Don’t Break Up with Your Skin This Summer

You’ve been working on your skin for nine months by exfoliating, layering, hydrating, booking the right treatments, and trusting the process. Now is not the time to abandon ship. Yet, every summer brings a wave of half-baked advice: “Skip the facials,” “Pause your retinol,” “Don’t do treatments.” Where is this coming from? Not from skin professionals, I promise you that.

Let’s clarify: you can and should maintain your homecare and professional treatments throughout the summer. Skincare doesn’t have a seasonal off-switch. If anything, your skin requires consistency now more than ever. Sun exposure, heat, humidity, and travel are all stressors. Why would you abandon your skin routine when your skin is facing some of its biggest challenges?

People in areas like California, Florida, Dubai, and Australia, where it’s sunny almost all year, don’t stop using retinol or getting peels. They simply do it correctly. They apply SPF religiously, adjust their timing and frequency, and trust their professionals. It’s not about fear; it’s about being smart.

Retinol? It’s fine in summer. You’re using it at night and layering it with hydration and SPF during the day. If you’re heading to the beach or hiking all day, skip it the night before, but don’t discard it. Vitamin C? It’s even better in the summer as it enhances sunscreen’s effectiveness and protects your skin from sun-induced free radical damage. Exfoliating acids? Totally safe when used strategically (perhaps not every night if you’re outdoors a lot, but 1–2 times a week is still great).

Facials and professional treatments? Absolutely! You don’t need to stop your microneedling or peels; just time them correctly and follow the aftercare. Want smooth, clear, glowy skin in your vacation pictures? That’s what great facials achieve. Treatments like LED or gentle enzyme peels are ideal for keeping your skin balanced and decongested in heat and humidity. Summer-safe treatments are available. The key is to plan ahead and avoid overexposing freshly treated skin to harsh sunlight.

Here’s the kicker: the people telling you to “just stop” are often not professionals. They’re repeating fear-based content because it goes viral. However, if you examine the actual science in dermatology studies and professional guidelines, they all convey the same message: active ingredients and professional treatments are safe year-round when used correctly.

Now, let’s discuss your summer MVP: sunscreen. If you’re undergoing treatments and using active ingredients, sunscreen is essential. It’s non-negotiable. Use broad-spectrum, medical-grade SPF every single day. Reapply every few hours if you’re outdoors. Powder SPFs and sprays—make it easy for yourself, but make it happen.

Also, let’s dismiss the idea that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days. UVA rays, the ones that age your skin, are always present. They’re there on cloudy, rainy days, in your car, and through your office window. So yes, wear SPF even when it “doesn’t look sunny.”

And no, there’s no such thing as “too late to start.” If you’ve strayed from your routine, now is a perfect time to get back on track. Your skin will respond. Skin is intelligent and forgiving when provided with the right ingredients and habits.

This summer, don’t get caught up in the trend cycle. Stick to your plan. Consult a skin professional. Schedule the facial. Use your retinol. Apply your SPF. And don’t let three months of sun undo everything you’ve worked on over the past nine months.

Your skin deserves the same care in July and August as it did in January, and your future self will be grateful you didn’t neglect it.

Until next time,

Beate