Summer means sunshine, time outdoors and fun trips. Just as we adjust our schedules to seasonal change, we should be thinking about our skin care since weather and other environmental factors have a big impact on our skin.
T&S reached out to local experts to learn how best to tackle the warmest months of the year, so you can stay radiant all summer long.
don’t skip your skin care
Racquel Frisella, owner of Racquel Aesthetics and Wellness, notes that one of the biggest mistakes she sees during the summer is people pausing their skin care. “In reality, this is an ideal time to maintain your regimen,” she explains. “Taking a break can set you back, making it more challenging to regain momentum in the fall and winter. You want to tailor your routine to fit the season. So, this might be switching to a lighter serum in the summer, while we suggest a heavier moisturizer during the winter months.”
do travel light
While it’s important to maintain your summer skin care, you don’t have to lug the entire 10-step routine with you on vacation. Marysa Boggeman, business manager of MarElyse MediSpa, says that while traveling, edit down your routine. “Simplify your routine by focusing on power products that check more than one box,” she explains. “Leave the retinol at home. I like to focus on a hydrating serum, sunscreen and eye cream while traveling.” Also check with your aesthetician, they may have sample products you can use to meet travel requirements while flying.
don’t forget about photosensitivity
Some skin treatments can increase photosensitivity. Most often, these are the ones that temporarily damage the skin barrier, such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels. “During the summer, the most effective treatment options include medical-grade skin care, Botox or fillers and microneedling,” Frisella says. “This combination helps maintain a healthy, radiant complexion while minimizing sun-related risks.”
do hydrate
In the summer, our bodies lose more water thanks to sweating. Dehydration can cause skin to appear dry, dull, and scaly, and it can make fine lines and wrinkles more apparent. Drinking enough water is an important step in keeping your skin healthy and glowing during the summer. You also want to make sure your skin care routine includes a lightweight moisturizer that will work well with sunscreen. Boggeman suggests a product with hyaluronic acid. “Our bodies naturally produce it, and it will lock in moisture when used as a topical treatment,” she says. “It has a nice plumping effect that isn’t super heavy.”
don’t neglect sun protection
Make protecting your skin from sun exposure a priority by regularly applying a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. “Daily sun protection is vital for maintaining overall skin health, as it shields against harmful UV rays that contribute to premature aging, sun damage and an increased risk of skin cancer,” Frisella says .” Beyond health, SPF also helps protect the results of your medical-grade skin care and in-office treatments.”
do consider a mineral sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect the sun’s rays off the skin’s surface, acting as a physical barrier. They are an alternative to chemical-based sunscreens, which create a chemical reaction that turns light into heat energy. “Mineral sunscreens are better for the environment and work well for sensitive skin,” Boggeman says. “Some people don’t like the thicker feel of these products because they create a physical barrier, but you can find options that blend well, and some are even tinted.”
don’t forget post-sun care
What you do after spending time in the sun can also make a big impact on your skin. Sun exposure dries your skin out—and that’s doubly true if you’ve just hit the beach and were also exposed to sand and salt water. Start with a cool shower to wash off residue and soothe your skin. Turning the water up too high can dry you out further. Afterwards, apply a moisturizer to your face and body. If you do get a sunburn, treat it with aloe vera or another soothing lotion or gel. Don’t pick at the dry skin or any blisters. To prevent further irritation, stay away from heat sources, including hot showers, and protect yourself from further sun exposure. Also make sure to drink plenty of water—you may find yourself dehydrated.
do cover red/dark spots
If you’ve already got sun damage, Boggeman recommends placing a band-aid or something else over problem areas like dark spots before heading outside in the summer—especially if you’ve already received treatment to address them. “Any progress you’ve made is going to be undone by additional sun exposure,” she notes. “Red spots are going to get redder, and dark spots are going to get darker. Take precautions so you don’t have to start back at square one.”
don’t forget your travel schedule
Boggeman suggests not scheduling aesthetic treatments too close to a vacation—even for treatments like Botox and fillers that don’t impact the skin. Smart planning means your skin won’t be irritated and you’ll have a better idea of what the final results will be—and you can schedule a follow-up if something is not right. “I suggest scheduling a month in advance, and certainly, nothing less than two weeks,” she says. Frisella adds that when you return from a vacation should also factor into how you schedule treatments, especially if your trip results in a lot of sun exposure. “We recommend waiting at least two weeks after a tropical vacation before undergoing skin treatments such as lasers, facials, chemical peels or microneedling,” she says. “This allows your skin time to recover from sun exposure and return to a more stable baseline, reducing the risk of irritation or complications.”
do check your moles
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, it’s probably a good idea to keep an eye on your moles. Scheduling a semi-regular full-body exam with your dermatologist will help both you and them keep track of how they evolve over time. Knowing that your skin is cancer-free will help you enjoy your summer, and early intervention can help problems from developing or worsening in the future.
