Hydrate and Nourish
Many people think that they need deep exfoliation or “detox” treatments to “renew” the skin for summer, but this could set them back. Healing from winter is the number one priority for my clients, and it’s what sets their skin up for success all summer long.
Get an esthetician to evaluate where your skin is at with its integrity and barrier health. Then, most likely, they’ll infuse the skin with lots of hydrating, healing, and nourishing ingredients.
Heal and Strengthen
This can be anything from a regular hydrating facial to gentle LED treatment to a moisturizing sheet mask at home. What it isn’t is a deep exfoliation treatment, an invasive skin-wounding procedure like microneedling, microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Save those for fall when you need them.
For summer, work on rebalancing and building up barrier function, consistent habits and regularly applying sunscreen. It’s a bit more boring than shiny and trendy esthetic treatments, but it works.
Seek a Professional
Effective At-Home Treatment
CLEANSE Cleanse your skin with your esthetician-recommended cleanser (everyone’s skin is different).
HYDRATE Apply a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid or a glycerin-based serum. No retinoids or acids.
ANTIOXIDANTS Apply your esthetician-recommended cream, gel, or sheet mask with hydrators, antioxidants and soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients.
MOISTURIZE Remove mask and finish with your skin-specific moisturizer. Don’t forget to add your favorite broad-spectrum SPF 30 if the sun’s still out!
The majority of my clients come to me with incredibly damaged skin after thinking that Google, Instagram, and TikTok have all the answers. The benefit of a professional partner is that you can take most of the guesswork out of getting the skin of your dreams. A good esthetician will get to know you and your skin and customize a routine directly in line with your goals. And, in my experience, that always supercharges clients’ motivation. Especially once they start seeing results.
Embrace The Season
TIPS
CLEANSE With each change of the season, your skin has different needs. Tis’ the time of year to change up your skincare routine to incorporate lighter products and products that protect from sun damage.
Summertime is a time of renewal and awakening. It’s a time of rebirth. We need to look through this lens with summertime skincare as well.
CSL Beauty Editor Tested: New Products We’re Loving
Multi-use Duo Stick in 18 Gentle Glow, $85
From the new Summer’s Calling Collection, the luscious limited edition collection features soft sparkling colours that evoke the season. We loved the butter like texture with the perfect hint of colour on one end and subtle highligher on the other, adding a perfect kissed by the light touch to cheeks.
Love Nude Lip Blusher in 44 Nude Lavalliere, $58
Your lips but better, instantly. Testers loved the balmy formulation and instant blurred effect, resulting in the ideal pouty au nautrel nude lip. We also love the range – from cool to warm tones which will truly suit any skin tone.
Dior Addict Glass Lipstick, $61
Looking for a sparkly lip gloss in one stick? We love this all in one lippie, perfect for creating a modern fresh lip that delivers a beautiful flush of colour that isn’t sticky or overdone, and always leaves our lips super hydrated (thanks to its beautiful formulation using 90% oils including cranberry oil). Available in 16 shades (our personal fave is shade 504 Dior Sweet).
Josie Maran
Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Body Butter, $98
This rich body butter targets rough, bumpy skin with pro-retinol—with no irritation or added sun sensitivity. Testers skin was supple and silky, without a greasy texture left my skin plus the fast absorbing thick cream lasts all day.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Colour Wash bronze water tint in tanline, $65
Mindful about tanning? This instant glow in a bottle is the next best thing. Use one drop on cheek contours, temples and top of the nose for that just back from Ibiza vibe.
This original article first appeared in the SUMMER 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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