Summer Skin: Sun, Heat and Hydration
Protecting skin from UV and pigmentation, managing heat and oil, staying hydrated, and timing treatments around summer sun in Vancouver.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Summer Skin: Sun, Heat and Hydration
Summer skin care comes down to sun protection, managing heat and oil, and hydration. UV is stronger in summer and drives pigmentation and aging, so daily SPF and shade matter most. Lighter textures help oily skin, and some treatments, like microneedling, are better timed for cooler months. TCM links summer to the Heart and to cooling foods.
UV and pigmentation
Summer UV is the biggest driver of dark spots, melasma and premature aging. Protect your skin with:
- broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, reapplied every two hours outdoors and after swimming;
- a hat and sunglasses;
- shade at midday.
If you're working on pigmentation or have melasma, heat and sun can make it worse, so protection matters even more.
Heat and oil
Heat and sweat can mean shinier skin and more breakouts. Switch to:
- a gel or light lotion moisturiser;
- a gentle cleanser morning and night (and after workouts);
- non-comedogenic sunscreen;
- blotting instead of extra powder.
Sweat under straps and gear can trigger back acne. Shower and change soon after exercise.
Hydration
Drink water through the day, more in heat and when active. A hydrating serum helps skin feel comfortable. In TCM, summer is linked to the Heart system and Fire element. Cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, mint and mung beans are summer favourites, in moderation.
Timing treatments around sun
- Good in summer: Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow (with strict SPF afterwards), OxyGeneo, and the Bio-Current Facial, which is great for summer puffiness.
- Better in autumn and winter: Microneedling + LED, and treatments aimed at pigmentation, when sun exposure is lower.
- Avoid treatment on sunburned skin. Reschedule until it has settled.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for severe sunburn with blistering, fever or chills, and for any new, changing, bleeding or irregular spot. Check your skin regularly; summer is a good time to book a skin check.
Where to book
Summer facials are available with Mehri at our Yaletown clinic, close to the seawall and easy to reach from Olympic Village and Kitsilano. See also Eating for the Seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a facial in summer?
Yes. Dermaplaning, OxyGeneo and lymphatic facials suit summer, with SPF afterwards.
Why is my skin oilier in summer?
Heat and humidity increase oil and sweat.
Should I skip microneedling in summer?
It's often better timed for cooler months with less sun.
What SPF should I use?
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied outdoors.
Can I have a facial if I'm sunburned?
No. Wait until the skin has settled.
Sources
- Health Canada — Sunscreens (canada.ca)
- American Academy of Dermatology — 12 summer skin problems you can prevent (aad.org)
- Youn SW, et al. Regional and seasonal variations in facial sebum secretions: a proposal for the definition of combination skin type. Skin Res Technol. 2005. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Back acne: How to see clearer skin (aad.org)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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The Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow Facial is a 60-minute treatment that gently removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair with a sterile blade, then deeply hydrates the skin. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $170 and is performed by Mehri Abedi, TuiNa and DDS bio-current therapist.
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