The lockdown and stay-at-home situation from last year has caused a surge in skincare and wellness rituals. We have become more aware and mindful of the “why” and “how” of the skincare process and products. So what better way to learn about the proper skincare than from a dermatologist?
I reached out to NYC board-certified dermatologist Joyce Davis, M.D., and talked to her about skincare for warmer weather. I asked questions about how to transition the skincare routine for warmer weather and what we should use for the optimal result. Without further ado, let’s see what she has to share with us today!
Transitioning Skincare Routine for Warmer Weather:
SC: What are your top tips on transitioning the skincare routine?
Davis: If you are using something thicker like a cream or an oil, you may want to change to a lighter lotion as we transition to warmer weather. The thicker and heavier skincare products hold the moisture in and become a barrier for your skin. There are different degrees of heaviness, something lighter like a serum is ideal for your face, while a lotion cream or oil is better for your body.
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SC: What kind of products should one look for in warmer months?
Davis: Sunblock is very important for our skin, and you should apply that separately. I would recommend skipping the moisturizer and apply the sunblock under makeup in the warmer months. If you are fair-skinned, you cannot assume you will get enough sunblock from your makeup. Sunblock in your makeup may not be strong enough for your skin type, it may only be SPF 15 in your makeup, and if you have fair skin, you will need a higher SPF like a 40 and 50.
SC Note: Sunscreen is important, no matter what type and color of skin you have. If you have fair-skinned, it means you have less melanin on your skin, and if you are dark-skinned- it means more melanin. Regardless, wear sunscreen every time you go under the sun to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
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SC: Most of the time, due to changing weather, we either get oily skin or dry, itchy skin. How should we prevent it?
Davis: Skin changes depending on the humidity levels. Dry skin occurs when there is no humidity in the atmosphere, which we typically notice in winter. Your skin will make more of its own oil from the heat in the spring and summer. You must adjust the skincare items you use by the season. For the winter months, your skin is dry, so it can take on more product, whereas you cannot add too much product on top of the skin in the spring and summer months.
SC Note: A body scrub can remove the dead skin off your skin and reveal smoother skin underneath. Your skincare products also absorb better when you exfoliate with a body scrub. Here are 5 Body Scrubs That Will Elevate Your Skincare Routine in warmer months.
SC: Last but not least, share some of your most favorite skincare products with us.
Davis: My favorite hand cream is CeraVe therapeutic hand cream because it absorbs quickly without a sticky residue, and it is fragrance-free. I also recommend an easy-to-take supplement like the vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin, and Nails gummy vitamins that includes Vitamin E.
Thanks for the insightful interview, Dr. Davis!
Do you change up your skincare routine in different season? What are your top tips to transition the skincare routine for warmer weather? Comment below!!
About Joyce Davis, M.D.:
Joyce Davis is an NYC board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon and is on Mount Sinai Medical Center’s voluntary faculty, where she teaches dermatology residents at Mount Sinai Union Square. You can find her on Social Media: Facebook and Twitter.

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