The best summer body wash based on skin type

My skin type is mostly on the “normal” end of the spectrum, meaning it doesn’t take much to balance on an average day. But like many, when the temperatures start to rise, so does the amount of oiliness in my complexion. Sounds familiar?

Thanks to the ups and downs of humidity, changing seasons can catalyze changes in our skin, meaning the products that have been working all winter may not make it now that spring weather is upon us. And while most of us know we need to change our facial products to accommodate these seasonal changes, dermatologists say we should do the same in our body care routines.

Below, Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET dermatology, reveals how you can do just that based on your skin type.

The best summer body wash, based on your skin type

Normal

To be clear, all skin tones are “normal,” but in the context of skin types, the term simply applies to skin that is well-balanced and has no significant concerns. “This is when the skin produces the right amount of sebum, keeping it neither too oily nor too dry,” says Dr. Yadav. And the great thing about people with normal skin is that they can use almost any type of body wash.

Dry

“Dry skin is characterized by minimal sebum production, which means skin is less naturally nourished and needs extra moisture to maintain balance,” explains Dr. Yadav out. While dry skin can be harder to care for in the colder months, she recommends leaning towards creamy or oil-based moisturizing washes in the summer as well. “While many skin types can switch to a gel or foaming cleanser at this time of year, I’d recommend sticking to a moisturizing formula as it will give your skin the nourishing ingredients it needs.”

Bioderma, Atoderm Cleansing Oil – $10.00

“This oil-based body wash is very gentle and richly nourishing, but not completely oil-free, so your skin won’t feel filmy or sticky after you step out of the shower,” says Dr. Yadav. As a bonus, she gives the tick of approval to trade in for your shaving cream.

Greasy

“Oily skin tends to go into overdrive in the summer because hot weather makes sebum flow even more smoothly,” says Dr. Yadav. build up on oily skin. For those with oily skin, she recommends gel or foam products, as they work best to cut through the oils.

The Body Shop, Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – $11.00

“This foaming gel body wash is formulated with tea tree oil, which is not only antibacterial and great for clearing up any blemishes that might pop up in the summer, but also extremely refreshing, which feels great in warmer weather,” says Dr. Yadav.

Sensitive

“Sensitive skin is another skin type that has a diminished moisture barrier function and needs a little extra TLC from the products in your regimen,” says Dr. Yadav. She recommends looking for a rich and creamy, fragrance-free formula with ceramides to help strengthen the compromised moisture barrier, and staying away from gels and foams, as they will strip the skin and increase its sensitivity.

CeraVe, Body Wash for Dry Skin with Hyaluronic Acid – $12.00

“CeraVe products are dermatologically tested and designed to be as simple as possible so anyone can use them,” says Dr. Yadav. “All CeraVe formulas, including this one, are packed with ceramides, an essential fatty acid that will help fill in any ‘gaps’ in the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing water loss and irritation.”

Acne-prone

Summer is not a fun time for people with acne-prone skin. “The hot weather can lead to more oil production, and when your pores are already prone to clogging, you may get more breakouts than usual,” says Dr. Yadav. Add sweat and it creates a primo environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive, paving the way for buttne, backne, and chestne. “Those with acne-prone skin should use a gel or foaming cleanser with an anti-pimple active ingredient, and steer clear of creamy, rich formulas as they are likely to clog pores,” says Dr. . Yadav.

Eczema prone

Like dry and sensitive skin types, eczema-prone skin is also characterized by a compromised moisture barrier. “Those prone to eczema need extra support from ingredients that can help strengthen the skin’s lipid layer to prevent moisture from escaping,” says Dr. Yadav. She recommends focusing on creamy products that contain oats, which are soothing and help retain moisture. “Clear formulas tend to strip more, so avoid these at all costs to prevent eczema flare-ups,” she adds.