How to properly change your skin care routine for summer sun

Plus, the common body parts that need more sunscreen.

May 15, 2023, 10:12 AM

As the seasons change, our skin care needs change with it, so here are a few dermatologist-approved ideas to help switch up that regimen for summer.

Dr. Rita Linkner shared her top tips with "Good Morning America" to get your skin ready for the summer sun.

What should you look for in sunscreen?

"There are three things you're looking for: Broad spectrum is gonna cover UVA, UVB; At least SPF 30; Remember you want it to really be water resistant for up to an hour is what you're looking for on the label."

What should change with skin care from spring to summer

STOCK PHOTO: Sunscreen and glasses in a wicker straw bag on a sandy beach
Sunscreen and glasses in a wicker straw bag on a sandy beach
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

"Temperatures are rising, humidity levels are rising. Switch out that pore-clogging, thick cream, you want to go to lighter serums and lotions."

What ingredients to look for in summer skin products?

"You want to see the titanium oxide [or] zinc oxide in it," Linkner said. "There are a lot of extra bells and whistles that can protect you against pollution and environmental stressors as well."

STOCK PHOTO: A woman applying moisturizing cream on shoulder
A woman applying moisturizing cream on shoulder
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

How much sunscreen should you use?

"An ounce is what you need to cover yourself head to toe when you're at the beach on the weekend. If you're not using a full ounce you're not getting the same SPF level that's on the bottle. Remember, a full shot glass. That's what you need.

How often should you reapply sunscreen?

"Every two hours. Remember if you get out of water sunscreen's not sweatproof, reapply. And if you're exercising, reapply every two hours as well."

STOCK PHOTO: Sunscreen, hat and glasses on beach
Sunscreen, hat and glasses on beach
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

What is ultraviolet protection factor clothing?

"In 2023, there's a lot of fashion involved with upf -- ultraviolet protection factor -- you want to be around a 50 level. It will block 1/50th of UVB light," Linkner said. She suggested a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and other things that cover places aggravated by the sun.

Top body parts to keep covered with SPF

Finally, she said you should remember to apply sunscreen on some neglected body parts: the tip of the nose, top of the ears, lips and hands.

"These are common areas we're going to see skin cancer and May is skin cancer awareness month," she said.