Summer brings sunshine, travel, and long days spent outside—but it also brings changes in your skin. More heat, stronger UV exposure, and added humidity mean your usual routine may need a few tweaks to keep your skin balanced and glowing.
The good news? A few simple swaps can help your skin stay calm, hydrated, and resilient all summer long. Here’s how to transition your skincare for the season—and what to reach for instead.
Embrace Lightweight Hydration
Between high temps, bright sun, and air conditioning, summer can seriously dry out your skin—even if it feels a little oily on the surface. When your skin is dehydrated, it can become tight, dull, or even produce more oil to try and compensate. The key isn’t piling on more product—it’s choosing the right kind of hydration.
Make the Switch:
Instead of heavy creams, layer in lightweight, water-based serums, non-comedogenic oils or moisturizers, and refreshing facial mists that replenish without weighing your skin down. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which holds up to 1,000x its weight in water), vitamin C, and soothing botanicals like rose and aloe to keep skin balanced, plump, and comfortable in the heat.
Peak Scents Summer Favorites:
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Hyaluronic + C Serum
An oil-free, weightless serum that boosts hydration and delivers potent antioxidant protection in one step. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture to plump, smooth and hydrate skin while vitamin C brightens and shields against environmental stressors. It’s the perfect layer beneath your moisturizer. -
Rose Phyto³ Facial Cream
Silky, breathable and ideal for hot weather. Its lightweight oils and nourishing botanicals absorb quickly, leaving skin soft, dewy, and never greasy. Ideal for layering over serums in the morning or evening. -
Rose Phyto³ Facial Mist
Keep it in your bag, your desk, or your beach tote—this calming mist features rose hydrosol, aloe, and an array of phyto-actives to instantly cool, hydrate, and refresh skin throughout the day. Great for post-sun exposure or setting your skincare.
Pro Tip:
Apply hydrating products while your skin is still slightly damp (from cleansing or misting) to help lock in moisture more effectively.
Rethink Retinol in the Sun
Using Retinol in summer can backfire. It increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to dryness, redness, and UV damage—especially if you’re outdoors often or not consistently reapplying sun protection.
Make the Switch:
Swap traditional retinol for a gentler, plant-based alternative. Bakuchiol, a botanical ingredient, offers similar firming and smoothing benefits without the irritation or photosensitivity. Commonly known as babchi, bakuchiol is the key ingredient in our Babchi Serum. Gentle, effective and boosted with synergistic actives, Bachi Serum won’t cause redness, irritation or clog pores and it's safe for daily use—even on the sunniest days.
Gentle Exfoliation for Optimal Glow
Summer heat and sunscreen buildup can leave your skin feeling congested—but reaching for harsh scrubs or strong acids can disrupt your natural skin barrier. Over-exfoliating increases sensitivity, dryness, and makes your skin more vulnerable to the sun.
Make the Switch:
Exfoliate just 1–2 times a week and opt for gentler ingredients like fruit enzymes and mild acids that refresh your skin without stripping it.
Try This Combo:
Our Fruit Enzyme Lift is designed to give your skin a smooth, radiant finish using naturally derived exfoliants. This gentle and effective formulation features:
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Pineapple (bromelain) and apple extracts to gently dissolve dead skin cells and boost clarity
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Salicylic acid (from willow bark) to help unclog pores and reduce congestion
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Glycolic acid (3%) for light resurfacing and improved skin texture
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Carrot root oil for antioxidant support and a healthy glow
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Neroli, rose, and sweet orange essential oils to tone, soothe, and calm
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Beeswax and olive oil to help nourish and protect your skin barrier
Pro tip:
After exfoliating, spritz on our Organic Rose Phyto³ Facial Mist, then follow with Babchi Serum and Rose Phyto³ Facial Cream. This trio works together to replenish moisture, reduce redness, and leave your complexion soft, balanced.
Level Up Your Sun Protection Game
Summer is the season to be outside—but that means it’s also the time to be extra mindful of how you protect your skin. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage. The good news? With the right protection strategy, you can soak up the season without compromising your skin’s health.
Make the Switch:
Start with a mineral-based sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide, a clean and natural ingredient that forms a physical barrier on the skin and reflects both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin (and sometimes the bloodstream), zinc oxide stays on the surface—making it a safer choice for your body and the environment. It's reef-safe, non-toxic, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Be Ingredient Savvy:
Skip synthetic chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate. These have been linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and coral reef damage. Some can even linger in the body long after application. When in doubt, stick to simple, mineral-based formulas with clean, transparent ingredients.
Why We Skip Sprays:
Spray sunscreens might seem quick and easy, but they pose real concerns. The aerosol mist can be inhaled, sending toxic particles into your lungs. And because sprays are often applied too lightly or unevenly, you’re more likely to miss spots and reduce effectiveness. The FDA continues to evaluate their safety—especially for children—so creams and lotions remain the gold standard.
Beyond Sunscreen—Other Smart Sun Protection Habits:
Sunscreen is not your only line of defense. Add these habits to your summer skincare strategy:
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Wear UPF-rated clothing: Look for lightweight fabrics with built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). These block harmful rays and are great for hikes, beach days, and outdoor chores.
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Top it off with a hat: A breathable, wide-brimmed hat shades your face, ears, and neck—areas especially prone to sun damage.
