Summer in Santa Barbara means long days at the beach, afternoons by the pool, and soaking up the sunshine. While these activities are part of what makes the season so enjoyable, they can also leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, or out of balance if you don’t take a few extra precautions.

Understanding how the sun, saltwater, and chlorine affect your skin can help you keep your complexion healthy, hydrated, and glowing all summer long.

Sun Exposure: Protect Your Skin Before Damage Happens

Sunlight is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin aging. Even if you don’t burn, ultraviolet (UV) rays can gradually break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and a loss of firmness over time.

What You Can Do

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re outdoors, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Don’t forget commonly missed areas like your ears, neck, chest, hands, and the tops of your feet.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during the strongest sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Add an antioxidant serum containing Vitamin C to your morning routine. Antioxidants help defend your skin against environmental stressors and can enhance your sunscreen’s protection.

Saltwater: Refreshing for the Soul, Drying for the Skin

A swim in the ocean feels amazing, but saltwater can remove some of your skin’s natural oils. While this may temporarily help oily skin feel less greasy, repeated exposure can leave any skin type feeling tight, dry, and more sensitive.

What You Can Do

• Rinse off with fresh water as soon as you leave the beach.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser instead of a harsh soap.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.
• If your skin feels especially dry, use a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid before moisturizing.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support hydration from the inside out.

Chlorine: Clean Pools, Stressed Skin

Chlorine keeps pools safe by killing bacteria, but it can also strip away your skin’s protective barrier. Frequent swimmers may notice dryness, itching, redness, or increased sensitivity.

What You Can Do

• Rinse off before entering the pool to help reduce how much chlorinated water your skin absorbs.
• Shower immediately after swimming to remove chlorine residue.
• Follow with a nourishing moisturizer that contains ceramides or other barrier-supporting ingredients.
• If you swim regularly, avoid using strong exfoliants on the same day, as your skin may already be more sensitive.

Don’t Over-Exfoliate During Summer

It’s tempting to scrub away sunscreen, sweat, and dry skin, but too much exfoliation can weaken your skin barrier and increase sensitivity.

Instead, stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week unless your skincare professional recommends otherwise. Your skin should feel smooth and refreshed, not tight or irritated.

Hydration Is the Key to Healthy Summer Skin

Warm weather, air conditioning, sun exposure, and outdoor activities can all contribute to dehydration.

In addition to drinking water, choose lightweight, hydrating skincare products that contain ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Aloe vera
• Ceramides

These ingredients help attract and retain moisture without feeling heavy during warmer months.

How Professional Skincare Can Help

Even with a great home routine, summer can be tough on your skin. Professional facials can provide a deeper level of cleansing and hydration while addressing seasonal concerns like congestion, dryness, uneven texture, and sun-stressed skin.

At Cielo Spa, every facial is customized to your skin’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking to restore hydration after a beach vacation, brighten dull skin, or maintain a healthy glow throughout the season, a personalized treatment can help keep your skin balanced and radiant.

Roxanne Zbinden
(805) 687-8979
roxanne@cielospasb.com