Sweltering summer days are right around the corner, don't get caught with the wrong regimen of products.

As May unfolds with unseasonably cold temperatures, it's easy to forget that summer is just around the corner. The days are stretching longer without warming up, but the warm weather of a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/albanian-beaches-visit-ksamil-albania" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tropical getaway is just around the corner</a>. Trust us: before you know it, it's going to get extremely hot. Don't get caught <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/ultimate-beach-bag-must-haves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sweltering in the summer sun</a>, and rethink your beauty regimen for the impending heat.&nbsp;
We get it, you might be tempted to stick to your <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-winter-skincare-dry-skin-moisturizer-expert-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tried-and-true winter routine</a>. Perhaps you're contemplating just skipping the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-face-oil-gua-sha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">facial oil</a> and calling it a day. After all, heat shouldn't make that big of a difference, right? Wrong. That could be your first misstep for your skin as the heat ramps up. Just as there are essential beauty products you should be using for the summer (like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/best-sunscreens-summer-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sunscreen</a>, obviously), there are also some you should not use or, at the very least, avoid. And that's most especially the case if you're planning on basking in the sun and aiming for that <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-spray-tan-spray-streak-free-summer-glow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sought-after tan</a>. Still, whether you&rsquo;re staying in the city or jetting off to the tropics, adapting your beauty regimen to the season's demands is key to keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and protected. But don't panic amid all the overwhelming new information! L'OFFICIEL's beauty editors have your back when it comes to navigating your summer beauty routine.

Let's start with the most important one: <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/the-best-retinol-serums-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retinol</a>. Skincare products that contain retinoids like retinol and tretinoin are powerhouse products for a number of benefits such as brightening skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, and fading acne scars. However, you should not use them during the summer or any time you're planning on being under the sun for extended periods of time. Retinoids can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and sun damage. So, for the warmer months, it's best to switch to milder alternatives like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/hyaluronic-acid-serums" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyaluronic acid</a> or <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/benefits-of-ceramides-skincare-routine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceramides</a> to ensure your skin stays protected.&nbsp;

Heavy, Full-Coverage Foundations and Concealers

This might be a tough one, but you should <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/frothing-makeup-foundation-tiktok-beauty-trend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid full-coverage foundations and concealers</a> during the summer. They might seem like the perfect solution for achieving flawless skin, but they can be a problematic choice when exposed to sunlight. These products often contain thick formulas that can clog pores and trap sweat, leading to acne breakouts, irritation, and skin congestion in the heat. Plus, because they're high coverage, they can create a barrier on the skin's surface, inhibiting its ability to breathe and regulate temperature effectively. When combined with sun exposure, full-coverage base products can exacerbate the risk of clogged pores and heat rash. Instead, we recommend opting for lighter, breathable alternatives like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/tinted-moisturizers-for-oily-skin-to-shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tinted moisturizers</a>, BB creams, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/hourglass-concealer-to-hide-dark-circles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lightweight concealers</a>. And if you can find <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-foundations-with-spf-sunscreen-ilia-armani-milk-makeup-nars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some with built-in SPF</a>, that would be better.&nbsp;

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@glowrecipe.

Acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, and salicylic acid are potent ingredients loved for their ability to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/exfoliating-acid-deodorant-hack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exfoliate</a>, renew, and brighten the skin. However, using these acids in direct sunlight can significantly increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, heightening the risk of sunburn and sun damage. Because these acids work by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, they leave the skin more vulnerable to UV penetration. Of course, that's not so much a problem during the winter. But, when exposed to sunlight without proper protection, these ingredients can make the skin prone to irritation, inflammation, and even <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/how-to-treat-hyperpigmentation-dark-spots-skincare" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyperpigmentation</a>. Not to worry, that doesn't mean you can't use them all summer. That just means you should minimize the use to two to three times a week and only incorporate them into your nighttime skincare routine.&nbsp;

Well, technically, this one won't harm your eyelashes or skin. Still, if you haven't already learned from experience, using non-waterproof <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/best-mascaras-luxury-shopping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mascara</a> in the summer can quickly turn into a beauty faux pas. As temperatures rise and humidity levels soar, sweat and moisture can easily cause regular mascara formulas to smudge, smear, and even run, leading to panda eyes and an overall messy look. Waterproof mascara, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier around lashes that resists moisture and humidity, ensuring your eye makeup stays intact all day long. So, for the summer, we definitely recommend making the switch so you don't have to worry about smudges or smears, even on the hottest days.&nbsp;

Bergamot Oil, Lemon Oil, and Orange Oil... and all Citrus Essential Oils, Really

Then there's the most shocking one. While citrus oils can offer brightening and refreshing properties, they also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. These oils contain compounds that make the skin more susceptible to phototoxic reactions when exposed to UV rays, potentially leading to sunburn, blistering, and hyperpigmentation. So, it's best to steer clear of skincare products containing citrus oils during the summer.&nbsp;

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@rhode.

Just like exfoliating acids, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) have exfoliating properties that are harmful to use if exposed to the sun. Because they promote quick cell turnover, they leave the skin more vulnerable to UV damage. So, it's best to avoid products containing these acids during the summer or to use them sparingly and follow up with ample sunscreen.&nbsp;

6 Beauty Products to Avoid in the Sun

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