5 Skin Myths to Ditch This Summer (From a Real Esthetician)
Let’s be real, summer rolls in and suddenly everyone on the internet thinks they’re a skincare expert. You’ve got influencers telling you to skip moisturizer, TikTokers claiming sweat is detoxing your skin, and someone’s cousin insisting she doesn’t need SPF because she “just tans.”
If you’re new around here, hey! I’m Morgan, a licensed esthetician and the founder of Enlightened Beauty here in Sacramento. I’ve spent years treating real skin, and I’m in the treatment room every week, so I see firsthand what actually works. Every summer, I see the same myths pop up, and honestly, they can cause more harm than good. Some of them are just outdated, and others are straight-up misinformation that can leave your skin inflamed, sun-damaged, or completely thrown off.
So let’s clear a few things up! I’m breaking down five of the biggest myths I hear every summer and what you should actually be doing instead. If you want healthy, glowing skin without the guesswork, keep reading.
Myth #1: If You’re Inside, You Don’t Need SPF
Truth: UVA rays can still reach your skin through windows and cause long-term damage, even if you never step outside.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings I hear. A lot of people think sunscreen is just for sunny days spent outside, but that’s where they do themselves a disservice. There are two main types of UV rays: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburns, and yes, they’re mostly blocked by glass. But UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can pass right through windows.
That means your skin is still exposed when you’re driving, working near a window, or spending the day in a naturally lit space. Unlike UVB, UVA rays are consistent all day long, in every season. They are one of the biggest contributors to fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and collagen breakdown.
Wearing SPF daily is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin long-term. If you’re indoors most of the day, applying it once in the morning is usually enough. The key is making it part of your morning routine, like brushing your teeth.
Pro Tip: Apply SPF all the way to your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands. These areas get just as much exposure during your day and are usually the first to show signs of sun damage.
If you’ve struggled to find SPF that feels good or doesn’t make you break out, check out some of our favorites below. These are formulas I trust and recommend because they’re lightweight, wearable, and actually feel good on your skin.
Myth #2: Sweating Helps ‘Detox’ or ‘Purge’ Your Skin
Truth: Sweat is normal, but it doesn’t detox your pores. In fact, it can mix with oil and bacteria and lead to more breakouts.
This myth comes up a lot in summer, especially from those who are working out more or spending time in the heat. The idea that sweating clears your skin by “flushing out toxins” sounds nice, but it just isn’t true. Your liver and kidneys handle detoxing. Your skin’s job is protection and regulation, not waste removal.
What does happen when you sweat is that oil, dirt, and bacteria sitting on the surface of your skin can get trapped in your pores. If you’re not cleansing properly, that buildup can cause breakouts, irritation, or even trigger conditions like fungal acne.
This doesn’t mean sweating is bad, it’s a healthy, natural response to heat. The key is how you care for your skin afterward. A quick rinse or a gentle cleanse can make a big difference, especially after workouts or being outside in the Sacramento heat.
Pro Tip: If you can’t wash your face right away, mist your skin with something that calms and protects. The Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Mist is one of my favorites because it uses Hypochlorous Acid to reduce bacteria, soothe inflammation, and support healing without clogging your pores. Perfect for post-sweat skin that needs a little love.
Myth #3: You Should Exfoliate More Often in Summer to Stay Clear
Truth: Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
This one feels logical on the surface. More heat, more sweat, more buildup — so you should exfoliate more, right? Not exactly. While it’s true that dead skin cells and oil can clog your pores more in the summer, ramping up exfoliation too much can do more harm than good.
I’ve seen so many clients come in with tight, dry, and reactive skin from overusing scrubs, acids, or exfoliating cleansers. When your barrier is compromised, it’s easier for UV damage, irritation, and breakouts to sneak in. That’s the opposite of what we want.
Instead of doing more, do it smarter. Exfoliate just enough to keep things smooth and glowing, but not so much that your skin loses its natural defenses. If you’re unsure how often your skin needs it or which products are too strong, that’s something we can figure out together.
Pro Tip: Enzyme-based exfoliants (like super gentle Bio Enzyme Cleanser from Lira Clinical) or in-studio enzyme facials are my go-to during summer. They’re effective at smoothing skin without compromising your barrier.
Myth #4: You Don’t Need Moisturizer in Hot Weather
Truth: Just because your skin feels oily doesn’t mean it’s hydrated. Skipping moisturizer can actually make things worse.
This is such a common summer mistake, especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin. When it’s hot out, moisturizer can feel like too much. But here’s the thing — dehydration and oiliness are not the same. Your skin might be producing more oil to make up for a lack of water, especially if you’re sweating a lot or spending time in air conditioning.
When you skip moisturizer, your skin often overcompensates by producing even more oil. That can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and a compromised barrier. The key is switching to a moisturizer that works with your summer skin, not against it.
Pro Tip: If moisturizers feel too heavy in the summer, try layering a hydrating serum underneath your SPF instead. Our client faves for summer are the Epicutis Lipid Serum, Lira’s HydraInfusion, and the Hydrinity HA Restorative Serum. Each one delivers hydration without clogging your pores or weighing your skin down.
Myth #5: A Base Tan Protects You From Sunburn
Truth: A tan might slightly increase your skin’s natural defense, but it’s not a substitute for sunscreen or other protective habits.
This idea comes up every summer, especially before vacations. The thinking is that if you build up a base tan, you won’t burn as easily. While it’s true that melanin offers a little protection, it’s not nearly enough. A base tan gives you the equivalent of about SPF 3, which isn’t enough to keep your skin safe on its own.
You don’t need to avoid the sun entirely, but it’s important to be intentional with your exposure. Daily SPF, shade breaks, protective clothing, and after-sun care all go a long way in keeping your skin healthy through the warmer months.
Pro Tip: If you love being in the sun, just be smart about it. Apply SPF generously, reapply every 2 hours, and don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and hands. For that golden glow, add bronzing drops to your SPF or try a spray tan. You’ll get the look you want while keeping your skin protected.
Let’s Keep It Simple
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should make sense for the season you’re in. Summer brings different challenges than the cooler months — more sun exposure, sweat, buildup, and sometimes a little neglect when life gets busy. But that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer.
The biggest thing I want you to take from this is that your skin reflects how you care for it, not how perfect you are. If you’ve fallen for any of these myths, you’re not alone. The beauty industry pushes a lot of confusing advice, and not all of it is rooted in real results.
So if your skin is feeling off, or you’re not sure what to use right now, let’s figure it out together. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, irritation, dryness, or just want to stay ahead of it all, we’ve got you covered.
You can book a treatment, stop by our Sacramento location for product guidance, or check out our Summer Skincare Hub, it’s filled with the treatments, serums, and SPF we recommend most this time of year. See you soon!