Dermatologists Warn: 5 Skincare Products to Avoid This Summer

Dermatologists Warn: 5 Skincare Products to Avoid This Summer

As the scorching summer heat kicks in, a deluge of seasonal skincare products hits the market. Powders promising to banish stickiness, brightening tone-up sunscreens, and hydrating cushion foundations all sound like must-haves for the warmer months. However, the reality in dermatology clinics is often different. We frequently see patients whose skin troubles, like acne, worsen due to excessive product use during summer. In this humid and hot season, it's crucial to be mindful of what you're putting on your skin.

As dermatologists, we want to share 5 skincare products we advise caution with—or even recommend avoiding—during the summer, as a wrong choice can easily exacerbate your skin's condition.

1. Cushion Foundations for Oily or Excess Sebum-Prone Skin

When acne flares up, it's natural to reach for high-coverage makeup to conceal blemishes and marks. Cushion foundations are a popular choice. However, cushion products can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. Repeatedly applying cushion to cover acne and its marks can further clog pores, worsening existing breakouts and intensifying marks. This creates a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, the puffs in cushion foundations are used repeatedly, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Since cushions combine makeup and skincare, it's best to avoid them when your skin becomes oily and shiny due to increased sebum production in summer. Instead, opt for liquid foundations or concealers that are easier to keep hygienic. Remember to clean your cushion puff at least once or twice a week, or replace it frequently.

2. Tone-Up Sunscreens

Tone-up sunscreens, which offer both UV protection and a brightening effect, are popular among those in their 20s and 30s for their lightweight feel. However, we often find that users don't apply enough tone-up sunscreen to provide adequate protection against the intense summer UV rays. Therefore, we don't recommend using tone-up products as your sole UV protection. It's perfectly fine to use a tone-up product after applying a sufficient amount of regular sunscreen.

The same applies to BB or CC creams with SPF. Using them after a proper layer of sunscreen is acceptable, but relying on them alone will significantly compromise your sun protection. Be especially cautious if your tone-up sunscreen feels greasy, as this can clog pores and lead to breakouts, particularly for oily skin types.

3. Strong Hold Makeup Fixers

Makeup fixers are seen as a summer essential to keep makeup long-lasting, especially when sweat and sebum easily melt it away. But beware: the polymers in fixers can mix with sebum and clog pores, potentially causing acne and other skin troubles. It's also crucial to cleanse more thoroughly than usual to ensure no residue is left on your skin.

Additionally, many makeup fixers contain alcohol, which gives a quick-drying, refreshing feel but can dehydrate the skin and irritate sensitive skin. Prolonged use of such products can compromise your skin barrier, leading to flakiness or redness. We recommend using them only when absolutely necessary, not as part of your daily makeup routine.

4. Primers

Primers are applied before makeup to smooth skin texture, blur pores, and improve foundation adhesion and longevity. Their use often increases in summer as sebum production rises, making pores more visible through makeup. However, the silicone compounds in primers can form a film on the skin, potentially blocking pores. If not completely removed during cleansing, this can lead to breakouts like acne. For these reasons, we advise against using primers in summer.

5. Cleansing Oils

Cleansing oils are effective at removing makeup and impurities. While they boast powerful cleansing action to dissolve oily makeup, using oils in summer can be problematic. If they mix with sebum in hot weather and aren't completely removed, they can clog pores.

Moreover, to get rid of the slippery feeling after removing makeup with oil, many tend to use a stronger second cleanser, lathering generously. However, excessive second cleansing can sensitize your skin and damage its protective barrier. Conversely, insufficient rinsing can leave oil residue that clogs pores, leading to acne and whiteheads.

While ingredients like mineral oil and corn germ oil in some cleansing oils are non-comedogenic, others like cocoa butter, corn oil, olive oil, and linseed oil have a higher potential to clog pores (comedogenic) and may be unsuitable for acne-prone skin. Since it's challenging to check every oil ingredient when buying, it's best to discontinue oil-based cleansers if you're prone to breakouts.

So, What's the Best Cleanser for Summer Instead of Cleansing Oil?

• Cleansing Water: Applied with a cotton pad, it feels refreshing and gentle. However, it may not effectively remove heavy waterproof makeup, and the act of rubbing with a cotton pad can irritate very sensitive skin.
• Cleansing Milk/Lotion: These soft, creamy textures are generally good for summer use. Simply massage them onto your skin to remove makeup and then rinse. However, they might struggle with heavy eye makeup, making them ideal for light makeup days.
• Cleansing Balm: Balms offer good cleansing power and are convenient for travel. But because they are solid oils that melt into oil upon skin contact, they can clog pores similarly to cleansing oils, so we don't recommend them for oily skin in summer.

For summer, opt for lighter cleansers. If you wear heavy face makeup, consider using a targeted makeup remover for specific areas like lips and eyes.

As summer approaches, many people experience skin troubles like shininess, sweat, and breakouts, even with their usual makeup routine. While cushion foundations, tone-up sunscreens, makeup fixers, primers, and cleansing oils are frequently linked to common skin issues seen in clinics—leading us to generally advise against them—they can be used effectively without causing problems if applied correctly when truly needed. By adjusting your product choices to suit seasonal changes and your skin's evolving needs, you can certainly help maintain healthy, beautiful skin.