Summer Skin Prep With inspirations beauty Clinic inc : the best ways to treat your skin going into the summer season
- Danielle Siroen
- Jun 27, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 25
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!
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. These practices are exactly what we are discussing when we say time for a summer skin season change up!
The first change that is often explored is Moisturizer!
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. With the sun coming out and the UV rays being more powerful, SPF is a non negotiable. It should never be an option, however in the summer months this is even more so a necessity. Your night time moisturizer may have a switch up to something lighter, and your day time moisturizer must have SPF 30 minimum.
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, the culprit is an expired product. 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!
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.
If you are wanting the perfect summer skin care product suggestions continue reading or click here to be brought to our to our summer skin shopping guide!
The second change that is often overlooked is exfoliation!
Spring and summer are also a great time to rethink exfoliation habits. During the winter, 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.
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 adjusting the exfoliation practice as seasons change and as your skin changes. Exfoliation should never be done as an "eraser method". Aggressive is not ideal here. If you want to learn more about exfoliation specifically, listen here to learn the purpose of an exfoliant listen here
If you are wanting the perfect summer skin care product suggestions continue reading or click here to be brought to our to our summer skin shopping guide.
The third routine change up is more so in regard to focusing on Hydration!
Serving your skin with hydration all year round is best. Hydration is king and is the solver of almost - potentially even ALL skin concerns. This is a point of discussion very often with clients. Hydration in the summer helps balance out the skins natural oils, helps plump up the skin for that dewy ideal complexion, will accelerate healing for the skin if there is a blemish and is a great support when using actives and ingredients to avoid sun damage. Dont over complicate this step. It isn't rocket science, just make sure hydration has is well deserved moment in your routine.
If you are wanting the perfect summer skin care product suggestions continue reading or click here to be brought to our summer skin shopping guide.
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.
The fourth summer skin routine that is important to tweak: Retinol practices!
Retinol is a powerful and supportive ingredient that can transform many skin concerns when used correctly. However, the wrong product, too high of a concentration, improper combinations, or misuse can lead to skin damage in any season.
During summer, extra care is essential. Increased heat, UV exposure, and sun intensity can make skin more vulnerable, and retinol can increase photosensitivity (meaning your skin may react faster and more intensely to UV). Sunscreen is non-negotiable when using retinol, especially in the summer. Without proper sun protection, the risk of pigmentation and irritation increases significantly.
Consider adjusting your routine by reducing frequency or pausing retinol use during periods of increased sun exposure. Planning a beach day? Skip your retinol the night before. Your skincare routine should adapt to your summer lifestyle.
Protect your skin and your retinol investment with daily SPF, hats, shade, and sunglasses.
The fifth skin practice that may serve you well during the summer is cooling skin and using supportive tools to do so
Cooling the skin after a long summer day decreases skins overall temperature and decreases pigmentation and any inflammatory activity. Super important for those with sun daage, melasma, acne or even those who are pregnant! These tools are a big supportive hush to the skin. This is an affordable and spa like practice that can be easily implemented! Check out our recommendation to our Ice Globes or Refillable Ice Roller . If you experience more swelling or puffiness in the heat. this will be a new loved ritual. 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 in clinic for yourself you can treat yourself to a Fire & Ice facial or a Cool Summer Glow Facial - PS. The Cool Summer Glow Facial is the PERFECT summer skin choice!
The Sixth summer skin suggestion; introduce a pigment blocker product!
A pigment blocker is a key part of a summer skincare routine, especially when UV exposure is at it's highest. Sun exposure can stimulate melanocytes (the cells responsible for pigment production), increasing the risk of new pigmentation and worsening existing discoloration.
A targeted pigment blocker does more than help prevent future pigment concerns; it helps regulate pigment pathways, protect existing melanocytes from overactivity, and support the improvement and maintenance of existing pigmentation marks.
Think of it as protecting the progress you’ve already made while helping prevent new damage. When paired with consistent sunscreen use, it becomes one of your strongest tools for maintaining a brighter, more even complexion all summer long.
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