Summertime Influences on Skin and How to Respond

Summer is my favorite season, the heat, longer days, and seasonal food, all contribute to me feeling the happiest version of myself. Growing up in California I was raised to build my lifestyle around being outdoors. All the tools I’ve learned to feel healthy and grounded revolve around simply being outside. To be honest, I didn’t start wearing sunscreen until my 30’s due to concerns I had about the available chemical sunscreen options. Once zinc oxide only formulations became more widely available I converted to being a daily user. When I reflect on my many years of unfiltered exposure I feel divided. Of course part of me is full of remorse from accelerating my visible signs of aging but should the other part be calmed by knowing I avoided what would have been excessive application of potentially hazardous chemicals? I will never know what I avoided but I can move forward making educated and strategic decisions about my skin now. As an adult, still living in California and working in the skincare industry, I am constantly navigating how to do what I love but with minimal negative impact of the sun. My days remain spent in nature but my ability to maintain skin health has evolved. During these hotter months, the combination of daily saltwater, nonstop sunscreen applications, and dry air can really do a number on my skin. However, by following a regimen of what I know to work to protect and nourish, I find myself able to confidently lean into summertime without any discomfort or regret.

At MARIE VERONIQUE, we field many questions during this season and want you to feel confident with your topical routine all summer long. Our latest guide to summer skin includes an explanation of what is actually going on with the surrounding environment, why and how our skin responds, and suggestions for small changes to your regimen that make a big difference.   

How to Optimize Your Skincare Routine for Summer

Summer months typically bring higher temperatures and humidity, along with a surge in plant life, leading to increased levels of circulating allergens and histamine triggers. Our habits also change as we spend more time outdoors, with greater activity and movement. It's a time for increased travel, later bedtimes, more social gatherings, and for most, a sense of ease and “anything goes” takes over our routines.

Internally, we may notice an increase in overall body temperature + internal heat which can lead to more frequent sweating. We love this for the skin as perspiring can decrease overall inflammatory symptoms. Believe it or not, increased sweat gland activity is actually very beneficial for the skin. It helps hydrate the tissues and increases sebum production, which acts like a natural lubricant, enhancing moisture levels. It can also help eliminate microbial overgrowths, balance the skin’s microbiome, and reduce overall pH levels, making the skin more acidic. All of those changes can result in much healthier and more comfortable skin. If you are curious to learn more on this check out our recent blog, Benefits of Sweating.

During summer, I typically see a reduction of symptomatic skin issues with my clients (especially eczema and dermatitis) because of the above stated benefits from increased heat + humidity, along with sweating, sun, and (for some) saltwater.

Depending on your skin type, the shift in pH caused by these factors can make your skin less vulnerable to breakouts, as most inflammatory skin conditions correlate to more alkaline skin, and positively influence the microbiota. Spending longer periods of time outside with more UV exposure leads to a higher cellular turnover rate, which also can result in reduction of breakouts. However, this does have the potential to increase one's vulnerability to UV + cellular damage (think less exfoliation, more sunscreen!).

Many experience an increase in sebum production as a response to higher temperatures. Which we all hopefully know by now, is generally a wonderful thing (we love oil!) but this is where the topic of sebum quality comes in. If you have viscous or sticky sebum quality (aka greasy skin), you could experience more clogged pores due to this sudden stimulation. Additionally, fungal acne, or Malassezia-based breakouts, may also worsen. If this sounds familiar, please be sure to keep reading!

In climates with extremely hot + dry conditions, there is likely to be an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which can lead to tissue dehydration and increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This heat may also stimulate more heat-based symptoms such as rosacea or excessive dryness or flakiness in the skin.

Given everything discussed above, this summer, focus first and foremost on protecting your skin from UV, increasing hydrating elements for skin comfort and appearance. If necessary, modify your moisturizer to find the best fit for your sebum quality.

How to Successfully Modify Your Regimen

If your skin is symptom-free and feeling great, try my summertime routine:

I suggest daily or frequent use of Face To Chest Hydration Mask to cool, plump and counter the effects of heat. I store it in the refrigerator and apply after my morning workout. It also contains aloe vera so it's very soothing if you accidentally get a little too much sun or have a full day at the beach.

After rinsing the mask, apply a generous amount of Balancing HypoTonic by pouring directly into my hands and pressing into the skin. Then follow with Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum over face, neck and chest. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and UV damage repair— never go a day without it! I always finish my AM routine with Protective Day Oil and non-nano zinc oxide only SPF 30. Protective Day Oil is formulated with carotenoids, astaxanthin, and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a special type of omega-3, that prevents wrinkles by blocking UV-induced enzymes that can destroy collagen. The trio of ascorbic acid, day oil, and zinc oxide SPF means you can rest assured that you are thoroughly protected from UV and blue rays, and are free to enjoy the day!

To support the skin on my body and promote increased comfort, I shift to cold showers instead of hot- it also gives a little energy boost! Afterward, I apply Balancing HypoTonic all over my limbs, especially on my legs post-shaving, finishing with a creamy layer of Body Barrier Emulsion. The dynamic blend of ingredients continues to support the skin over a long period, not just the immediate. It helps gently exfoliate and replenish key microbes + ceramides for proper barrier function. With consistent use, you can completely avoid dry, flakey skin. Pro tip: this routine is effective and supportive for bumpy skin or keratosis pilaris.

