Summer’s here, which means you’re looking for skincare tips or in-office solutions for healthy skin. Bright rays, sweat, and pool chemicals can impact even the best complexions. Adults of every skin tone can keep trouble at bay with a handful of smart daily habits—and a little backup from our dermatology team at SkinDC in Arlington. Below, you’ll find simple at-home steps you can start today and in-office options that fit neatly into your busy summer.
At-Home Habits That Really Work
Here are some at-home tactics to use for your skin health.
Sunscreen Comes First
Our SkinDC team repeats it for a reason: a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher should cover every bit of exposed skin. Reapply every two hours and right after swimming or a sweaty workout. Mineral blockers with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide suit sensitive or acne-prone faces and leave less shine than they used to.
Wash Away Sweat—Gently
The Arlington heat and humidity spike oil production in your skin. Wash your face morning and night with a mild, foaming cleanser, and shower soon after exercise. Go easy on the scrubbing, though! Harsh scrubbing can irritate skin, so use your fingertips (no nails!) and lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Quick cleansing keeps pore-clogging salt, oil, and leftover SPF from sticking around.
Hydrate Inside and Out
Hot weather, combined with blasting air conditioning, can dry your skin out. Drink plenty of fluids (water, not energy or sports drinks!), then seal that moisture in with a lightweight gel or lotion labeled “non-comedogenic.” Our SkinDC team recommends looking for hydration such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients hold water without feeling greasy, helping skin stay soft instead of slick.
Lighten Your Lineup
Heavy makeup, thick creams, and pore-blocking hair products can trap that Arlington heat. Switch to oil-free foundations, tinted mineral sunscreens that double as sheer coverage, and feather-light serums that disappear fast. Powder sunscreen brushes are handy for quick touch-ups on the go—great for scalps.
Exfoliate (but Don’t Overdo It)
Dead skin and sunscreen buildup can occur quickly in summer, which can dull the surface of your skin. A gentle scrub or low-strength glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid wash two or three times a week sweeps debris away. If your skin looks red or feels raw, skip a few days. Steady, mild exfoliation keeps pores clear and helps all other products sink in.
Team Up With Antioxidants
A vitamin C or niacinamide serum each morning offers an extra shield against sun-triggered free radicals and can brighten uneven tones over time. Layer it under sunscreen. At SkinDC, we suggest storing vitamin C in a dark bottle and keeping the cap tight.
Keep Cool to Avoid Heat Rash
Loose cotton, shade breaks, and quick cool showers help sweat evaporate instead of clogging sweat ducts. Exercise early or late in the day when the local Arlington temps dip. A talc-free powder on inner thighs or under sports bras can keep friction low.
Soothe Sunburn the Smart Way
If your skin starts to sting, head indoors right away, then take a cool bath or shower. Pat dry, leaving a little water on the surface, and smooth on aloe- or soy-based lotion while skin is still damp. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine can help with redness. Extra water replaces fluids lost to the burn. Our SkinDC providers advise that you leave blisters alone—they form a natural cover while new skin grows.
In-Office Solutions at SkinDC
What can our Arlington team do for you in the office? We’re glad you asked!
HydraFacial MD® & DiamondGlow®
Each HydraFacial and DiamondGlow treatment combines vacuuming debris, exfoliation, and hydrating serums in a single session. Your pores look smaller, your skin feels smoother, and you can stroll straight to brunch (no redness and no peeling). They’re ideal before weddings, reunions, or last-minute beach trips.
Microneedling
A pen studded with micro-fine needles creates tiny channels that stimulate the production of collagen. The result: softer lines, smaller-looking pores, and smoother scars. Because it uses mechanical action, not heat or light, it suits every skin shade, even tanned complexions, as long as you stick to strict sun protection for a week.
Light Chemical Peels
Mild glycolic or mandelic peels at SkinDC whisk away flaky skin cells and get rid of early sunspots. Our Arlington providers adjust the strength so you keep up normal routines while gaining a brighter, more even tone.
Halo® Hybrid Laser & BroadBand Light (BBL)
Halo pairs two laser wavelengths—one treats the top layer, the other dive deeper—to smooth texture and lighten blotches in a single visit. BBL sends controlled pulses of light that break up brown spots and calm visible vessels. Sessions are timed so you have time for healing before your next big outdoor plan, and broad-brim hats plus SPF are a must afterward.
AviClear™ for Summer Breakouts
Sunscreen and sweat can trigger stubborn acne. AviClear uses a 1726 nm laser to dial down oil-gland activity without drugs or needles. Three quick treatments spaced four weeks apart can clear skin into the fall.
Botox® & Fillers
Injectables at SkinDC work under the surface, so sunlight doesn’t interrupt your recovery. A few precise Botox units smooth frown lines or even curb sweating. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore cheek volume lost to time and outdoor fun. Just skip heavy workouts for a day and keep sunscreen in heavy rotation.
Refresh Your Skin This Summer
SkinDC in Arlington has at-home and in-office strategies to help your skin look its best. To learn more, go here to schedule your appointment.