4 summer skin issues, sorted

On days when the humidity is low and the breeze soft, there’s nothing quite like feeling those warm summer rays on your face.
But we’re all smart enough to know that those toasty rays are doing way more harm than good, and not just in terms of your health.
Summer weather can leave your skin susceptible to oiliness and breakouts, redness, dehydration and pigmentation. And let’s not forget about the whole sunburn thing.
So here’s how to tackle those pesky summer skin issues.
PIGMENTATION
Why it’s a problem in summer:
Even with the proper care and protection (read: sunscreen with high SPF), the sun can cause pigmentation problems, especially if you’re prone to dark spots and discolouration. See, the sun causes melanin to be produced, which results in freckles and spots. And the more time you spend in the sun, the more likely you are to have pigmentation pop up. The heat can also cause inflammation, another thing that increases melanin activity.
How you can solve it:
Up the ante on certain ingredients that’ll work to even out your skin tone and brighten your complexion. Vitamin C is a big one – it can help to fade those annoying spots (don’t worry, not like a bleach), and leave your skin looking more even and radiant.
Products to stock up on:

NeoStrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum
Ella Baché Radiance C Ampoules
La Mav Vitamin-C Brightening Serum
Environ Evenescence C-Boost
DEHYDRATION
Why it’s a problem in summer:
Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and when you factor in the heat, humidity and intense UV rays of summer, your skin is in danger of becoming very dehydrated and not-so-healthy. Plus, you’re probably sweating more than usual and spending tons of time in air-conditioned rooms. Those contribute to dry, dehydrated skin, too.
How you can solve it:
Get your mitts on the most nourishing products you can find, along with ones that work hard to maintain moisture. Look for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or hyaluronic acid, as they’re all incredibly nourishing and work to hydrate skin for longer. It’s also a good idea to keep a hydrating mist or spray on hand to give your skin an extra dose of nourishment during the day.
Products to stock up on:
Dr LeWinn’s Multi-Moisture Multi-Use Balm
Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar
Mary Kay® Extra Emollient Night Cream
Uriage Thermal Water Spray
REDNESS
Why it’s a problem in summer:
If you suffer from rosacea and redness or your skin flares up at even the slightest hint of irritation, then it’ll pay off to be prepared in summer. The soaring temperatures can trigger a reaction and leave those with sensitive skin feeling a little tender and irritated.
How you can solve it:
Make a beeline for products that are kind to sensitive skin, as certain chemicals and ingredients may exacerbate the problem. It’s also clever to use products with UVA and UVB protection, and look for ingredients like green tea extract to soothe irritated skin and vitamin E to protect it.
Products to stock up on:

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense
Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist
Paula’s Choice Clinical Instant Calm Advanced Redness Relief
Dermalogica UltraCalming Redness Relief SPF20
SUNBURN
Why it’s a problem in summer:
Even the most diligent sunscreen-appliers among us have suffered from a little sunburn in summer. Not only is sunburn a bit dangerous, but it’s also quite uncomfortable, painful and dehydrating. Plus, if the burn is bad enough (and you haven’t cared for it properly), it can lead to flaking and peeling. No, thanks!
How you can solve it:
When it comes to sunburn, you’ll want to soothe the area, reduce the heat of your skin, and slather on the moisturiser. Aloe vera and vitamin E are excellent ingredients for soothing and healing skin.
Products to stock up on:

Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream
Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel
Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera
Yes To Cucumbers Calm Care Soothing Facial Mask
What are your biggest skin issues in summer? Do you have suggestions for how to treat them?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...
Summer dos and don'ts |
How to save your face this summer |
Celebrity summer skin secrets |
How to prevent air-conditioning drying out your skin in summer |
4 summer skin irritations solved |
How to reduce summer sun damage |
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
36 Member Comments
These are my top choices too. I really love my SPF.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Pigmentation is such a pain
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Definitely pigmentation and red marks!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Getting freckles and pigmentation. Need to combat them
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Mine is definitely dry skin!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Also since nearing 40 I need more hydration, best worked for me Dr. Hauscha day cream, with Vit E oil (make sure to find natural one not synthetic) I put in the evenings especially under eyes, so my smile lines do not turn into permanent wrinkles. I am still wrinkle free :D
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have melasma (pigmentation on my forehead, upper lip) from the sun and hormone changes, so the only thing that lightened it up was hydroquinone 5% (not healthy, but nothing else worked, not even vit C), and i will use Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy now. After just wear hat so no more pigmentation
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thank you for this article, very interesting
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Nice products here.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have a bit of all these issues atm, definitely need to give my skin a bit more attention!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like to try to stay hydrated in summer. A great moisturiser and loads of water is what I try to do.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use banana boat's aloe vera gel for burns and Neutrogena sunscreen. I want to try the suntivity oil free sunscreen once I finish up my Neutrogena one.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I always have aloe vera gel and petroleum-free paw paw at home for a variety of skin conditions.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
The Ella bache brightening serum looks nice
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love using Sukin Aloe Vera gel on my sun burn.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Redness is my biggest problem with the heat as well as sweating and feeling clammy in this humid weather.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Just got the Hydroboost gel today after reading such good reviews on bh, can't wait to try it out.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
dehydrated limbs for sure!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I find Aloe Vera is fantastic if you get sunburnt. You forget that when sitting under a tree you can still get sunburnt. I also find that even if I am sitting in full shade (and have only gone out the door-not in the sun at all) sometimes when the wind is hot I also get red, sometimes sore as well.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Pigmentation and sunburn are my main issues. Sunscreen everyday and the serums :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm so happy! I got a sample of Neutrogena's hydro boost! It's so good for dehydration so I'm all set for the rest of summer!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My skin in summer just looks bleugh because that's how I feel. Hot, red, sweaty & ticked off.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have been lucky enough to try 3 or 4 of these products, pigmentation is a problem for me.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0