The Best Body Wash for Summer Based on Skin Type

For the most part, my skin type is on the ‘normal’ side of the spectrum, meaning that on an average day, it doesn’t need much to keep it balanced. But like many, when the temperatures begin to rise, so too does the amount of oiliness in my complexion. Sound familiar?

Thanks to the ups and downs in humidity levels, changing seasons can catalyze changes in our skin, which means that the products that worked all winter long may not cut it now that spring weather is upon us. And while most of us know to adjust our facial products based on these seasonal shifts, dermatologists say we should be doing the same in our body-care routines.

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

The best body wash for summer, based on your skin type

Normal

To be clear, all complexions are ‘normal,’ but in the context of skin types, the term simply applies to skin that is well-balanced and doesn’t have any significant concerns. “This is when the skin produces the right about of sebum, leaving it not too oily and not too dry,” shares Dr. Yadav. And the great thing for people with normal skin is that, for the most part, they can use nearly any type of body wash.

Dry

“Dry skin is characterized by minimal sebum production, which means the skin is less naturally nourished and requires additional moisture to maintain balance,” explains Dr. Yadav. While dry skin is harder to take care of in the colder months, she recommends continuing to lean into creamy or oil-based moisturizing washes in the summer, too. “While many skin types can switch to a gel or foaming cleanser this time of year, I’d recommend sticking with a moisturizing formula as it will give your skin the conditioning ingredients it needs.”

Bioderma, Atoderm Cleansing Oil — $10.00

“This oil-based body wash is very gentle and richly nourishing, yet not entirely non-greasy, so it won’t leave your skin feeling filmy or sticky after you step out of the shower,” says Dr. Yadav. As a bonus, she gives it the tick of approval to swap in for your shaving cream.

Oily

“Oily skin tends to go into overdrive in summer, as warm weather helps sebum flow even more smoothly,” says Dr. Yadav. “This can leave skin feeling greasy, and in some cases, dirty, as grime can more easily adheres to and build up on oily skin.” For those with oily skin, she recommends gel or foaming products, as they work best for cutting through the oils.

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

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

Sensitive

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

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

“CeraVe products are dermatologist 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, a critical 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 those with acne-prone skin. “The hot weather can lead to more oil production, and when your pores are already prone to clogging, you can experience more breakouts than usual,” says Dr. Yadav. Add in sweat, and it creates a primo environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive, which paves the way for buttne, backne, and chestne. “Those with acne-prone skin should be using a gel or foaming cleanser with an active ingredient that will fight the formation of pimples, and stay away from creamy, rich formulas as they will likely clog the pores,” says Dr. Yadav.

Eczema-prone

Like dry and sensitive skin types, eczema-prone skin is also characterized by a compromised moisture barrier. “Those who are prone to eczema need extra support from ingredients that can help reinforce the lipid layer of the skin to prevent moisture from escaping,” says Dr. Yadav. She recommends focusing on creamy products that contain oat, which is soothing and helps lock in moisture. “Clear formulas tend to be more stripping, so avoid these at all costs to avoid eczema flares,” she adds.