How to Take Care of Your Skin in the Summer, with Dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers (and a Discount Code for Dr. Rogers Restore Products!)

Living in Florida, we are almost permanently dealing with summer weather, even if it’s not summer proper. The heat, the humidity, the constant sweating… it’s real.

But for the rest of the Northern Hemisphere that’s just entering the season of hot temps and tons of sunshine, you’ve probably noticed something–your skin changes with heat, sun and some of the other aggravating environmental factors of summer weather.

Well I’ve got some summer skin tips for you from a renowned dermatologist who knows all about how to protect your skin barrier during summer months, and protect yourself from the sun’s rays, too. I just interviewed Dr. Heather Rogers on the podcast and she was full of amazing tips.

Dr. Rogers is a double-board certified dermatologist based in Seattle, with two decades of experience. She studied at Stanford, University of Washington School of Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center. She’s the founder of Modern Dermatology and also lectures nationally, named as one of the top 1% of the most honored doctors in the US… and she’s also the founder of her own eponymous skincare line, Dr. Rogers Restore.

We sat down to talk on the podcast and focused all on skin health for summer–things like how to protect and rebuild your barrier; why she’s a fan of zinc oxide-based SPF’s over chemical ones; the ingredients you should never overuse; and so, so much more.

I’m hitting on some high notes of our conversation in this post, but you must check out the full episode below for even more amazing skin talk. So many good nuggets in there!

If you’d rather get the quick download, read on!

How to Protect the Skin Barrier (and Why It’s So Important)

So many derms and skin experts will tell you this: Protecting the skin barrier is everything. A healthy, intact barrier means your skin can better absorb products without irritation, and also keep it looking glowy, bouncy and healthy.

Here’s what Dr. Rogers has to say, “Our skin developed evolved in a situation where there were no treatments, there was no washing your face. And sort of at the turn of the century is really when soap happened. … Fast forward, you know, 75 years, and we have 7000 products that we’re using on our skin. We have the sense of FOMO … and buying nice things makes our skin feel good. But what we’re asking our skin to do is process a whole bunch of crap all day every day.”

The lesson? Stick to a pared-down routine of key products that work with your skin, and it starts with a good cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin.

“It’s about finding that face wash that you like. … Face washes used to be very, very basic basic, meaning they had a high pH, raising the pH of your skin, which is a bad thing, because it changes the acid mantle and makes it so your skin [is in the wrong spot with] bacteria and yeast.”

I’ve been testing Dr. Rogers’ face wash and can say I’m so happy with it. If you’re wearing makeup, use a micellar water to remove it first, then keep the face wet and lather up this gentle cleanser. It makes my skin feel so soft and not stripped at all.

As for the rest of your routine, SPF is also key.

Don’t Overuse These Two Ingredients

Some active ingredients are great in small doses, but overusing them can cause serious irritation. One of them I’m guilty of overusing on occasion, and it’s salicylic acid. Here’s what Dr. Rogers says:

“Salicylic acid is magical and low percentages. It’s actually hydrating and low percentages, but we’re talking .1, .2 maybe up to .5%. [But] once you get to 1 to 2% it gets incredibly dry. It can wreak havoc on you and dry out your skin overnight. So be very, very ginger with your salicylic acid.”

Another active you don’t want to overuse? Physical exfoliants.

“People love them. They love to feel like they’re scrubbing. But we as humans overdo things and physical exfoliators have no stop. There isn’t like a safety valve on them. So if you push hard if you scrub hard, you’re just creating micro tears that then lead to the evaporation of water, and lead to the penetration of more chemicals and then irritate your skin.”

Have a “Sunscreen Wardrobe”

While Dr. Rogers favors sunblocks with zinc oxide (aka physical blockers), she also says you may need several types of sun protection depending on where you’re using it, and who’s using it.

I’m making it easy for you to check out all her favorites in one spot. Click here to see what Dr. Rogers uses and recommends for every day, beach days, and more.

Use code WEGOTTATALK on the Dr. Rogers Restore website through the end of the summer for 20% off!