Summer Skin Survival Guide: 7 Expert Tips for Glowing, Protected Skin in the Okanagan Heat

Let’s be real—Penticton summers are stunning. Sunshine, beaches, patios… it’s what we wait all year for. But all that heat, UV exposure, and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin if you're not taking the right steps to protect and care for it.

As someone who works closely with women who care deeply about their health and appearance, I see a lot of summer skin issues that could easily be prevented with the right routine. So I’m sharing my top 7 expert tips for keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and protected through the hottest months of the year.

1. SPF Is Non-Negotiable

This is your first—and most important—line of defense. You need a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, every single day. Yes, even on cloudy days. And yes, even if you “don’t burn.”

Living in the Okanagan means we get a lot of UV exposure, and sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors and don’t forget commonly missed spots like your ears, chest, and the backs of your hands.

Pro tip: If you’re not sure which SPF is right for your skin type, I carry professional formulas that won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue. Just ask!

2. Hydration—Inside and Out

Between the dry air, extra sweat, and long days in the sun, your skin loses moisture faster in the summer. That dull, tight feeling? It’s dehydration talking.

Drink plenty of water, but also use a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe to lock in moisture topically. If your skin still feels thirsty, adding a hydrating mist or a light moisturizer can make a big difference.

3. Exfoliate—But Gently

Sweat, sunscreen, and environmental buildup can clog your pores quickly in the summer. Exfoliating helps keep skin smooth, clear, and glowing—but don’t go overboard.

Stick to gentle exfoliants 1–2 times per week. If your skin is feeling rough or congested, a professional dermaplaning session or an enzyme facial can remove dead skin and boost that summer glow without causing irritation.

4. Manage Breakouts Wisely

Warmer weather can mean more oil production, especially for those with acne-prone skin. Combine that with sunscreen, heat, and possibly hormonal changes, and breakouts can flare up fast.

Resist the urge to attack your skin with harsh scrubs or stripping cleansers. It often makes things worse. Instead, opt for targeted treatments with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or soothing botanicals. And if you need a reset, my Clear Complexion Facial is designed to deep-clean, calm, and rebalance irritated skin.

5. Ease Up on the Heavy Actives

If you use ingredients like retinol or strong acids, you may want to scale back during peak summer months. These products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to damage if not used carefully.

Instead, focus on antioxidant-rich serums (like vitamin C) to protect against free radicals and brighten your complexion—plus they pair beautifully with SPF.

6. Book a Skin-Quenching Summer Facial

Your skin doesn’t need to be struggling to benefit from a professional facial. In fact, this time of year is perfect for a gentle, hydrating, or enzymatic treatment that restores balance without overloading your skin.

A summer facial helps prep your skin for the season, calm inflammation, and gives you that fresh, healthy glow—without the filters.

I offer custom facials that are tailored to your skin’s needs in real-time. Ask me about what’s best for you this season.

7. Your Body Needs Love Too

We often forget about the skin on our neck, chest, and body—but these areas age just like our faces. Apply SPF to your décolletage, shoulders, and hands daily, and consider a gentle body exfoliation once a week to prevent dullness and ingrown hairs.

Bonus: if you’re doing laser hair removal on underarms, bikini line, or legs—make sure you’re protecting those treated areas with sunscreen and following post-care guidelines for best results.

Ready to Upgrade Your Summer Skincare?

The truth is, you don’t need a million products or a complicated routine—just the right ones, used at the right time.

If you’re not sure where to start, I offer one-on-one skin consults and professional treatments that are completely customized to your skin goals. Whether you need a hydration boost, acne support, or help picking the perfect SPF, I’ve got you covered.

Book your summer facial or consult today, and let’s keep your skin glowing all season long.

- Shannon, Lakeside Skin & Laser