I have the same summer checklist every year: dig out the old shorts in the back of the closet, hydrate better, and switch up my skin-care routine. As a person with super sensitive skin, my daily lineup is pretty short—once I find a product I like, I tend to stick with it. The warmer temperatures can bring with them new skin problems, such as sunburns, sweat and chlorine. And that means it’s time to shift away from the thick creams and ultra-hydrating serums I rely on during winter in favor of lighter, more soothing options that are gentle on my face and body.
A quick note about me: I’ve been a member of the sensitive skin club my entire life. I’ve also dealt with eczema and breakouts as well as the occasional reaction to a new product (which is fun). In order to avoid irritation, I choose lotions and potions with fewer ingredients and no fragrance.
If your skin also goes through it in warmer months, then you might want to avoid or limit your use of ingredients that can make your skin more prone to sunburn, including retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide, Emily Milam, MD, board-certified dermatologist at NYU Langone Dermatologic Associates and assistant professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, tells SELF. You may also want to avoid using scrubs on your face and body, which can be too harsh, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.
In general, when it comes to your summer skin care routine, Dr. Milam recommends following the golden rule: “Keep things simple!” Below are the only seven items I need in my medicine cabinet to become the smoothest, glowiest version of myself all summer long. While my essentials may not work for you (because everyone’s skin is different), I’ve tested them for months—or years, in some cases—and they’re always my first line of defense when I need some relief.
1. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Face Cleanser Spray
Editors love the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties of hypochlorous, which is the main ingredient in this spray. It’s gentle, soothing, and can be used to treat a whole host of conditions, including acne and dandruff, Dr. Zeichner tells SELF.
SkinSmart is something I use twice a week, right after I wash my skin and before I apply my moisturizer. A few spritzes of this doesn’t just feel great, it also helps combat my heat- and sweat-related breakouts and can even make eczema patches feel less itchy. Pro tip: Buy mini bottles and keep them in your bag to get relief quickly on the move.).
2. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
In the summer, “it’s important to maintain adequate skin hydration without weighing down the outer skin layer,” Dr. Zeichner says. Vanicream’s velvety texture and hydrating ingredients combined with its easy-to use tube make it my go-to moisturizer for when the temperatures begin to rise. A pea-sized amount is enough for my entire face and neck—plus, it sinks in quickly and layers well underneath the rest of my skin care and makeup.
3. Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Finding the right sunscreen for sensitive or irritable skin can seem impossible. I highly recommend this one from Good Molecules, which is broad spectrum (to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays) and rated SPF 30 (the minimum factor derms recommend to make sure you’re getting enough protection). It’s easy to rub in and contains hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates and plumps your skin.