I'm a dermatologist--here's everything I use to survive summer skin woes.
Because summer should be fun! Chafing, sweating, and bug bites? NOT FUN.
I am Team Summer over winter, without a doubt.
However, the thing that makes me question my seasonal allegiance is all of the skin woes come with the onset of the heat. Winter dermatologic issues are fairly focused, but summer brings a myriad of outside factors with which to contend. There is, of course, the sun itself, but also, sweat. And chafing. And breakouts. And bugs! Ohhhhh the bugs.
So before we get into the full swing of summer, here are my best dermatologist tools and tricks for combatting the summer skin nasties!
1. The Sweat and Stank
I am a sweaty person. Always have been, probably always will be. And I’m not one of those people who sweats and doesn’t smell. To spare you the TMI, trust that I have used ALL of the deodorants and antiperspirants, so I have a lot to share on this matter (apart from my professional expertise!).
If you aren’t aware, the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant is that antiperspirant is aimed at reducing sweat, whereas deodorant will only help with smell. Antiperspirants contain aluminum, which works by blocking up the sweat ducts to reduce the amount of sweat released from the area of application. Contrary to popular belief, aluminum-containing antiperspirants do NOT cause breast cancer. Antiperspirants can actually work better if they are applied at night, because the aluminum can work its way into our sweat ducts while our body temps are lower and our sweat glands are less active.
Deodorants are only aimed at reducing stink. Many contain ingredients that may help to absorb some sweat, such as cornstarch , but otherwise aren’t going to do anything to reduce sweating. Many “natural” deodorants have been marketed as safer alternatives to typical deodorants, but in my experience, I see many more problems from natural deodorants than I do from typical antiperspirants. A lot of these products are formulated with baking soda and essential oils for fragrance, which can actually very irritating to the skin. In addition, many contain coconut oil to aid in glide of the product, which can really clog up the pores and sweat ducts under the arms, leading to pimples and even cysts.
I personally will alternate between deodorant and antiperspirant because 1) I have found that alternating products helps to keep my stink at bay, and 2) I hate the yellowing effect of antiperspirants on my white clothing (fun fact: it is the aluminum, and not your sweat, that causes yellowing of white fabrics!).
Right now, I am using good old Secret antiperspirant, mainly because I got it for free, but also, it’s working really well at the moment! Last summer I used Mitchum’s unscented gel, and this deodorant (use DERMVIEWS20 for 20% off!!) for touch ups, and is the best feeling/least messy of the more natural products that I’ve tried. I have also loved this fancier antiperspirant that smells great and is a cult favorite amongst the sweaty. Salt and Stone makes seriously great scents, but it gets a little goopy and has left product on my black tanks and even some handbags, very much in the manner of zinc sunscreen (curse you!).
Other things I recommend for combatting The Stank are antibacterial soaps. I personally love hypochlorous acid-based products because they kill bacteria and fungi without being harsh on the skin OR bleaching fabric (and in fact, can help with eczema!). CLn’s body wash is a favorite of mine, but the sprays are great too—I have this* and this on hand currently, both are great.
2. The Chafe
Chafing and I became well-acquainted during my first pregnancy. My hips, butt, and thighs expanded far faster than my stomach in the early months, and after a warm, 10,000+ step spring day in Philly, I remember sitting down to dinner and feeling like my thighs were on literal FIRE.
Since then, chafe products have been a part of my summer arsenal, and are an absolute necessity if I dare to walk while wearing a skirt or dress. Megababe’s chafe stick glides on nicely and is easy to carry around, and works on thighs and under boobs. Powders can also be helpful, especially for the underboob area. The other option? Shorts. I have a few pairs of lightweight undershorts to keep my thighs from rubbing together.
If the chafe has already taken you, I love a zinc oxide-based cream to soothe and repair the angry skin. If you have diaper-aged kids, diaper paste works like a charm (even though it’s messy). Otherwise, I love this one.
3. The Breakouts
Sweat, dirt, and sunscreen can all clog up the pores and cause acne and folliculitis. Non-breathable fabrics like swimsuits and athletic gear will only add to this problem. My suggestion? Get out of your sweaty/wet stuff as soon as you can to help prevent the breakouts, and wash with an antibacterial cleanser, like CLn’s, or salicylic acid cleanser to disinfect and declog1. If you can’t get out of your stuff right away, hypochlorous acid sprays are great to have on hand, so you can spray your breakout-prone areas down as needed.
