6 Most Common Beauty Mistakes You’re Making in the Summer—and How to Fix Them

I’ve been writing for nearly 12 years. In the span of my decade-plus career, I’ve flexed my reporting skills while interviewing Hollywood stars, street fashion designers, clinical psychologists, and even governmental officials on a wide range of topics and interests, ranging from global health crises to astrological compatibility. One of my favorite areas to cover, though (outside of travel, of course) is beauty—whether it’s breaking down which waterproof, smudge-free mascara is worth the buy or investigating the potential benefits of red light therapy.

Luckily, as a frequent flier who loves makeup and has a dedicated skincare routine, travel and beauty do intersect at times. With summer around the corner and plenty of beach visits on my horizon, I decided to get the inside scoop on what summer beauty mistakes I should avoid this travel season. In order to do just that, I tapped board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, along with Dr. Ainah U. Tan, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Duly Health and Care.

Curious to see what beauty mistakes they see most during the summer? Then, see the products they recommend using to avoid them, including SPF-infused lip balms and glow-boosting serums starting at just $5. 

Best Dermatologist-approved Travel Beauty Product Deals 

Mistake: Not wearing enough sunscreen

Derm tip: Sneak more SPF into your routine

The No. 1 summer beauty mistake Dr. Kung and Dr. Tan see? Not wearing enough sunscreen, and forgetting to reapply it throughout the day. Reapply SPF every two to three hours if you’re outside, and if your summer travel plans involve lounging poolside or at the beach, bump it up to every 90 minutes, she adds.

“People often underestimate the intensity of the summer sun reflecting off the sand, water, ground, and windows,” according to Dr. Kung, who says that applying sunscreen too thinly, missing the ears, neck, and feet, and forgetting to lather up with SPF post-swim are some of the more common sunburn culprits. 

Both Dr. Tan and Dr. Kung swear by mineral-based sunscreens for blocking UVA and UVB rays; two of Dr. Kung’s favorites include the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk. Dr. Tan added: “Look for zinc or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.”

To help you stay on top of your SPF application, Dr. Tan also suggests using more than one product that provides sun protection. SPF-infused setting sprays, mineral setting powders, and gel sticks are all genius ways to do so: “For convenience throughout the day, especially when you’re on the go, Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen is a great option.” 

Mistake: Using harsh exfoliants

Derm tip: Switch to gentler brightening agents

Abrasive face scrubs and chemical peels can help slough off dead skin, but if used too frequently, especially on sensitive skin, they can harm the skin’s barrier, leaving your skin raw, irritated, and more prone to sunburns and hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Kung. 

Dr. Tan recommends a high-quality vitamin C serum as a milder alternative to treating dullness and discoloration. The antioxidant is less harsh than other chemical exfoliants, and it can even help protect cells from damage caused by UV-induced free radicals. Just be sure to layer plenty of SPF on top. 

Dr. Tan specifically loves the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum. The powerful treatment contains 15 percent vitamin C, skin lipid-replenishing vitamin E, and ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant that further neutralizes free radicals. “It’s effective in fading sun spots and leaves the skin feeling really smooth.” For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider this La Roche-Posay Vitamin C serum, which is $45. While it has a slightly lower concentration of vitamin C and doesn’t contain ferulic acid, it still helps to promote a radiant complexion, and the fragrance-free formula contains hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.

Dr. Tan recommends you also add an antioxidant serum to your regimen if you’re looking for another way to bolster your skin-brightening routine: “Glytone makes an excellent one that helps combat the oxidative damage caused by UV exposure.”

The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants. Dr. Kung said that even those gentle exfoliants can make skin sensitive to sun exposure. “If you use them, do so sparingly at night, and be meticulous with sun protection the following day,” she suggested, adding that gentler enzymatic exfoliants during the summer are also a great alternative to harsh peels and scrubs.

Mistake: Letting sweat and oil accumulate on your skin

Derm tip: Keeping your face properly cleansed

Summer activities naturally cause us to sweat more, leading to an increase in oil production. And, the unpredictable environmental factors involved with travel, like increased exposure to pollution and germs, can further antagonize acne-prone skin.  

To prevent clogged pores and blemish flare-ups while traveling this season, be sure to add a gentle yet effective facial cleanser to your toiletry bag. “Choose mild, non-stripping cleansers to remove sweat, oil, and sunscreen without disrupting the skin barrier,” suggested Dr. Kung, who recommends cream cleansers, foam cleansers, and micellar water.  

For consistently clean skin on your summer travels, Dr. Tan recommends kicking off your morning routine with a gentle cleanser (both she and Dr. Kung love the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser) before applying your other skincare products and makeup. Once you’re ready to turn in for the night, give your skin another cleaning (after removing makeup, if you’re wearing it) before diving into your nighttime regimen.

Mistake: Wearing retinoids in the sun

Derm tip: Switch to nighttime application and layer with SPF

Retinoids have become increasingly popular for their ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and even fade aging spots and acne scars. While dermatologists love retinoids for stimulating collagen production, the experts warn they should be used in a particular way, especially in the summer.

Dr. Tan said that both over-the-counter retinol formulas and prescription-strength products, like retin-A and tretinoin, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the likelihood of redness, irritation, and burns. This is because “retinoids increase skin cell turnover,” Dr. Kung explained, noting that this results in newer, more vulnerable skin cells to emerge. 

Does that mean you have to ditch your favorite anti-aging products altogether? Not exactly. “I don’t typically advise people to stop using them altogether,” Dr. Tan explained, “but I do emphasize the importance of being diligent about sun protection when using retinoids.” Dr. Kung echoes this, adding that diligent SPF application is “crucial” in order to prevent retinoid-related sun damage. 

Another way to protect your skin from retinol-induced sunburns while traveling is by only using retinol during your nightly regimen. Dr. Tan continued, “If you’re using anti-aging products like retinoids, those are best applied at nighttime.”

Mistake: Forgetting to protect your lips

Derm tip: Switch to SPF balms

Read my lips. Your pout needs sun protection, too. 

“The lips are particularly vulnerable to sun damage and can easily burn,” says Dr. Kung, who noted that neglecting SPF on the lips is one of the more common summer beauty mistakes she sees. This season, treat lip sunscreen as a non-negotiable, because according to Dr. Kung, it is one. 

One option Dr. Kung loves is EltaMD’s UV SPF 36 Lip Balm. It’s paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes of wear, keeping lips hydrated and protected. For a budget-friendly alternative, she recommends the shea butter-infused Aquaphor SPF 30 lip ointment, which is formulated to help soothe dry, chapped lips. 

Mistake: Using thick, greasy moisturizers 

Derm tip: Go for lightweight solutions

Unless you have extremely dry skin, eczema, or live in a particularly dry climate, save your rich face creams and body butters for the winter. Thicker formulas can clog pores when combined with hot or humid weather and sweat.

“While beneficial for dry skin in cooler months,” Dr. Kung began, “they can feel heavy and greasy in the summer heat and humidity, potentially contributing to acne breakouts.” 

Instead, Dr. Kung recommends lighter, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores, “like lotions, gels, or serums containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and ceramides.” These skin-loving ingredients provide the plumping hydration your skin is craving without weighing it down or promoting excess oil production. 

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