Summer does something to us. The long days, the golden light, the warmth on your skin—it’s energizing, freeing… and for your skin? It can be little chaotic.

If your face is feeling shinier than usual, more prone to breakouts, or suddenly parched in places that used to feel balanced, it’s not your imagination. Your skin behaves differently in summer, and that means your routine should shift a little too.

But don’t worry—you don’t need an entirely new regimen. You just need a few smart swaps and a little seasonal know-how.

What Actually Happens to Your Skin in the Summer?

Let’s break it down:

• Oil production ramps up in response to heat and humidity

• Dehydration sneaks in from sun, sweat, and (yes) air conditioning

• Dead skin builds faster, especially with more SPF and outdoor exposure

• Breakouts increase thanks to clogged pores and excess sweat

• Sun exposure accelerates signs of aging like fine lines and pigmentation (think sunspots and melasma!)

So, yeah. Summer skin has a lot going on.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your skincare shelf—you just need to support your skin in a way that works with the season.

5 Simple Summer Skincare Shifts That Actually Make a Difference

1. Cleanse Without Stripping

Sweat, sunscreen, and pollution build up fast in summer—especially if you’re active outdoors. But some cleansers can strip your skin, causing even more oil production. If you’ve been using a cleanser on your skin that makes it feel “squeaky clean.” That’s not a good sign. That means your skin is getting stripped of the “good oils” it produces. No matter your skin type, your skin needs these oils to help moisturize and keep your microbiome in balance. So, instead of cleansers that strip, try this instead:

• Cleansing Oil at night to break down sunscreen and makeup

• Foaming Face Wash (Chamomile or Lavender) in the morning for a gentle reset

This double-cleansing approach clears the dirt, excess oil, bacteria, makeup, and sunscreen without disrupting your barrier.

2. Exfoliate Smarter, Not Harder

If your skin feels dull or congested, you might just be overdue for a gentle exfoliation. But skip the harsh scrubs—especially if you’re spending time in the sun. Your skin can be more sensitive in the summer depending on your exposure to the sun. Is it red, dry, or irritated? That’s somewhat normal in the summer. Environmental elements can be harsh on the skin. So, pass on the scrub if your skin is feeling like that and instead opt for:

• Exfoliate + Glow Tonic (with natural AHAs and fruit enzymes)

• Or our Papaya + Pineapple Enzyme Mask once or twice a week

These use science-backed ingredients that encourage cell turnover—without overdoing it.

3. Go Lighter on Moisture, But Don’t Skip It

One of the biggest myths? That oily summer skin doesn’t need moisture. Dehydration and oiliness can actually go hand in hand. When the sebaceous glands sense that the skin is dry, they can overproduce oil, leaving the skin appearing shiny or oily. In fact, you may have dry skin! It can be counterintuitive to think this way and it’s not always the case, but it’s something to consider if your skin is really oily in the summer!

If your usual cream feels too heavy, swap to:

• Barrier Defense Serum – lightweight, oil-free hydration with hyaluronic acid and ceramides

• Or follow your toner with just a few drops of Pomegranate Oil at night for rich antioxidants in a lightweight finish

4. Mist, Tone, Repeat

Hot, sticky weather can leave your skin inflamed and cranky. A good toner or hydrating mist (Tonic!) can refresh your skin, calm redness, and help other products absorb better. I always leave a Brighten and Boost Tonic in my refrigerator and when I come in from working in the yard, I give my face a little spritz! It’s a great way to cool down and it gives my skin a little drink! You can do this with our Age Defying Tonic, Rosewater Toner, or even the Clean Sweep-just be sure you apply that with a cotton pad so it doesn’t get in your eyes!

Our favorites:

• Brighten + Boost Botanical Skin Tonic for hydration and glow

• Clean Sweep Toner (especially for acne-prone or oily skin) to help manage summer breakouts

5. Treat Skin Gently After Sun

Even if you’re religious with SPF, your skin still needs some extra love after sun exposure. Focus on nourishment and repair—not aggressive actives. If you’re like me, you occasionally find yourself without extra sunscreen. Yeah sure, I apply it in the morning, but we all know that sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day if you’re out in the sun, right???? hahha But, sometimes we don’t have any and we get a little burned. What do you do???

My favorite “go to” sunburn product is Beauty Balm! I’ve witnessed so many people using this on extreme burns and getting immediate relief from the sting and nearly overnight results where burns are practically better the next day! I also love Skin Rescue for when you’re not burned, but your skin is feeling sensitive after sun exposure. This unique formula derived from ancient methods for wound healing provides instant relief for burns. It’s very calming and has herbs that provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Let Your Skin Enjoy the Season

Summer doesn’t have to mean breakouts, dullness, or irritation. With a few seasonal swaps and a simple, consistent routine, you can keep your skin balanced and happy all season long.

Because your skincare should work with the rhythms of nature—not against them.

Need Help Tweaking Your Summer Routine?

We offer free skincare consults in person or by zoom or phone—Click HERE to book an appointment and we’ll help you build the perfect warm-weather lineup for your skin type.

xoxo
Jewels