Summer Skin Prep With inspirations beauty Clinic inc : the best ways to treat your skin going into the summer season

Seasons change and so do your skincare needs.

You will likely notice your skin "issues" may change from chronic dehydration to more texture for example. Let's get into why this is and why SUMMER SKIN SEASON is a thing! Especially when you live in Canada!

Welcome to Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. We are a clinic located in London Ontario, Proudly serving people and their skin goals since 2016.

During the winter months, many of us naturally adjust our skincare routines to protect our skin from the colder, drier weather. We may reach for heavier moisturizers, exfoliate more often, and (even though it’s not recommended) use hot towels or hot water to cleanse; because when it’s freezing outside using warmth is comforting… dare I say it, I get it. We maybe arent as diligent with our sunscreen (ouch) and are likely investing in Treat•ments such as IPL, microneedling and peels for example to target and treat unwanted pigmentation. These practices are exactly what we are discussing when we say time for a summer skin season change up!

As the seasons change and the sun comes out, our skin begins to respond differently. Warmer temperatures can increase our skin’s natural oil production, which means some skin types may benefit from transitioning from a heavier moisturizer to something lighter.

Spring and summer are also a great time to rethink our exfoliation habits. During the winter, our skin can become slower at shedding dead skin cells, almost like it goes into a little “hibernation mode”, so, consider gentle exfoliation to help encourage that natural renewal process but nothing aggressive during summer months. In the warmer months, our skin typically doesn’t need that same level of exfoliation. It can still be beneficial to help keep pores clear, especially after increased sweating, sunscreen use, and sun exposure, but more is not always better.

Over-exfoliating in the summer can weaken the skin barrier and make the skin more vulnerable to irritation and hyperpigmentation. Since we are already more prone to pigmentation changes with increased UV exposure, it’s important to avoid adding unnecessary stress to the skin.

Changing up the ways we treat our skin to medical grade facials and the actives we use also need some tweaking. Its important to consider your own unique skin, your goals and lifestyle when doing a summer skin care season change up. Keep reading for our tips and tricks when it comes to what you need to know for summer skin!

A seasonal skincare shift is all about supporting what your skin needs right now; not forcing it to follow the same routine all year long.

It's Skincare Summer Change up time - what do I need to know?

1. SUNSCREEN:

Make sure your sunscreen is not expired and fully stocked - this is no surprise. Sunscreen is an ALL YEAR ROUND product.

Expired sunscreen does not work! A lot of the time people will ignore the best before date...this is not a suggested date this is a real expiry date! SPF is considered a "drug" in Canada so it has to go through multiple regulations and follow guidelines so take this expired date seriously. If it is expired your skin can actually have an allergic reaction (like rashes or bumps) when exposed to heat. Burning is also common. I have heard "its so weird, I burnt like a crisp and I applied sunscreen" but once I inquire further we realize its an expired product... so be super mindful of this! Remember, sunscreen is not just for FACE! It's for SKIN. Skin covers your full body! For more information on sunscreen, the ones we love, use and retail; here's some info for you to learn deeper about the importance of sun protection!

Quick Break Down of the recommended SPF products:

Elta Clear - Daily face/neck & ears sunscreen for those with acne or rosacea . There is a clear or tinted option. Clear is the most popular with our clients here at Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. The link will guide you to purchase on our online store- it also shares our clients testimonials! Elta Daily - Daily face/neck &ears sunscreen for all skin types. There is a clear or tinted option. Tinted is most popular with our clients here at Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. The link will guide you to purchase on our online store - it also shares our clients testimonials! No Show Body SPF or Enviroscreen Body SPF - Clear and tinted options! Both popular. TIP: I blend my clear and tinted together to give me a softer colour! While body sunscreen and face sunscreen both serve the same essential purpose protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, they are formulated quite differently to suit the needs of each area.

Facial skin is generally more delicate, more reactive, and more prone to concerns like congestion, breakouts, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. Because of this, face sunscreens are typically formulated to be lighter in texture, non-comedogenic, and more compatible with daily skincare and makeup. They often include additional skin-supporting ingredients such as antioxidants, niacinamide, or hydrating agents, and are designed to layer seamlessly without feeling heavy or greasy.

