Living / 30 June, 2025 / Ellie Thompson
When summer arrives, your skin faces various challenges, including heat, humidity, UV exposure, and sweat. And while many people think they’re doing the right thing, experts say some habits could be quietly damaging your skin.
Dermatologists from Aventus Clinic reveal the most common summer skincare mistakes and offer suggestions on how to correct them.
Skipping or Misapplying Sunscreen
Number one on our list of common summer skincare mistakes is sunscreen. Or lack of it.
Many people still don’t use enough sunscreen or apply it only once a day, typically in the morning. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Ears, neck, hands, lips and scalp are often forgotten, but are highly vulnerable to sun damage.
Fix: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Apply two finger-lengths of sunscreen to your face, covering all exposed areas. Don’t forget to reapply regularly throughout the day.
Overwashing Your Face
In the summer, it’s tempting to wash your face more often to feel fresh. But overwashing, especially with harsh soaps, can strip your skin of essential oils. This leads to increased dryness or even more oil production as your skin tries to compensate.
Fix: Wash your face no more than twice a day with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Use lukewarm water and avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight afterwards.
Ditching Your Moisturiser
A common myth is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. Skipping it can actually cause dehydration and irritation. Even in hot weather, your skin still needs hydration to maintain a healthy barrier.
Fix: Switch to a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser or gel. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
Over- or Under-Exfoliating
Some people stop exfoliating in summer to avoid irritation, while others overdo it to deal with sweat and oil. Either extreme can damage your skin barrier, leaving it dry, irritated or more prone to breakouts.
Fix: Exfoliate 1–2 times per week using a gentle AHA or BHA. Avoid exfoliating right before sun exposure.
Using Photosensitive Ingredients During the Day
Some skincare ingredients, such as retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Using them during the day without sun protection can increase the risk of sunburn, irritation and long-term damage.
Fix: Use these actives only at night. In the morning, pair your SPF with antioxidants like vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals.
Forgetting Post-Sun Soothing
Another classic common summer skincare mistake. After a day in the sun, many people just rinse off and go about their evening. But your skin may still be inflamed or dehydrated. Failing to follow post-sun care can slow recovery and exacerbate sun damage over time.
Fix: After sun exposure, cleanse gently and apply calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile or niacinamide. Keep skin cool and hydrated.
Neglecting Lips, Ears, and Feet
Most people forget to apply SPF to the lips, feet, ears and scalp. Yet these areas are among the most sun-sensitive and burn-prone.
Fix: Use a lip balm with SPF, apply sunscreen to ears and feet and consider using a spray sunscreen on your scalp or wearing a hat.
Wearing Heavy Makeup
Foundation and powder can trap sweat, clog pores and make skin feel suffocated in the heat. In summer, less is more when it comes to makeup.
Fix: Choose lighter products like tinted SPF, mineral BB creams or water-based concealers. Use blotting papers instead of reapplying powder.
Forgetting Internal Hydration
Dehydrated skin isn’t just a result of heat or sun. Not drinking enough water shows up on your face as dryness, dullness, and increased oil production.
Fix: Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors or exercising. Eat water-rich foods like cucumber, berries and watermelon. Use a hydrating serum to seal in moisture topically.
Expert Takeaway
“Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your skin needs less care – it just needs different care,” say skincare professionals at Aventus Clinic.
Maintaining hydration, sun protection, and barrier health are the top priorities during hot, sunny months. The key is to adjust your routine without abandoning it.”
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