Summer Skin: Adjusting Your Routine for the Sunniest Season

Summer is my favorite time of year. Sunshine, vacations, and being outdoors — but it's also when your skin faces its greatest environmental stressors. In Episode 3 of Aesthetically Speaking, I teamed up with dermatology PA and skincare expert Janet McClanahan to break down exactly how to transition your skincare routine for summer and what she loves all year. Beyond just staying “glowy,” these tips are grounded in science, because your skin’s health isn’t just about looking good, it’s about longevity and prevention. Let’s walk through the most important summer skincare shifts, why they matter, and how you can keep your skin healthy, protected, and radiant all season long.

Prioritize Sun Protection: The Foundation of Anti-Aging & Skin Health

As we put it on the show: “The best SPF is the one you use.”  Sun exposure is responsible for up to 90% of visible signs of aging — we’re talking fine lines, dark spots, redness, and loss of elasticity. But beyond cosmetic concerns, UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.

Sunscreen isn’t optional — it’s essential.

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine

• Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating

• Don’t forget high-risk and forgotten areas: ears, scalp part, lips, neck, and hands

• Choose a formula you love — mineral, chemical, or hybrid — and use enough

Sun protection is the most powerful thing you can do to preserve your skin’s youth and reduce your lifetime risk of skin disease. Unfortunately, I do think that everyone is in for getting some sort of cancerous skin lesion at some point in their lives. Prevention and diagnosing are key. In the grand scheme of wellness, it’s one of the easiest long-term investments you can make in your health.

Lighten Up Your Moisturizer: Let Your Skin Breathe

Summer heat and humidity can make your skin feel congested and oily. During the podcast, Janet recommended switching to a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer — especially if you're prone to breakouts or shine.

Look for ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid for hydration without heaviness

• Glycerin to help retain moisture

• Niacinamide for added soothing and barrier support

This adjustment helps prevent clogged pores while still supporting your skin barrier, which is super important after increased sun exposure, swimming, or exfoliation.

Antioxidants: Your Second Layer of Defense

Antioxidants like Vitamin C act as bodyguards for your skin. UV rays and pollution create free radicals that damage cells and break down collagen. Vitamin C neutralizes those free radicals, helping to slow aging, boost your glow, and support your SPF.

Use it daily in the morning, under your sunscreen. Bonus? It can help fade stubborn pigment from past sun damage — a win-win. Not all anti-oxidants and Vitamin C's are created equal, do your research, and find one you like.

Exfoliate Smart: Keep It Clear, Not Stripped

Sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil can lead to congestion, but aggressive exfoliation can backfire, especially when your skin is sun-exposed.

Here’s what we recommended on the podcast:

• Exfoliate 1–2x per week max, using gentle acids (like glycolic or salicylic)

• Avoid gritty scrubs or peels that can weaken the skin barrier (but I do love a mild peel pad).

• Always follow with SPF — exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV

Gentle exfoliation keeps your skin smooth and clear, helping products absorb better and reducing the risk of breakouts, without compromising your skin's protective barrier.

Hydrate Inside & Out

Dehydration can manifest on your face, presenting as dry patches, dullness, and increased sensitivity. Remember, water is skincare too, even when you're having cocktails by the pool.

• Drink at least 8 cups of water per day, ideally more, but especially if you're active or in the sun

• Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens. Remember I had that blog post about "eating your water."

• Use hydrating mists during the day. I'm obsessed with Epicutis Hydrobiome Mist and Neova's Copper Recovery Spray - feel free to reach out if you want to purchase either.

• Skip alcohol-heavy toners or products that strip the skin. I prefer a cleanser that will help balance the skin pH like iS Clinical's Cleansing Complex - my ALL TIME FAVORITE

Hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and more resilient — all key in hot, drying summer weather.

Sun Care = Skin Longevity

Sun protection isn’t just a seasonal tip — it’s the cornerstone of skin longevity. It’s the most effective way to prevent premature aging and reduce your risk of skin cancer. No laser, injectable, or expensive serum can undo that many years of unprotected UV exposure. If you care about glowing skin, graceful aging, and staying healthy — sun care is the foundation.

Bonus Summer Skincare Tips (Straight from the Episode)

✔️ Wear a hat and sunglasses especially if you are going to be outside an extended period of time. UPF rated clothing is awesome as well. ✔️ Use a lip balm with SPF — your lips can burn too and is a top spot for skin cancer! ✔️ Rinse off chlorine and saltwater after swimming. ✔️ Schedule a skin check at your dermatologist once a year or if you notice new or changing moles. ✔️ Don’t forget after-sun care — barrier repair creams, antioxidants, and moisture.

Conclusion

Summer skincare is about more than preventing a sunburn — it’s about future-proofing your skin. Don't get me wrong, we all love a tan, but tanned skin is injured skin, and we are going to regret it later. You will definitely get a sun-kissed glow even with SPF. By focusing on SPF, hydration, antioxidants, and barrier-friendly practices, you’re not only keeping your skin looking great now, you’re protecting it for years to come. As Janet and I shared in Episode 3, the best skincare plan is one that works for your real life — whether you're on a farm outside Knoxville (like Janet!) or running between city errands.

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Episode 3 of Aesthetically Speaking is streaming now. We also played a rapid-fire game of: SP-F Yes or Skin SOS? Always featuring expert insights, this one focuses on skincare myths we debunk, and treatments we love during the summer!

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