Hot or Not: Summer Skin Hacks That Work… and Ones That Definitely Don’t | Bee Well

Hot or Not: Summer Skin Hacks That Work... and Ones That Definitely Don’t | Bee Well
Photo credit Virtua Health

TikTok taught you how to double-cleanse, Pinterest swears by lemon juice, and your best friend is now ice rolling before brunch. With summer in full swing, everyone seems to have a skin secret. But are they actually helping, or just trending?

Our friends at Virtua Health are here to break down the warm-weather hacks that deserve a spot in your skincare routine and the ones you should leave in the group chat.

hot: summer skin hacks that actually work

Cold Aloe for Sunburn Relief
There’s a reason your mom always kept a bottle in the fridge. Cold aloe vera gel soothes burned skin, calms inflammation, and helps you heal faster. It’s gentle, effective, and feels great on a hot day.

Ice Rolling
This cooling trend helps reduce puffiness, calm inflammation, and may shrink the look of pores. Just store your roller in the fridge, not the freezer, and glide it over clean skin for a refreshing boost.

Applying Sunscreen Over Makeup with a Beauty Blender
Reapplying sunscreen is a must, even with makeup on. Using a damp beauty blender lets you press SPF into your skin without disturbing your look. Choose a lightweight, sheer sunscreen that layers well.

Slugging
This skincare trend involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the last step in your nighttime routine to lock in moisture. It’s great for dry or irritated skin, but save it for bedtime and avoid using it during the day in the heat or sun.

not so hot: hacks that shouldn't make the cut

DIY Lemon Juice Masks
Lemon juice may seem like a natural fix, but its acidity can irritate and damage skin, especially when exposed to sunlight. What starts as a brightening hack can end in sensitivity and dark spots.

Sunscreen Contouring
Skipping sunscreen in certain areas to "sculpt" your face while tanning is not safe. Uneven coverage increases sun damage and raises your risk for skin cancer. Reach for contour powder instead and protect your whole face.

Tanning Oil with Low or No SPF
A deeper tan may look nice now, but it signals sun damage. Tanning oils without SPF make you burn faster, not glow safer.
Stick with bronzing lotions or self-tanners for a safer way to shine.

Overusing Retinol in the Summer
Retinol boosts skin renewal, but it also increases sun sensitivity. Using it too often without sun protection can lead to redness, peeling, and irritation. Limit use during sunny months and always pair it with sunscreen.

when to call in the pros

Sunburns that blister, rashes that stick around, and skin reactions that go from annoying to alarming all deserve real medical attention.

Virtua Urgent Care is here when skin issues strike. With extended evening and weekend hours, convenient locations throughout South Jersey, and walk-in availability, you can get care when and where you need it most. Whether it’s a sunburn that won’t quit or an allergic reaction that came out of nowhere, the team at Virtua is ready to help you feel better fast.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Virtua Health