If summertime doesn’t equate to your most balanced skin, you’re not alone, and we listed troubleshooting tips below based on symptoms.

If your skin tends to feel oily/greasy and/or you are experiencing more breakouts:

1. Support optimal pH balance with Balancing HypoTonic or Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist. For men, or those with thicker skin, use Aftershave Tonic. These topicals are especially beneficial after sweating - include in your AM + PM regimens, as well as a mid-day refresh.
2. For UV protection and antioxidants, use C-Therapy Serum, AM. Treatment Serum can be applied AM/PM to regulate (or reduce) excessive oil production.
3. Treatment Oil makes a great, light, moisturizer that will also combat any new breakouts. If you aren’t breaking out but still want a lighter oil, then Finishing Oil is the perfect choice for a super light, easy to penetrate, moisturizer.
4. Finish with a non-nano zinc oxide only SPF 30.
5. (PM): Treatment Retinol Serum supports repair and decreases inflammation overnight. This gentle formulation will not make you any more sensitive to UV rays. Apply under your oil.  

If your skin can start to feel really dry or depleted, flaky:

1. Focus on topical hydration! Use generous amounts of Balancing HypoTonic AM + PM.
2. Consider lightweight but nourishing formulations including Soothing B3 Serum to plump and calm, Barrier Restore Serum to restore optimal moisture and protect, AM + PM.
3. Oil: Use Protective Day Oil AM for nourishing lipids with UV-protecting qualities and Rejuvenating Night Oil/Extra Healing PM to repair. If you want to avoid essential oils, Finishing Oil provides a lightweight, but creamy and nourishing option for a summer moisturizer.
4. Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 for optimal UV protection during the day.
5. (PM): Add Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion to finish your regimen for triple action repair and balancing. Yes, we advise using retinol in the summer!
6. For the body, massage Body Barrier Emulsion over dry skin at the end of the day or post shower. For very dry skin you can apply Balancing HypoTonic to the area first, then follow with Body Barrier Emulsion. For those who shave - face OR legs- use Mildly Foaming Shaving Oil to support optimal glide and reduced risk of irritation or razor burn. Follow with Aftershave Tonic to soothe and hydrate.
7. If you find yourself spending more time in pools, the repeated exposure to chlorine can result in dryness, itching, and increased sensitivity. For those prone to inflammatory conditions, these can worsen as barrier function typically is depleted as a result. To reduce side effects, shower pre and post swims to decrease the quantity of chlorinated water absorbed, and follow with the Balancing HypoTonic and Body Barrier Emulsion duo listed above. To protect yourself further from the chlorine, you can apply a layer of oil to the body and hair before submerging (try Jojoba or Sunflower Seed Oil).

Additional Support For Everyone:

HYDRATION: We can all benefit from boosted hydration to counter the heat and fatigue! Hydrate throughout the day with plain, room-temperature water. I love to start the day with a big pint glass of water with juice from 1 lemon. If you are active and sweating a lot, consider adding electrolytes and trace minerals to boost hydration. I love sipping this simple homemade “sole water”:

Mix 5 tablespoons Himalayan pink salt in a mason jar of filtered water, and let sit (covered) for 24 hours. Add 1-2 tablespoons of this salty tonic daily to a full glass of filtered water. The salts are perfect for restoring mineral balance and increasing energy. There are many electrolyte supplements available online but watch for hidden added sugars!

DIETARY: Focus on a variety of seasonal produce high in water content. Summer is an excellent time to meet your fiber + variety goals! My favorite options include: cucumbers, crisp lettuces, radishes, berries, fermented foods and leafy herbs such as mint, cilantro, chives, and parsley.

HEALTHY SUN PRACTICES: A note on sun exposure: a little can be a great thing and very positive for your overall health and make you feel really happy! I aim for some unfiltered exposure early on in the day, before 9AM or after 4PM. If you are spending the days outside during peak hours 11AM -3/4PM then be sure to apply zinc oxide only SPF (because of the potential health risks, I do not suggest using chemical based sunscreens) over areas of exposure. Physical barriers such as hats, shirts, pants are always the safest and most effective way to avoid excessive sun exposure. 

MOVEMENT: Many of us naturally get more movement during the summer as we spend more time outdoors. Walking, jogging, or biking in the cooler parts of the day are great options, maybe even shifting your routine so that you walk to the market for coffee vs drive! Swimming is also an excellent full-body workout that keeps you cool while providing resistance training. Yoga or stretching exercises promote healthy circulation and reduce stress and you can do it anywhere.

Summing Up 

As our environment and lifestyle naturally shift season to season, your skin and the body may feel different as a reflection of these changes. When you're able to be strategic with your products, and respond mindfully to what you observe, skin health can be one element to remain consistent. Our goal is to support you so that your skin never gets in the way of the carefree elements of summertime.

For personalized assistance and regimen guidance, please reach out directly to our esthetician team.