6 beauty products to avoid in the sun

During the hot summer days, don't get caught up in using the wrong products.

Retinol

Let’s start with the most important one: retinol. Skincare products containing retinoids like retinol and tretinoin are known for their many benefits, including brightening the skin, reducing pigmentation, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, and fading acne scars. However, you shouldn’t use them in the summer or any time you plan to be in the sun for long periods of time. Retinoids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and sun damage. So in the warmer months, it’s best to switch to gentler alternatives like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to ensure your skin stays protected.

Thick, full coverage foundation and concealer

This may be a tough one, but you should avoid full-coverage foundations and concealers in the summer. They may seem like the perfect solution to flawless skin, but they can be problematic when exposed to the sun. These products often contain thick formulas that can clog pores and trap sweat, leading to breakouts, irritation, and congestion in hot weather. Additionally, because they are so opaque, they can create a barrier on the skin's surface, inhibiting its ability to breathe and regulate temperature effectively. Combined with sun exposure, full-coverage foundations can exacerbate the risk of clogged pores and heat rash. Instead, opt for lighter, more breathable alternatives like tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and lightweight concealers. And if you can find one with built-in SPF, all the better.

Exfoliating acid

Acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, and salicylic acid are powerful ingredients that are loved for their ability to exfoliate, renew, and brighten the skin. However, using these acids in direct sunlight can significantly increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn and sun damage. Because these acids work by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, they leave your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. Of course, that's not such a big deal in the winter. However, when exposed to the sun without proper protection, these ingredients can leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, and even hyperpigmentation. Don't worry, that doesn't mean you can't use them all summer long. It just means you should minimize their use to 2-3 times a week and only incorporate them into your nighttime skincare routine.

Waterproof mascara

Technically, this won’t harm your lashes or skin. However, if you haven’t learned your lesson, using waterproof mascara in the summer can quickly become a beauty mistake. As temperatures rise and humidity levels soar, sweat and humidity can easily cause regular mascara formulas to smudge and even run, leading to raccoon eyes and an overall messy look. Waterproof mascara, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier around your lashes against moisture, ensuring your eye makeup stays in place all day long. So, in the summer, it’s worth making the switch so you don’t have to worry about smudging or smearing, even on the hottest days.

Bergamot oil, lemon oil and orange oil... and all citrus essential oils

While citrus oils can provide brightening and refreshing properties, they also increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. These oils contain compounds that make your skin susceptible to phototoxic reactions when exposed to UV rays, potentially leading to sunburn, blistering, and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from skin care products containing citrus oils during the summer.

PHA, BHA and AHA

Like exfoliating acids, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) have exfoliating properties that are harmful when used in conjunction with sun exposure. Because they promote rapid cell turnover, they make the skin more vulnerable to UV damage. So it’s best to avoid products containing these acids in the summer or use them sparingly and wear sunscreen.