Hello, I’m Dr. Seo-jin Jae of Karin Clinic.
As the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid, the skin concerns I hear from patients in the clinic also begin to change with the season. One of the most common things I hear these days is:
“Doctor, every summer my face gets oily from sweat and sebum, but after cleansing, my skin still feels tight and dry underneath.”
Summer can be an especially demanding season for the skin. Strong UV exposure, high temperatures and humidity, and even the cold, dry air from indoor air conditioning can all place additional stress on the skin.
That is why summer skincare should focus on the fundamentals while also taking the unique seasonal environment into account.
Today, I’d like to share four essential principles for healthy summer skin from a dermatologist’s perspective.
1. Prevent “Thermal Aging”: Keep Your Skin Temperature Down
Most people are familiar with “photoaging,” which is caused by UV exposure. However, another factor that is often overlooked during summer is “thermal aging,” or skin aging caused by excessive heat.
The normal surface temperature of the skin is slightly lower than our core body temperature, usually around 31–32°C. However, after prolonged exposure to direct summer sunlight, the skin temperature can rise to over 40°C.
When the skin becomes overheated, enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs, can become more active. These enzymes contribute to the breakdown of collagen in the dermis, which may eventually lead to reduced elasticity, enlarged-looking pores, and wrinkles.
Cool your skin after outdoor activities
After spending time outside, avoid washing your face with very cold water. Instead, cleanse with lukewarm water and follow with a cooling, hydrating gel containing ingredients such as aloe vera or cica, or apply a soothing sheet mask that has been chilled in the refrigerator.
The goal is to gently lower the skin temperature and calm heat-related irritation.
One important caution
Avoid applying ice directly to the skin. Direct contact with ice can cause excessive irritation and may damage delicate superficial blood vessels.
2. Add Hydration, Reduce Excess Oil: Keep Moisturizing Minimal
During summer, many people skip moisturizer altogether because their skin already feels hot, sticky, or oily. Some finish their entire skincare routine with nothing more than a toner.
However, air conditioning can continuously draw moisture from the skin. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it may compensate by producing even more sebum in an effort to protect itself.
This can lead to the common condition often described as “oily on the outside, dry on the inside.”
Simplify your routine
Heavy creams and facial oils that worked well during winter may feel too occlusive during the summer months.
Instead, consider reducing your skincare routine to just two or three essential steps. Think of it as putting your skincare routine on a seasonal diet.
Look for hyaluronic acid and ceramides
A lightweight hyaluronic acid serum or ampoule can help replenish hydration without making the skin feel heavy.
Follow it with a light gel moisturizer or lotion containing barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides. This helps reduce moisture loss while avoiding excessive greasiness.
3. Cleanse Gently and Thoroughly — Not Aggressively
When oil production increases, it can be tempting to wash the face more frequently or use a strong alkaline cleanser until the skin feels “squeaky clean.”
Unfortunately, aggressive cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier.
Once the barrier becomes compromised, the skin may become more sensitive, dehydrated, and prone to irritation or breakouts.
Choose a mildly acidic cleanser
A mildly acidic cleanser with a pH closer to the skin’s natural environment can help remove impurities while minimizing unnecessary damage to the protective skin barrier.
The goal is not to remove every trace of natural oil, but to cleanse efficiently while preserving the skin’s balance.
Double cleansing at night
Many sunscreens, especially water-resistant formulas, are designed to adhere strongly to the skin and may not be completely removed with a facial cleanser alone.
In the evening, start with a cleansing milk, cleansing water, or cleansing oil to remove sunscreen, makeup, and oil-soluble residue.
Then follow with a gentle facial cleanser as your second step.
This type of thorough yet gentle double cleansing can be especially useful during summer.
4. Sun Protection Is Not Optional
No summer skincare routine is complete without proper sun protection.
UV radiation is not only a major contributor to pigmentation concerns such as melasma and dark spots, but also one of the most important causes of premature skin aging.
Apply enough sunscreen
Many people apply far less sunscreen than they realize.
To achieve the level of protection indicated on the product label, you need to apply a sufficient amount to evenly cover the entire face.
As a general reference, use approximately two finger segments’ worth of sunscreen for the face. If applying that much at once feels uncomfortable, divide it into two thin layers and allow each layer to settle into the skin.
Reapply regularly
Sweat and excess oil can gradually reduce the protective layer of sunscreen.
When spending extended periods outdoors, try to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. Sun cushions or sun sticks can be convenient options for reapplication throughout the day.
One More Tip from the Treatment Room
If your skin continues to feel tired, irritated, or slow to recover despite proper home care, professional dermatologic treatments may also be helpful.
During summer, rather than aggressively treating the skin with strong peels or highly irritating laser procedures, I often recommend treatments focused on soothing the skin, restoring hydration, and supporting the skin barrier.
Dr. Jae’s Recommended Summer Treatments
At Karin Clinic, summer treatment options may include:
- LDM Water Drop Lifting, an ultrasound-based soothing treatment designed to help calm overheated skin and support hydration
- Aqua Peel, which gently removes excess sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities from congested pores
- Skin boosters such as Rejuran, Re2O, and Skinvive, which can help improve hydration, skin quality, and overall barrier function
These treatments can provide additional support for skin that has become stressed by summer heat, humidity, UV exposure, and air conditioning.
Summer is one of the seasons when the skin is most easily exhausted and exposed to factors that accelerate visible aging.
However, if you consistently follow these basic principles, you can help keep your skin healthier, clearer, and better balanced by the time autumn arrives.
Pay attention to the signals your skin is giving you. And if you are dealing with a concern that is difficult to manage on your own, please feel free to visit us for a personalized consultation.
