable. Don’t let it keep you from wearing that tank top or swimsuit.
Hydrate Inside and Out
Sun and sweat dehydrate your skin faster than you might think. Dehydrated skin can appear dull, flaky, or tight, even if you’re drinking water. That’s why topical hydration is key.
Tips for boosting hydration:
- Use a hydrating serum under your sunscreen (try one with hyaluronic acid or glycerin). We recommend Replenix Pure Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
- Apply moisturizer after showering to lock in moisture. Glycolix Ultra Lite Face Cream is the perfect moisturizer for summer.
- Mist your face throughout the day for a quick refresh, plus it’ll keep you cool!
- Drink plenty of water, and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers and melons. Get all the hydration in by adding these fruits and vegetables to your water.
Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin barrier and reduce inflammation, both of which keep your complexion balanced and protected.
Don’t Forget Your Annual Skin Check
If you’ve spent years under the Carolina sun, now is the time to schedule your annual full-body skin cancer screening. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and your dermatologist can detect suspicious spots you may not see yourself.
Get screened more frequently if you:
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Have many moles or spots that change
- Work outdoors or have high UV exposure
- Burn easily or have fair skin
Protect Your Skin. Enjoy Your Summer.
South Carolina summers are beautiful, but they’re also hard on your skin. From the first splash at the lake to the last summer bonfire, Columbia Skin Clinic is here to help you protect what matters most: your skin health.
Need help refreshing your routine? Want expert advice tailored to your skin?
📞 Call 803-779-7316 or
🌐 Visit columbiaskinclinic.com to schedule your appointment today.
