Sun, Salt & SPF: The Real Secrets to Summer-Proofing Your Skin

Summer is not the time to let your skincare routine slide

With the sun being one of the biggest offenders when it comes to skin health and ageing, if anything, summer is the time to step it up.

1. Boost Your Antioxidant Protection

Use a daytime serum rich in antioxidants — especially Vitamin C.
It’s essential that your protection doesn’t rely solely on sunscreen; antioxidants help neutralise the inflammatory effects of UV exposure.

Sun damage affects every component of the skin — from keratinocytes (skin cells) and melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to collagen and elastin. Over time, this leads to thinning, uneven pigmentation, and premature ageing.
Repeated UV damage to skin cells can also cause DNA changes that may eventually lead to skin cancers.

2. Don’t Ditch Your Vitamin A

Summer isn’t the time to stop using your Vitamin A serum — whether that’s retinol, retinal, or retinyl acetate, depending on the formulation.

Let’s be clear: Vitamin A is one of the best ingredients for protecting and maintaining healthy skin, but it’s photosensitive. That’s why it should be applied at night — giving it time to be converted and absorbed by skin cells before the next day’s sun exposure.

Some forms, such as Retinyl Palmitate, act as antioxidants and can be safely used during the day to provide extra protection.

3. Stay Hydrated — Inside and Out

More time in the sun, sea, and surf means your skin is likely to be more dehydrated than usual.

Long periods in water actually increase water loss from the skin, and remember — sunscreen is a screen, not a block. Even with diligent use, you’ll still get some UV exposure and its drying effects unless you also limit sun time and cover up.

Apply your sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours — more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

To give your skin a boost, try incorporating extra hydrating products:

• Aspect Hydrating Mask – loaded with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, it can be applied nightly over your serums and left on for an intensive moisture treatment.
• Aspect Ceramide Serum – excellent for restoring the skin’s lipid barrier and locking in hydration.

Also remember to:

• Drink plenty of water
• Take a high-quality fish oil supplement — fish oils are anti-inflammatory and help the skin retain moisture from within.

4. Summer-Friendly In-Clinic Treatments

During the warmer months, it’s important not to photosensitise the skin. Opt for lighter, restorative treatments such as:

• Lactic or enzyme peels
• Infusion treatments
• LED light therapy
• SkinPen microneedling (surprisingly, not photosensitising — just give your skin a few days to recover before extended sun exposure).

Gentle exfoliation can also help with the build-up that occurs from sunscreen and sun exposure. Infusing vitamins or exosomes post-exfoliation supports recovery and skin cell regeneration.

Remember — Vitamin A (retinol) helps stimulate your skin’s own hyaluronic acid, so none of the above replaces it; they complement and enhance your overall results.

Have a lovely summer and enjoy the sun safely.