Skip to main content
"Kim Kardashian at the 4th Annual Academy Museum Gala"
Demi Moore at the Fatherland premiere event.
Long haircut being styled in a salon setting

Beauty

Beauty Experts Reveal The Skincare Products You Should Use Less Often In Warm Weather

June 7, 2026 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

Just as you swap out sweaters for sundresses and boots for sandals when the weather warms up, your skincare and makeup routine deserves a seasonal refresh, too. The products that kept your skin comfortable and protected during the colder months may suddenly feel too rich, heavy, or pore-clogging once summer’s heat and humidity arrive. As temperatures rise, your skin’s needs can change dramatically, making it important to reassess the products you use every day.

Summer is the perfect time to streamline your routine and make room for lighter, more breathable makeup formulas that help keep skin looking fresh, balanced, and radiant. Here are four skincare products worth reconsidering this summer if gorgeous, healthy-looking skin is your goal.

house unit img
The Difference Between Dragging Through Your Day And Feeling Great On Your Feet? These Arch Support Insoles
heavy-occlusive-moisturizer

1. Heavy Occlusive Moisturizers


Rich, occlusive moisturizers (like Vaseline and Aquaphor) are often a lifesaver during winter, when cold air and indoor heating can leave skin parched and depleted. But in the summer, these thick formulas can feel greasy and may trap sweat, oil, and debris against the skin. For many people, that can lead to clogged pores, congestion, and breakouts. Switching to a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer can help keep skin hydrated without weighing it down during hot, humid weather.

physical-exfoliants

2. Rough Physical Exfoliants


Scrubs that rely on large, gritty particles may leave skin feeling smooth initially, but they can also create small microtears in the skin and increase irritation—especially during the summer when skin is already exposed to more sun, heat, and sweat. Over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and dryness. During warmer months, gentler exfoliation methods, like mild chemical exfoliants or soft cleansing tools, can help maintain a healthy glow without causing unnecessary stress to the skin.

full-coverage-foundation

3. Full-Coverage Foundation


Heavy, full-coverage foundation can feel uncomfortable when temperatures climb and humidity levels rise. Thick formulas are more likely to mix with sweat and oil throughout the day, which can lead to caking, creasing, and clogged pores. Summer is a great time to switch to lighter tinted moisturizers, skin tints, or sheer foundations that let your skin breathe.

retinol

4. Retinol Without Sunscreen


Retinol remains one of the most effective ingredients for improving skin texture, fine lines, and uneven tone, but it can also make skin more sensitive to the sun. During summer, when UV exposure is typically higher and people spend more time outdoors, using retinol without diligently applying sunscreen can increase the risk of sunburn, irritation, and hyperpigmentation. If retinol is part of your routine, make sure you pair it with a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

"Eyeliner technique that may be aging you"
"Bone broth in a cup with a woman showing firm skin"
"Dark chocolate displayed with health benefits"
"Hair cut in a salon setting"
"Dove Cameron with mermaid makeup by Kaleteter"
"Scalp and hair services being performed"
"Close-up of a middle-aged woman touching her face"
"Eva Longoria showcasing espresso brunette hair"
"Woman applying lip liner"
"Gua sha tool for facial massage"
"Woman getting a haircut"
"Healthy meal with leafy greens, eggs, and steak"
"Sugar foods with a woman concerned about wrinkles"
"Woman receiving botox treatment focusing on crow's feet"
"Flat ironing a pixie cut hairstyle"
"Woman sleeping peacefully"
"Woman relaxing with a skincare routine"
"Jennifer Lopez comparing middle part and side part hairstyles"
"Trendy bare nails showcased on Instagram"
"CVS collagen peptides product display"
Aging eyeliner technique demonstrated via Instagram
Bone broth benefits with woman showcasing firm skin
Enjoying dark chocolate for skin and health benefits
Haircut taking place in a vibrant salon setting
Dove Cameron's mermaid makeup look by artist
Scalp and hair services for healthy hair care
Close-up of a middle-aged woman touching her face
Eva Longoria's rich espresso brunette hair color
Woman applying lip liner for defined lips
Gua sha tool used for facial massage and lifting
Man getting a stylish haircut at a barber shop.
Woman enjoying a healthy meal with leafy greens, eggs, and steak.
Woman concerned about wrinkles while surrounded by sugary foods.
Close-up of a woman receiving Botox treatment for crow's feet.
Styling a pixie cut with a flat iron for a sleek look.
Woman peacefully sleeping in a cozy bedroom setting.
Image of a celebrity in a glamorous pose at a photoshoot.

Beauty

Looksmaxxing is still very much a thing, but for summer ...

Comparison of Jennifer Lopez's middle part and Angelina Jolie's side part hairstyle.
Trendy bare nail designs featured on Instagram by Raelondonnails.
Packaging of CVS collagen peptides for skin health and beauty.