As summer swings into high gear, you may notice some changes in how your skin’s behaving. According to dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), seasonal changes can have a definite impact on your skin. Here’s her take on the transitions, and her tips on (ahem) weathering the storm.

How does weather affect your skin?

Your skin is highly adaptable, but at the end of the day, your complexion prefers consistency. When the climate changes — from season to season, or when you’re traveling — the variations in temperature, humidity, and sun exposure challenge the delicate balance your skin works so hard to achieve.

What happens to skin during hotter, more humid weather?

Chances are, you’ve experienced the extremes that often come with rising temperatures and humidity. Here’s what’s really happening.

Your skin could get dehydrated

When temperatures rise, skin can lose moisture through evaporation. If you’re not getting enough water, your skin could become water deficient.

Increased sun exposure during summer months can also exacerbate dehydration, says Dr. Lee. This leaves your skin especially vulnerable to UV damage. Using Dual Defender SPF 30 will protect and moisturize your skin without clogging pores.

How to prevent summer skin dehydration

The good news? There are two very easy ways to keep skin hydrated:

• Consume plenty of water
• Use products that contain hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000x its weight in water. Find it in SLMD Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, an extremely effective hydrating and moisturizing serum that won’t clog your pores.

Your skin may produce too much oil

It takes a little time for skin to adjust to warmer temperatures — which means that you might be over-producing sebum. Combine that with typical summertime perspiration, plus the increased use of potentially-occlusive SPF products, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for clogged pores.

When you're on-the-go, try a mineral-based powder sunscreen that won't clog pores and absorbs oil (bonus!).

How to keep skin clear during summertime

Dr. Lee has a few favorite clinical ingredients for keeping oil production — and acne — in check during the hotter months.

• Salicylic acid: proven to exfoliate dead cells, this powerful ingredient penetrates into pores to prevent the clogs that lead to breakouts. Find it in SLMD Skincare Salicylic Acid Cleanser — a gentle yet highly effective face wash that’s ideal for everyday use, as well as Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment — a targeted, roll-on formula with intensive blemish healing properties. For body (and maskne prevention), try the fan favorite SLMD Skincare Salicylic Acid Body Spray.
• Benzoyl peroxide: this clinically-proven acne fighter is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as well as its ability to reduce oil levels. SLMD Skincare BP Spot Treatment kills acne-causing bacteria and calms inflammatory acne, while SLMD Skincare BP Body Wash helps keep body blemishes in check. 
• Glycolic acid: a powerful exfoliant that also has hydrating qualities, this AHA is ideal for treating summer skin woes. Try it in SLMD Resurfacing Acne Swipes, pre-loaded pads that exfoliate and brighten with glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids. For the body, try the Body Smoothing System — an exfoliating scrub + intensive moisturizer duo that banishes body roughness and bumps.

How does colder weather affect your skin?

It may seem like just as you’ve gotten into the perfect summer skincare routine, the seasons start changing again. In the fall and winter months, your skin will need to work harder to stay hydrated, as well as amp up its moisture level. Dr. Lee says that adding a couple of extra drops of Hyaluronic Acid Serum and using your Facial Moisturizer diligently should do the trick.

Dr. Lee’s last word

Part of why I created SLMD Skincare was to take the guesswork out of taking care of your skin. While it’s absolutely true that your skin changes with the seasons, I want patients to feel in control of that process. Typically, small adjustments to your routine — as well as making healthy choices to support skin function — is all that you need.

— Dr. Sandra Lee