4. The Burns
Look, sunburns will happen. Soothing the burned skin is about symptom relief and decreasing inflammation as much as possible. Theoretically, skin barrier products will help to protect and repair the damaged skin, but will sometimes feel like they are trapping heat and make the affected area more uncomfortable. Cool compresses are key, anti-inflammatory meds can help, and any skin soother you can keep in the fridge will help to ease the discomfort. I love a good aloe gel, and the Cicalfate can help here too. Lightweight, gel-based moisturizers will help with the dryness and peeling after (don’t peel the skin!! it’s so tempting, but don’t do it).
Once the damage is done, that skin will be more fragile and sensitive and will need extra protection from the sun to prevent further damage. This is a great time for UPF clothing…
5. The Blisters
New sandals and sweaty feet are a perfect storm for blisters. Chafe sticks are great because they can do double-duty and work as a glide for sticky sandal straps. Powders can also help to keep feet dry and prevent friction. Lastly, a well-placed bandage can either prevent the blister from happening, or protect the already blistered bits. I honestly feel like I should own stock in these bandages—they’re cute, they stay on, and I use the tins as tiny first aid kits when they’re empty.
6. The Bug Bites
We are mosquito magnets in my family. As the kid whose summer vacations were often tainted, if not maimed, by the number of bug bites sustained, I of course procreated with someone even more sensitive to bites than myself, making our children the sweetest known treats to bugs in the land.
The best defense against bites is a good offense, which means bug spray. Picardin and DEET-containing sprays are more effective than the essential oil based ones, and are better for tick protection as well.2 If you are super sensitive and super susceptible to bites, I recommend taking a non-drowsy antihistamine throughout the summer. It can help to prevent those big, hive-y extreme bite reactions.
If you do get a bite, try to get some 1% hydrocortisone on it ASAP, and use 2-3 times a day until it’s calm3 . It will help to decrease the inflammation and itch. That fridge-based aloe and cool compresses are also great for combatting the itch. Avoid heat and hot water—this may feel good in the moment, but will only amplify the itch in the end! To prevent scratching, hydrocolloid pimple patches like these will help with healing and keep hands away!
7. The Dryness
One of the paradoxical things about summer is that, for all the oiliness and sweatiness, this is also a peak season for dry skin and irritation. Chlorine, sun, and sunscreen can all lead to dry, irritated skin, and thick moisturizers are probably the LAST thing you want to put on after being in the heat.
This time of year, I like an oil-based cleanser when my skin is feeling especially parched and irritated from all of the elements. These are also great for getting every last bit of zinc out of your skin if you’re using a mineral-based sunscreen. I like balm cleanser* for the face, but an oil cleanser works too! I’m also using this shower gel oil that smells so dreamy!
This is also the time for gel-based moisturizers and light lotions to shine. I love this serum and lotion for moisture that doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy. Also, everyone's favorite stone comes in an after sun version that I may be adding to my cart…
Of course, sun protection should be top of mind at this time of year as well, but you already knew that, right? 😎
What are your biggest summer skin woes? Are you Team Summer or Team Winter? What’s your favorite deodorant/antiperspirant? Let’s discuss!
This advice also applies to kids and teens, especially if they’re sporty and dealing with acne!
A reminder that tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease are no joke. If a deer tick is attached for more than 72 hours, you should see your doctor for a prophylactic dose of doxycycline!
Hydrocortisone is a low-potency topical steroid, and it’s recommended that you only use it for 15 days per month to the same area to avoid side effects like skin thinning and skin discoloration.
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Never have I ever considered alternating deodorant and antiperspirant!!! Always teaching me new things!!!
Ok wow I learned something new about deodorants. Last summer I stoped antiperspirants deodorant because of the fear of breast cancer but I hate the feeling of wetness. So I alternate between deodorant and antiperspirant and it does work, sometimes I even mix them together. The tip of using them in the night, that’s a great idea. But then don you re-apply it in the day?