A dermatologist debunks common out-of-date myths about summer skincare (but how many do YOU still believe?)
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Longer days and warmer temperatures mean summer is the perfect season for outdoor adventures.
Like at any time of the year it's important to keep your skin healthy and protected, but with so many skincare myths floating around it's not always easy to work out the best approach.
From the ways heat affects your skin to how to use SPF, it's likely you've encountered many of these out-of-date ideas - making it all the more important to listen to experts.
Learning to spot common skincare myths will help you keep your skin healthy and protected this summer and all year round
Developed with and recommended by dermatologists, CeraVe provides science-backed skincare that you can trust to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
To help you stay looking your best, they've partnered with consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari to bust 10 common myths about summer skin. So how many do you still believe?
1. You don't need SPF if it's cloudy
While almost all of us now know the importance of avoiding sunburn, some people still believe wearing SPF is only really necessary when the sun is actually shining.
But this isn't true – ultraviolet (UV) rays are present even on overcast days and can damage your skin cells.
And as Dr Tewari explains, UV rays come in two forms - UVA and UVB – so you need to ensure you are protected against both by wearing SPF everyday, all year round.
'Research has shown that UVA, which is the majority of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches us from the environment, can come through clouds,' she says. 'For this reason, you need a product that not only protects against UVB, but UVA too.'
It's important to wear SPF even on overcast days, where skin-damaging UV rays are still present
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotions with SPF deliver clinically proven hydration while providing broad spectrum protection against both forms of ultraviolet light.
Dr Tewari recommends them as an effortless solution that will make you fall in love with wearing SPF at every time of the year. After all, SPF isn't just a summer fling!
2. You don't need SPF for darker skin
While darker skin contains higher levels of pigment that offers some protection from the sun, it can still burn and needs protecting.
What's more, people with dark skin are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation - where extra melanin production leads to dark spots or patches.
'It is really important that you wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (providing UVB and UVA cover) on darker skin,' says Dr Tewari.
Darker skin contains higher levels of pigment that offers some protection from the sun, but it can still burn and needs protecting
3. SPF and sunscreen causes spots
Getting spots after using SPF may be down to the specific product.
'If you use a product that doesn't suit your skin type or you are allergic to specific ingredients in your sunscreen then you may break out into spots,' Dr Tewari says.
Getting spots may be down to the specific product - and should not put you off using SPF
'Using products that are known to be skin friendly, like CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotions, is a great start to reducing your risk of developing spots.
'They also contain a niacinamide that can help keep blemishes away.'
4. Lips don't get sunburnt
Even people who diligently apply SPF can sometimes overlook their lips in the belief they can't get burnt.
But as Dr Tewari explains: 'Your lips do not contain melanin pigment, which acts as inner protection against the harmful effects of sunshine, so it's important to protect them too.
'If your lips do get sunburnt, please don't panic, as they will recover with ointment based care such as CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment.
'It's important to think about barrier protection with ceramides and hyaluronic acid that will help your lip skin recover.'
Your lips can get sunburnt like the rest of your body - so it's important to protect them too
5. Your skin doesn't need moisturiser when it's warm
Cold, dry conditions during winter are notorious for sucking moisture from your skin – leading some people to believe you no longer need to moisturise when the weather is warmer.
'Heat will cause more transepidermal water loss from the skin, leading to it lose moisture and looking less hydrated,' Dr Tewari says.
'I like using a moisturiser even when it's warm to act as a skin protectant and keep moisture in.'
6. Oily skin doesn't need moisturising
Sebum is an oily substance that helps prevent your skin from drying out. But sometimes your body produces too much, which can lead to pores becoming blocked.
While it may seem counterintuitive, oily skin needs moisturising too – you just need to opt for one that provides your skin with the essential hydration it needs without clogging your pores.
That makes AM Facial Moisturising Lotions, which are non-comedogenic, the perfect choice.
'They will protect the rest of your skin and act as a barrier from environmental dirt and pollution,' says Dr Tewari.
7. Sweating 'clears out' pores
We tend to sweat more in the summer, a process that many people see as beneficial in removing dirt and impurities blocking your pores.
But Dr Tewari adds a note of caution.
It's important to stay hydrated to replenish the moisture in the body that evaporates from your skin when you sweat
'To an extent this is correct and it forms the basis of steam rooms and hydrafacials,' she says.
'But it's important you then use products that close pores for a day or two afterwards.
'That's because pores are more likely to allow dirt and bacteria in when they're open.'
8. Drinking any liquids will help avoid dry skin
Dr Tewari says it's correct that taking on plenty of fluids will help avoid your skin from looking dehydrated and tired – but what you drink is key.
'Data shows that being well hydrated it also proportional to the level of hydration in surface skin cells,' she says.
'But bear in mind hydration means caffeine-free drinks, non-carbonated drinks, water and alcohol-free drinks.'
Dr Tewari says it's correct that taking on plenty of fluids will help avoid your skin from looking dehydrated and tired – as long as you drink water rather than alcohol or caffeinated beverages
9. Your skin gets tired of certain ingredients
Dr Tewari is sceptical about the idea that your skin can get 'tired' of certain active ingredients if you use them over a long period of time.
She says: 'I think your skin needs certain ingredients at certain times.
'Based on personal experience, there's no evidence that using each active for a short period of time then switching is beneficial.'
10. UV exposure is a minor cause of ageing
While pollution and lifestyle factors like stress contribute to skin ageing, it would be wrong to see ultraviolet light from the sun as a minor factor.
'UVB causes the most significant amounts of skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles,' Dr Tewari says.
'UVA travels deeper and is thought to contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, as well as the formation of sunspots and melasma.'
The skincare range that protects you over summer – and all year round
To cut through all the confusing advice out there and find a skincare solution you can trust, it makes sense to follow the experts.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotions are developed with, and recommended, by dermatologists like Dr Angela Tewari to deliver a powerful hit of hydration, replenish your skin's natural barrier AND protect it from UV damage in one single step.
Available in SPF30 and SPF50, they are fast-absorbing, non-greasy and suitable for all skin tones and types. Both options come enriched with three essential ceramides along with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, while SPF50 also contains Vitamin E.
All CeraVe products contain three essential ceramides and help protect the skin's natural barrier
Dr Tewari says: 'AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50/30 contains sunscreen agents that protects against both UVB and UVA.
'It glides onto the skin and absorbs well - making it one of my go-tos.'
For a lightweight moisturiser to apply during the evening, opt for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion.
It will keep your skin hydrated and soothed overnight - ensuring you can wake up looking (and feeling) your best.
And when you and your skin need a little extra boost, Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum will replenish your skin's natural barrier from first use. It's perfect alone, under moisturiser or as a makeup base.
And to moisturise the delicate eye area, opt for Eye Repair Cream - a lightweight formula that will help reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.
