Summer Skin Care: Tips for Healthy, Clear Skin in Hot Weather

3 days ago

4 min read

Thailand is hot all year round, but the summer months from March to mid-year are the hottest and affect the skin the most. Heat raises UV levels, makes the skin sweat more and lowers its moisture. As a dermatologist, this article explains what heat does to our skin, the skin problems most often seen in summer, and how to care for your skin properly according to medical principles, so that your skin stays clear and healthy even in extreme heat.

How Heat and Sunlight Affect the Skin

When temperatures rise and sun exposure increases, the skin faces several problems at once:

Oily skin (Seborrhea): The oil glands become more active, making the skin oilier and more prone to acne than usual.
Sunburn: Strong UV rays cause sunburn that is red, stinging and may peel.
Dark spots and darker skin: Sunlight stimulates melanin production, making skin look dull and dark and leading to more dark spots after sun exposure.
Dry, sensitive skin: Sweat and water loss leave the skin dry, irritated and more prone to allergic reactions.
Faster skin aging: Accumulated UV exposure speeds up wrinkles and premature skin deterioration.

Proper Sun Protection

Using an effective sunscreen is the most important part of summer skin care. Choose and use sunscreen according to these principles:

Adequate protection level: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or above for UVA protection.
The right amount: Apply the equivalent of 1 teaspoon for the face to obtain the stated level of protection.
Apply before going out: Apply in the morning while still indoors, about 15-30 minutes before going into the sun.
Reapply regularly: Reapply every 2 hours when out in the sun to maintain protection.
Add protection with clothing: Wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid going out between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is strongest.

Face Washing and Oil Control in Summer

In summer, the skin's oil glands are more active, so suitable cleansing helps reduce acne and oily skin:

Wash your face properly: Wash your face twice a day with a foaming cleanser (Foaming Cleanser) to remove excess oil.
Do not wash too harshly: Avoid irritating cleansers or scrubbing too hard, as this strips moisture from the skin.
Choose the right moisturizer: If you have acne, choose a water-based gel moisturizer (Water-Based Moisturizer) instead of a heavy cream so that the skin does not become clogged.

Preventing Sunburn and Dark Spots

Strong UV light in summer stimulates more melanin production, making skin dull and causing more dark spots after sun exposure. Care guidelines include:

Pigment-reducing ingredients: Use skincare containing Vitamin C and Niacinamide to help reduce melanin production and brighten the skin.
Be careful with some lightening agents: Avoid using lightening agents containing Hydroquinone on your own without a doctor's advice.
Physical protection: Wear sun-protective clothing and a hat regularly as an essential shield against UV-related dark spots.

Medical Treatments for Sun-Related Skin Problems

For people with long-standing sun-related skin problems, dermatologists offer treatment options that help the skin look better. All of them must be combined with strict sun protection:

Laser/IPL for dark spots: IPL light is used to help reduce dark spots and dullness caused by sun exposure.
Chemical Peel: A chemical peel (Chemical Peel) to exfoliate the skin and reduce dark spots.
Specially formulated creams: Specially formulated creams containing Vitamin C or Tranexamic Acid to help reduce pigment production.

Daily Summer Skin Care Tips

Besides sun protection and keeping the skin clean, these are the basic habits to follow every day in summer:

Drink enough water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep the skin hydrated from within.
Moisturize: Apply moisturizer every morning and evening to maintain moisture.
Avoid the strongest sun: Avoid going out between 10:00 and 16:00 and wear sun-protective clothing.
Watch for warning signs: See a dermatologist if you have a concerning problem, such as severe sunburn, rapid changes in skin color or other unusual symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SPF should I use in summer? Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or above for UVA protection. Apply the equivalent of 1 teaspoon for the face, 15-30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply every 2 hours when out in the sun.

Why do I get more acne and oily skin in summer? Heat stimulates the skin's oil glands to become more active (Seborrhea), making the skin oilier and acne more likely. Washing your face twice a day with a foaming cleanser and choosing a water-based gel moisturizer helps control oiliness without clogging the skin.

How should I care for dark spots caused by summer sun? Use skincare containing Vitamin C and Niacinamide to help reduce melanin production, together with strict sun protection and sun-protective clothing and a hat. In more severe cases, a doctor may use IPL, Chemical Peel or creams containing Tranexamic Acid. Avoid using Hydroquinone on your own without consulting a doctor.

When should I see a dermatologist about summer skin problems? See a doctor if you have severe sunburn, rapid changes in skin color or other concerning skin symptoms, so that you receive an examination and advice suited to your own skin.

The best summer skin care is consistent prevention: sun protection, oil control and moisturizing. If you have bothersome skin problems or they do not improve, you can consult a dermatologist at Siam Dermatology, call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm for appropriate skin care.

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026