At Karin Clinic, we will continue to help you find the most appropriate approach for maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.
Thank you.
Dr. Seo-jin Jae
Karin Clinic, Myeongdong
Hello, I’m Dr. Seo-jin Jae of Karin Clinic.
As the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid, the skin concerns I hear from patients in the clinic also begin to change with the season. One of the most common things I hear these days is:
“Doctor, every summer my face gets oily from sweat and sebum, but after cleansing, my skin still feels tight and dry underneath.”
Summer can be an especially demanding season for the skin. Strong UV exposure, high temperatures and humidity, and even the cold, dry air from indoor air conditioning can all place additional stress on the skin.
That is why summer skincare should focus on the fundamentals while also taking the unique seasonal environment into account.
Today, I’d like to share four essential principles for healthy summer skin from a dermatologist’s perspective.
1. Prevent “Thermal Aging”: Keep Your Skin Temperature Down
Most people are familiar with “photoaging,” which is caused by UV exposure. However, another factor that is often overlooked during summer is “thermal aging,” or skin aging caused by excessive heat.
The normal surface temperature of the skin is slightly lower than our core body temperature, usually around 31–32°C. However, after prolonged exposure to direct summer sunlight, the skin temperature can rise to over 40°C.
When the skin becomes overheated, enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs, can become more active. These enzymes contribute to the breakdown of collagen in the dermis, which may eventually lead to reduced elasticity, enlarged-looking pores, and wrinkles.
Cool your skin after outdoor activities
After spending time outside, avoid washing your face with very cold water. Instead, cleanse with lukewarm water and follow with a cooling, hydrating gel containing ingredients such as aloe vera or cica, or apply a soothing sheet mask that has been chilled in the refrigerator.
The goal is to gently lower the skin temperature and calm heat-related irritation.
One important caution
Avoid applying ice directly to the skin. Direct contact with ice can cause excessive irritation and may damage delicate superficial blood vessels.
2. Add Hydration, Reduce Excess Oil: Keep Moisturizing Minimal
During summer, many people skip moisturizer altogether because their skin already feels hot, sticky, or oily. Some finish their entire skincare routine with nothing more than a toner.
However, air conditioning can continuously draw moisture from the skin. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it may compensate by producing even more sebum in an effort to protect itself.
This can lead to the common condition often described as “oily on the outside, dry on the inside.”
Simplify your routine
Heavy creams and facial oils that worked well during winter may feel too occlusive during the summer months.
Instead, consider reducing your skincare routine to just two or three essential steps. Think of it as putting your skincare routine on a seasonal diet.
Look for hyaluronic acid and ceramides
A lightweight hyaluronic acid serum or ampoule can help replenish hydration without making the skin feel heavy.
Follow it with a light gel moisturizer or lotion containing barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides. This helps reduce moisture loss while avoiding excessive greasiness.
3. Cleanse Gently and Thoroughly — Not Aggressively
When oil production increases, it can be tempting to wash the face more frequently or use a strong alkaline cleanser until the skin feels “squeaky clean.”
Unfortunately, aggressive cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier.
Once the barrier becomes compromised, the skin may become more sensitive, dehydrated, and prone to irritation or breakouts.
Choose a mildly acidic cleanser
A mildly acidic cleanser with a pH closer to the skin’s natural environment can help remove impurities while minimizing unnecessary damage to the protective skin barrier.
The goal is not to remove every trace of natural oil, but to cleanse efficiently while preserving the skin’s balance.
Double cleansing at night
Many sunscreens, especially water-resistant formulas, are designed to adhere strongly to the skin and may not be completely removed with a facial cleanser alone.
In the evening, start with a cleansing milk, cleansing water, or cleansing oil to remove sunscreen, makeup, and oil-soluble residue.
Then follow with a gentle facial cleanser as your second step.
This type of thorough yet gentle double cleansing can be especially useful during summer.
4. Sun Protection Is Not Optional
No summer skincare routine is complete without proper sun protection.
UV radiation is not only a major contributor to pigmentation concerns such as melasma and dark spots, but also one of the most important causes of premature skin aging.
Apply enough sunscreen
Many people apply far less sunscreen than they realize.
To achieve the level of protection indicated on the product label, you need to apply a sufficient amount to evenly cover the entire face.
As a general reference, use approximately two finger segments’ worth of sunscreen for the face. If applying that much at once feels uncomfortable, divide it into two thin layers and allow each layer to settle into the skin.
Reapply regularly
Sweat and excess oil can gradually reduce the protective layer of sunscreen.
When spending extended periods outdoors, try to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. Sun cushions or sun sticks can be convenient options for reapplication throughout the day.
One More Tip from the Treatment Room
If your skin continues to feel tired, irritated, or slow to recover despite proper home care, professional dermatologic treatments may also be helpful.
During summer, rather than aggressively treating the skin with strong peels or highly irritating laser procedures, I often recommend treatments focused on soothing the skin, restoring hydration, and supporting the skin barrier.
Dr. Jae’s Recommended Summer Treatments
At Karin Clinic, summer treatment options may include:
These treatments can provide additional support for skin that has become stressed by summer heat, humidity, UV exposure, and air conditioning.
Summer is one of the seasons when the skin is most easily exhausted and exposed to factors that accelerate visible aging.
However, if you consistently follow these basic principles, you can help keep your skin healthier, clearer, and better balanced by the time autumn arrives.
Pay attention to the signals your skin is giving you. And if you are dealing with a concern that is difficult to manage on your own, please feel free to visit us for a personalized consultation.
At Karin Clinic, we will continue to help you find the most appropriate approach for maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.
Thank you.
Dr. Seo-jin Jae
Karin Clinic, Myeongdong