A dermatologist is warning about common skincare mistakes that could leave your skin feeling irritated, dry, or damaged this summer.
A combination of intense UV rays, increased humidity, and rising temperatures requires a specific approach to skincare that many people overlook, suggests Dr Christos Kasparis, dermatology specialist at Midland Health.
Dr Kasparis is revealing how to combat common summer skincare mistakes and explaining how refining a daily skincare routine can better protect skin from premature ageing and long-term damage.
Always wear an SPF
“Wearing an SPF every day is the most effective way to prevent premature ageing and skin cancer, yet most people aren’t applying it correctly. Always the last step in your skincare regime, use about a teaspoon’s worth of product on your face, 30 minutes before sun exposure. Ensure you’re reapplying every 2 hours throughout the day and use a higher-factor SPF rather than an SPF moisturiser, which rarely provides enough coverage.
“Reapplying throughout the day at work, summer weddings, on a commute, or on holiday can be quite impractical, but it doesn’t mean you should avoid topping up your SPF. Try sprays or powders to top up instead, which provide less protection, but are much easier to use over creams underneath. “
“If you use high-factor SPF daily and have limited sun exposure, you may want to speak to a pharmacist or GP about whether a vitamin D supplement is appropriate. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels, supporting strong bones, teeth, and muscles. But routinely applying high-SPF has been linked to increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Be serious about sunburn
“When sunburn occurs, it’s crucial to give the burn attention immediately. Cool it with a cold compress or a cool shower and, to soothe the skin and maintain moisture, apply an after-sun lotion or cream containing aloe vera. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort and inflammation. But, crucially, try to avoid sun exposure on the area until it has healed.”
Darker skin still needs sun protection
“It’s a common misconception that people with darker skin are naturally immune to the sun’s effects. However, while higher levels of melanin provide some protection, you can still experience skin damage caused by UV rays. And for people with more melanin, sun exposure can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where skin becomes darker or discoloured following irritation.
“Ultimately, it’s vital to remember that not burning isn’t the same as not needing protection from the sun. Sun damage can lead to premature ageing and long-term cellular issues even without visible burns.”
Use certain ingredients in different seasons
“In summer, especially, it’s important to use retinol, retinoids, BHA, and AHAs minimally. Or, to opt for weaker products. This is because these active ingredients alter the skin’s protective layer, making you more vulnerable to UV rays, sunburn, and pigmentation.
“If you’re adding anything new to your routine over the summer, vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been shown to defend against UV damage and also reduce sunburn. I’d recommend using vitamin C before sunscreen to reduce the appearance of dark spots, which can become more visible over summer.”
