July 2025, Skin, Skin Health

Summer Skincare

June 30, 2025 | by

How to Shift Your Skincare Advice to Summer 

By Lola Living

 

As estheticians, we know that skin’s needs are anything but static. Each season brings new challenges, and summer is no exception. With rising temperatures, humidity, sweat, sun exposure, and more time outdoors, hydration needs to be re-evaluated, not just for comfort but for barrier support, oil balance, and long-term skin health. 

Here’s how to guide your clients into a summer-safe, hydration-focused skincare routine that actually works. 

 

“ Summer is the perfect opportunity to re-educate your clients on how to hydrate smarter, not heavier. – Lola Living ”

  1. Lighten Up Without Stripping Down

One of the biggest mistakes clients make in summer is abandoning hydration altogether. Oily skin gets oilier, and sweat can lead to clogged pores—so they cut back on moisturizers or skip them entirely. But dehydration can actually worsen oil production. 

Advise your clients to switch to lighter humectant-based hydrators—think gel moisturizers or hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or panthenol. These deliver water without the weight and help prevent moisture loss from increased sun and heat exposure. 

  1. Adjust Cleansing Habits

With sunscreen, sweat, and outdoor pollutants in the mix, summer cleansing needs to be more thorough but not harsh. Recommend gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that cleanse without compromising the barrier. 

For double-cleansing routines, a milky or gel cleanser followed by a water-based one can help maintain hydration while effectively removing buildup. Over-cleansing strips the skin and contributes to dehydration, so balance is key. 

  1. Mist, Then Seal

Hydrating mists can be a powerful summer tool if used correctly. Encourage clients to mist post-cleansing and before serum or moisturizer to help ingredients absorb more effectively. 

The key? Always follow with a barrier-sealing product—like a lightweight moisturizer or SPF—to prevent water from evaporating. Otherwise, that mist can actually lead to more dryness (a common mistake!). 

  1. Exfoliate Smartly

Clients often exfoliate more in summer due to excess oil and buildup. While that can be beneficial, overdoing it especially without replenishing hydration can lead to inflammation and barrier damage. 

Suggest gentle enzymatic or lactic acid exfoliants 1–2 times per week, followed by a hydrating mask or serum to support moisture retention and repair. 

  1. Recommend Hydrating SPF

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Summer routines are incomplete without hydrating SPF formulas that protect while supporting moisture levels. Look for SPFs with added ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or squalane to offer double-duty protection. 

Educating clients on reapplication without disrupting makeup or moisture, powder or mist sunscreens can be ideal touch-up tools. 

Seasonal shifts require skincare shifts, and summer is the perfect opportunity to re-educate your clients on how to hydrate smarter not heavier. By adjusting product types, layering techniques, and focusing on barrier-supportive hydration, you’ll help your clients maintain glowing, balanced skin even in the hottest months. 

Your expertise as an esthetician can turn a simple seasonal switch into a complete summer skin refresh. 

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