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Looking for a simple summer skincare routine? Discover three hydrating skincare products I recommend to help keep skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing through heat, travel, and long days outdoors.
Summer's all about being carefree—taking vacations, spending time outdoors, and making memories. And while it's one of my favorite seasons, all that summer fun can be surprisingly stressful for your skin.
Long days in the sun, summer heat, time on the water, hiking, air travel, and even air conditioning can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, stressed, or more sensitive than usual. That's why I recommend making a few simple adjustments to your summer skincare routine during the warmer months.
The good news? It doesn't take a complicated routine to keep your skin balanced, comfortable, and glowing all summer long.
Why Your Skin Gets Dehydrated During Summer
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that dry skin is only a winter problem. While cold weather certainly contributes to dryness, many people continue to struggle with dry, dehydrated skin throughout the summer.
The combination of UV exposure, heat, wind, and environmental stress can weaken your skin's natural moisture barrier, allowing water to escape more easily. That's why your skin may suddenly feel tight, look dull, or become more sensitive—even in the middle of July.
It's also important to remember that oil and hydration aren't the same thing. Your skin can feel oilier during the summer and still be dehydrated underneath.
Living in Aspen, where our climate is dry year-round, I see this all the time. Clients are often surprised that what their skin really needs isn't a heavier moisturizer—it's more hydration and support for the skin barrier.
The Three Products I'm Reaching For This Summer
These are the three products I'm reaching for all summer long—both in my treatment room at Heaven on Earth in Aspen and at home. They're simple, effective, and easy to incorporate into almost any skincare routine, which is exactly why I come back to them every summer.
Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner
This isn't your traditional toner.
The ultra-fine mist instantly refreshes skin throughout the day. It's especially wonderful after a walk, a hike, a day at the lake, or any time your skin feels warm or dehydrated.
If you've never been much of a toner person, this might be the one that changes your mind.
It's one of the easiest ways to refresh your skin on a warm summer day and a simple addition to your routine.
Pila's Tip: I always keep a bottle nearby—either on my desk or on my kitchen windowsill. That way, whenever my skin starts feeling warm or a little dry, I can give it a quick refreshing mist without having to think about it.
Learn more about the Skin Script Hydration Toner →
Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum
If there's one hydrating serum to add to your routine this summer, this is the one I'd recommend.
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it replenishes moisture without feeling heavy or greasy, making it ideal for warm weather and comfortable under sunscreen.
Whether you've been in the sun, on an airplane, or simply spending more time outdoors, this serum helps keep your skin feeling hydrated, comfortable, and resilient. It's one of my favorite ways to help prevent dehydrated summer skin before it starts.
Learn more about the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum →
Want to learn more about why I love hyaluronic acid during the summer? I also shared the difference between hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan in this Instagram post that many of my clients have found helpful.
Skin Script Botanical Bloom Hydrating Mask
While your daily routine does most of the heavy lifting, a weekly mask is a wonderful way to give your skin a little extra attention.
The Botanical Bloom Hydrating Mask replenishes moisture while leaving skin looking brighter, smoother, and refreshed.
It's the mask I reach for after a busy week in the sun, a weekend at the lake, or after traveling—times when my skin needs an extra boost of hydration.
Learn more about Skin Script Botanical Bloom Hydrating Mask →
At a Glance
- Dry skin isn't just a winter concern—summer can be just as dehydrating.
- Heat, sun exposure, travel, and air conditioning can weaken your skin's moisture barrier.
- Refresh your skin throughout the day with a hydrating toner.
- Use a lightweight hydrating serum morning and evening.
- Add a hydrating mask once or twice a week for an extra boost of moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my skin is dehydrated?
A: One little trick I often share with clients is what I call the cheek test. Gently push up on your cheek with your fingertips. If you notice fine, crinkly lines that soften or disappear when you release your skin, it may be a sign that your skin is dehydrated and could use more hydration.
I also tell clients to pay attention to how their skin feels. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks a little dull, or seems more sensitive than usual, dehydration may be the culprit. And remember, dry skin isn't just a winter concern. Even oily skin can become dehydrated, especially during the summer months.
Q: Can oily skin become dehydrated?
A: Yes. Oil and hydration are different. Your skin can produce excess oil while still lacking water. That's why lightweight hydrating products are so important during the summer.
Q: How often should I use a hydrating mask?
A: Most people benefit from using a hydrating mask once or twice a week. If you've been traveling, spending long days outdoors, or your skin feels especially dry, an extra treatment can help restore moisture.
Keep Your Summer Skincare Routine Simple
One of the biggest lessons I've learned after more than 30 years as an esthetician is that healthy skin doesn't have to come from an elaborate routine.
A few thoughtfully chosen products can help keep your skin comfortable, hydrated, and glowing all season long. If your skin has been feeling tight, dull, or more sensitive lately, it may simply be asking for a little more hydration.
I hope these three favorites help you enjoy healthy, radiant skin—so you can get back to making the most of summer.
Products Featured in This Article
- Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner – An ultra-fine facial mist that refreshes and replenishes hydration throughout the day.
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Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum – A lightweight hydrating serum that helps support the skin barrier while delivering lasting moisture.
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Skin Script Botanical Bloom Hydrating Mask – A weekly treatment that restores hydration and leaves skin looking brighter, smoother, and refreshed.