Body sunscreens, on the other hand, are usually created for broader coverage and durability. They tend to have thicker textures, stronger water resistance, and are often more cost-effective for covering larger surface areas like arms, legs, and torso. Because the skin on the body is generally less sensitive than the face, these formulas don’t always prioritize lightweight wear or pore-friendly ingredients.

Using a separate sunscreen for the face is important because applying a heavier body sunscreen to facial skin can increase the risk of clogged pores, irritation, and uneven texture, especially for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Conversely, using a face sunscreen on the body is often unnecessary and less practical due to higher cost and smaller product volume.

Ultimately, choosing the right sunscreen for each area ensures better skin compatibility, more consistent daily use, and improved overall protection, which is the real key to preventing long-term sun damage and pigmentation.

2. RELAX ON THE EXFOLIATION:

in the winter sometimes our skin needs more support, in the summer it's a healthy balance to not to disrupt your skin. Exfoliation can be done too aggressively and too often because we feel oily or we are in constant search of that deep clean. Exfoliation is a healthy practice if done correctly. When I refer to correctly I mean with proper products suitable for your skin type, once to twice a month and in areas that are of concern. None of this rub until the skin falls off or erasing motion that is common. If you want to learn more about exfoliation specifically, listen here to learn the purpose of an exfoliant and listen to this links how exfoliating can make or break your skin.

For healthy summer glow exfoliation I suggest using

PCA exfoliation two times a month

OR

iS Clinical Peel Pads once to twice a month

OR

Konjac Sponge (vegetable fibres) this can be done weekly (as its super gentle)

All of these exfoliant options are available for purchase in clinic and great for home use!

If you are looking for a nice safe exfoliation for the summer without casing damage or potential hyper-pigmentation issues go and book for

- Fire & Ice

- Microdermabrasion

This being said it is still incredibly important to wear sunscreen every single day! ANY facial it is required to be applying sunscreen and keeping your skin safe, regardless of what the treatment is!

2. Make sure your sunscreen is not expired and fully stocked

Expired sunscreen does not work! Alot of the time people will ignore this best before date, this is not a suggested date this is a real expiry date! SPF is considered a "drug" in Canada so it has to go through multiple regulations and follow guidelines so take this expired date seriously. If it is expired your skin can actually have an allergic reaction (like rashes or bumps) when exposed to heat. Burning is also common. I have heard "its so weird, I burnt like a crisp and I applied sunscreen" but once I inquire further we realize its an expired product... so be super mindful of this! Remember, sunscreen is not just for FACE! Its for SKIN and skin covers your full body! For more information on sunscreen, the ones we love, use and retail; here's some info for you to learn deeper about the importance of sun protection!

I retail (and LOVE) Elta MD SPF. There are options for acne prone skin as well! There is even a tint option for those that want a bit of colour and a bit of a glow for the patio days, pool parties and cottage weekends without having to apply makeup!

3. Ice Globes or Refillable Ice Roller can be great in the summer, especially if you are one that experiences more swelling or puffiness in the heat. Roll around full face to create some flushing, treat that puffy skin annnnnnddd enjoy the immediate cool down. You can gently glide across the face, use soft slow sweeps across the skin and or hold on areas that provide relief. Not going to lie to you, these are also great for those self induced mornings.... social drinking is a big thing in the summer, so use these as your friends to help the skin look less hung over. There are two options, both work incredibly well. Ice globes stay cold on their own, however once used they will absorb your skins heat so they will need to be set aside to chill again. The Refillable Ice roller is frozen water that creates an ice cube for your skin. You can shop these products and choose which one seems best suited for your budget and your routine! If you want to experience these ice globes for yourself you can treat yourself to a Fire & Ice facial or a Cool Summer Glow Facial

4. On the theme of the under eyes, puffiness, cooling and hang overs... Arbonne eye gels are also incredible for this department as well. Speaking of summer.... hello brides! These are also for your morning kit! Great to help treat the puffiness the morning of and or for any of your special events as the planning begins! There are a few ways you can use these as well so I will attach the video here so that you can make sure you are using the products to their fullest potential! Are these already calling your name?! its as easy as adding them to your shopping cart! Happy Shopping!

