As the seasons shift, so should your skincare routine. What works for your skin in winter won’t necessarily cut it during the warmer months — especially under the harsh Australian sun.
To understand how best to prepare your skin for summer, Ricky Allen spoke with Dr Sean Arendse, cosmetic physician and director of Flawless Clinics in Toorak and Hampton, Victoria. Dr Arendse also sits on the board of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australia and regularly lectures on skincare and aesthetic medicine at medical conferences.
“Each patient is assessed individually, and we create a skincare program that takes into account the climatic and lifestyle changes between summer and winter,” explains Dr Arendse. “Your skin’s needs evolve throughout the year, so it’s essential to adapt your treatments and products accordingly.”
While sunscreen is a must year-round, Dr Arendse emphasises that many people don’t apply enough or reapply frequently enough throughout the day. “For true protection, sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly — not just in the morning,” he says.
Dr Arendse recommends tried-and-tested formulas such as:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ and Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($38.95 each)
- Airyday Golden Glow SPF 50+ and Pretty in Zinc SPF 50+ ($53 each)
Don’t forget vulnerable areas like the lips and ears — the Airyday Lip Me Lip Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($25) offers excellent daily protection.
To defend against UV damage and environmental pollutants while supporting collagen production, Dr Arendse recommends incorporating antioxidants into your summer routine. “Products like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic are a must for brightening and protecting the skin,” he notes. “Just remember, you still need sunscreen on top if using it during the day.”
Vitamin A is another key ingredient for improving skin texture and promoting cell turnover. For this, Dr Arendse suggests the iS Clinical Reparative Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 ($170), paired with the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex ($44) for a deep yet gentle cleanse.
Warmer weather often means increased oil production, making breakouts more common. “A good cleanser is essential in summer,” says Dr Arendse. “Many people don’t cleanse thoroughly enough to remove all the debris and excess sebum.”
To balance hydration without heaviness, he recommends lightweight, hydrating serums such as SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan ($175), rich in hyaluronic acid. “Use serums first — their smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the skin — and then apply your moisturiser once it’s absorbed.”
For an extra hydration boost, iS Clinical Daily Dynamic Hydrator ($242) delivers long-lasting moisture and a visible glow.
Summer is not the season for intensive or aggressive treatments. “Give your skin a break and focus on rebuilding the barrier,” advises Dr Arendse. “Avoid strong lasers or deep exfoliating treatments during this time.”
Instead, opt for gentler options like HydraFacial, peels or Emface for a radiant, refreshed complexion. Body contouring treatments such as truSculpt are best done two to three months before summer so your results are ready by the time the season begins.
“Summer is a time to be out and about, enjoying every day,” says Dr Arendse. “With the right skincare plan, your skin will not only survive the season — it will flourish.”
