How to Get Your Skin Ready for Summer
At The Aesthetics Lab, one of the most common questions we’re asked at this time of year is how to achieve healthy summer skin. Whether you’re heading off on holiday, hoping to wear less makeup, or simply want your skin to look fresher and healthier, there are a few things worth knowing.
The truth is, summer can be quite hard on our skin. More sun exposure, warmer weather, changes to our routine, holidays, flights, chlorine, sea water and perhaps a few extra cocktails can all have an impact. Here are some of the most common summer skincare questions I hear in clinic and my advice for keeping your skin healthy throughout the warmer months.
Why does my skin seem worse in summer?
Many people notice more breakouts, congestion and irritation during summer. One of the main reasons is that warmer weather increases oil production. When that excess oil combines with sweat, SPF, makeup and everyday dirt, pores can become blocked more easily.
I also see a lot of people reapplying makeup throughout the day because it’s sweating off in the heat. Applying fresh makeup over old makeup can create an environment where bacteria thrive, often leading to more spots and congestion. Summer holidays can play a part too. We’re often drinking more alcohol, eating more sugar, sleeping differently and spending more time in the sun. Add chlorine, sea water, air conditioning, flights and fake tan into the mix and it’s easy to see why skin can become a little unhappy.
Should I wear less makeup during summer?
In general, yes.
If you can, try to have more makeup-free days during summer. Giving your skin a break can make a real difference, particularly if you’re already prone to breakouts or congestion. If you prefer some coverage, a lightweight skin tint is often a better choice than a heavy full-coverage foundation. That’s good advice all year round, but especially during summer when skin is already working harder due to heat, sweat and increased oil production.
How do I get that healthy no-makeup summer glow?
Healthy summer skin starts much earlier than most people think. One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until the sun starts shining and then trying to fix everything before a holiday. I often tell patients that summer skin is made in winter but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things we can do to improve your skin in summer.
The foundation of healthy skin is a strong skin barrier. Your skin is actually very good at telling you when something isn’t right. Redness, irritation, dryness, sensitivity and breakouts are often signs that your skin needs some support. Creating that healthy glow isn’t usually about one miracle product or treatment. It’s about consistency.
Good home skincare, the right active ingredients for your skin concerns, professional treatments and daily SPF all work together to create healthier skin over time.
Which skincare ingredients should I be using?
The answer depends entirely on your skin and what you’re trying to improve.
If pigmentation is a concern, ingredients such as tranexamic acid can help support a more even skin tone. If you’re struggling with congestion, hormonal breakouts or acne-prone skin, a Vitamin A derivative such as retinol, retinal or tretinoin may be beneficial. For skin that looks dull or tired, Vitamin C is often a great addition as it can help brighten the complexion and support overall skin health.
This is why personalised advice is so important. What works brilliantly for one person may not be the right option for somebody else.
Do professional skin treatments help during summer?
Absolutely.
Many people assume they should avoid all skin treatments during summer, but that’s not necessarily the case. Regular facials can help keep skin healthy, hydrated and functioning well throughout the warmer months. Professional treatments in-clinic can also help support the results you’re achieving with your home skincare routine.
Skin peels can also be a great option for suitable patients during summer when they’re carried out appropriately and combined with diligent SPF use. As always, any treatment recommendations are made following a consultation and assessment of your individual skin concerns.
How important is SPF really?
Honestly? It’s one of the most important things you can do for your skin. I often joke that you’re not allowed into the clinic if you don’t wear SPF. Jokes… but not really. There is very little point investing in skincare products and professional treatments if you’re not going to protect your skin afterwards.
The sun emits two main types of ultraviolet rays. UVB rays are responsible for burning the skin, while UVA rays contribute to premature ageing and are present all year round, even during winter. Sunburn causes significant skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. UVA exposure contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and loss of skin quality over time. Daily SPF should be a non-negotiable part of your routine, regardless of the weather.
What treatments are most popular before a summer holiday?
The biggest requests I tend to get before a holiday are anti-wrinkle treatments, skin boosters and facials. Patients often want to look fresher, more rested and feel confident wearing less makeup while they’re away. Skin boosters are particularly popular because they help improve hydration and skin quality, creating that healthy glow that so many people are looking for.
I’m also seeing more people wanting subtle lip enhancement before holidays. The focus isn’t on dramatic change, it’s simply about creating natural-looking results that complement the rest of the face. Natural is always my motto.
What's the one skincare product you would never be without?
Without a doubt, SPF.
If I was stranded on a desert island and could only take one skincare product, that’s what I’d choose. Healthy skin isn’t about having the most expensive products or following the latest trend. It’s about consistency, protecting your skin and making good choices every day. Start early, look after your skin barrier, wear your SPF and remember that healthy summer skin isn’t created a few weeks before your holiday. It’s built through good habits all year round.
All treatments are discussed and recommended following a full medical consultation.