5. Focus on hydration, this serves multiple benefits! One being so that your natural lubrication doesn't turn to over oil consumption- this constant oily film feeling. Keeping the skin moisurirzed in the summer gives you that flirty fresh glow not that oily glow! The skin produces more oil when it feels compromised or that the skin doesn't have enough lubricant and hydration, so meeting the skin with hydration internally and externally is important here! Often we think the opposite and since we feel oily we gravitate towards skipping this step. Instead, switch over to a lighter moisturizer. My favourite is the Reparative Emulsion from iS clinical. If your skin adapts well this could potentially even be enough for the winter months. Winter moisturizers tend to me heavier than what you should use in the summer!

Internal hydration is through the foods you consume and the beverages you drink! Remember that SOME foods or drinks CAN absorb the water internally leaving less for our organs. Great options to consume and drink your fluids are through fruits and veggies! You know, the obvious high water content foods! Don't forget this is important ESPECIALLY when sweating and or consuming alcohol! One of my favourite ways to consume water is through my obsession, fizz! These powder products that are an additive to water give me energy, filled with vitamins and minerals annnnndd really do help me consume more water! Learn more with me and shop here!

External Hydration can be through proper moisturizers, hydration face masks and facial serums/oils!

My favourite moisturizer for night time is reparative emulsion, day time is Elta MD SPF, hyaluronic acid serum, Arbonne intelligence oil, Arbonne niacinamidesheet mask, iS clinical intensive hydration mask, PCA hyaluronic acid overnight mask.

If you are looking for a hydration quench facial these would one your perfect options and you can book now!

PCA Oxy Trio

Glass Facial

NEW Cool Glow Summer

Moisturizer is still important however. Since oil production is ramped up, a moisturizer balances out the sebum activity. Often times since skin is becoming naturally oilier people stop using their moisturizer- this actually makes the oil production worse! Proper hydration balances oily skin!

6. Its a new season, so it's always a good time to do an inventory and clean out! What do you need, what would you like to add and what is time for the trash can! Doing this seasonally can keep your skin game strong and keep you on point with your skincare budget so that you are not just buying to buy, or not understanding the products you have an why! Expired products can disrupt the skin in multiple ways. We have mentioned the damage expired SPF can cause but just know that expired makeup, exfoliants moisturizers can also lead to skin issues!

7. Be mindful of your retinol and other acids with sun exposure. In the summer as I have reiterated our skin is far more susceptible to pigmentation damage, so lets always keep in mind safe skin practices. This is a practice that not every skin professional agrees with, however, I provide this tip depending on my clients summer activities, lifestyle and behaviour. This being said, not everyone has to limit or discontinue their use of retinol. It does depend on their summer practices. What I mean by all of that is, how often are you outside? how safe are you when you are outside? Do you wear sunscreen? do you wear a hat? are you actively sun bathing for a tan? do you work outside? do you spend your weekends at a cottage? etc. These questions help understand if retinol needs a safer routine. If you are a sun worshiper and one that doesn't wear sunscreen, retinol would not be a suggested product at all. If you are mindful of sun exposures and protect yourself in all of the ways, retinol can still be safe. Use your discretion and always be smart. I personally will apply it throughout the summer but will avoid it an evening if I know ill be outside the next day for example. Regardless of retinol, sunscreen is applied!

Hopefully these 7 tips have your skin ready to glow this summer! If not and you are still desiring more, we have something else for you! A podcast episode to pair with this topic of course, but in addition... THE FIRST YEAR EVER

A NEW SERVICE FOR THIS CAUSE EXACTLY!

Our NEW Cool Glow Summer Facial! Hot girl summer is so last year! Lets soothe the skin and treat it well this summer with this newly created just for you facial. One to target soothing the skin ,removing heat and prepping it for all those warm summer days! This is a promotional facial on for the Summer Months of May - September ONLY! If you want to learn more, you know its as easy as clicking here! See you soon for your Cool Glow Facial!

XOX