The summer sun may boost your mood, but unfortunately, it usually does more damage than good for your skin. At Elite Aesthetics, we believe summer skincare should be as intentional as your beachside plans. Our resident skincare expert and nurse practitioner Camille McKee recommends switching up your skincare routine as the temperatures rise. From boosting hydration to sun-smart treatments, here’s our guide to radiant, protected, and refreshed skin all summer long!
SPF Is A Non-Negotiable
Luxury starts with protection. At Elite, we don’t play when it comes to SPF. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ should always be part of your daily ritual - even on cloudy days. “The best sunscreen is one that you're actually going to wear,” says Camille. “It's so important to find a sunscreen that you enjoy putting on and wearing on your skin because that is how you're going to be the most consistent with it”.
Make sure you reapply every two hours if you're outdoors, and don’t forget often-missed spots like ears, lips, and the back of your neck. For touch-ups, opt for mineral SPF powders or tinted moisturizer with SPF that fit seamlessly into your makeup routine.
Switch To A Lighter Hydration
Trade heavy winter creams for gel-based moisturizers or hyaluronic acid serums. These formulas deeply hydrate without weighing your skin down or clogging pores - perfect for humidity-prone days.
Camille recommends “considering a HydraFacial to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and infuse hydration right into your skin barrier for a summer-ready glow.” If you’re looking to hydrate at home, she recommends Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream or Babor’s Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate Serum sold at our Flatiron location.
Exfoliate Only Gently
Sloughing off sunscreen, sweat, and buildup is key - but over-exfoliation in the summer can lead to sensitivity. “I always tell my clients to ‘baby your skin’’ which means avoiding harsh products to protect your skin barrier,” Camille shares. Stick to gentle exfoliants (think enzymes or lactic acid) once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth without stripping it.
Focus on Antioxidants
Vitamin C serums like Doctor Babor Pro Vitamin C Concentrate (sold at Elite Aesthetics) are your summer skin's best friend. They brighten, protect against environmental damage, and work in synergy with SPF to fight off free radicals.
Already seeing skin discoloration? “Cyspera is a great addition to help pigment changes and treat sun damage caused by UV exposure” recommends Camille. “Unlike other products that only address surface pigmentation, Cyspera goes deeper, correcting discoloration at a cellular level”. Stop into our Flatiron location to purchase the Cyspera Pigment Correction System to add to your summer routine!
Cool Down With Professional Care
Redness, breakouts, and heat-induced flare-ups? Our soothing hydrafacials, anti-inflammatory LED therapy, and custom treatment plans help restore balance and comfort
Plan to Treat Sun Damage Early
Even if we follow all the tips and stay protected, most of us will still pick up some sun and start noticing darker brown spots, more freckles, or even a melasma flare. Camille witnesses an influx in clients at the end of summer saying, “I tend to see a lot of clients with skin concerns by the time fall comes around. To help address their summer skin, I’ll tailor a customized treatment plan that usually includes a combination of laser, chemical peels, and/or skincare products to help promote a fresh, even skin tone”. Book an appointment from now for a post-summer skin consultation to see what treatments might be right for you!
