Summer skin hits different — between long days in the sun, travel, and the occasional on-set makeup marathon, I’ve learned my routine has to shift. Heavy creams? Forget it. This is the time for light, glowy layers that survive sweaty beach days and keep my skin calm when I do have filming days sprinkled in. Today I’m sharing exactly what’s in my summer skincare lineup — the products I actually use and how I keep my skin hydrated and happy all season long.

Why I Switch Up My Routine in Summer

My skin goals in winter vs. summer are totally different. When it’s cold out, I pile on creamy moisturizers and oils. But in summer? I need lightweight hydration, lots of sunscreen, and soothing ingredients that won’t clog my pores — especially with all the travel and the extra sun exposure.

And while I love a good glam moment for shoots, most days I want my skin to feel fresh enough that I don’t need makeup at all.

My Morning (AM) Summer Skincare Routine

Here’s my exact morning lineup — step by step:

1. Gentle Cleanse

I start simple with the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser — it’s non-stripping and just wakes up my skin.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (Daily Non-Negotiable)

If I had to pick one product I’d never skip, it’s hyaluronic acid. I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid every single morning for hydration. After I get a Skin Laundry power resurfacing facial, they tell to only apply hyaluronic acid every hour for the first 6 hours… so it must be good.

3. Vitamin C Serum

Next, I add The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum for brightening and extra antioxidant protection. Also a recommendation from Skin Laundry.

4. Moisturizer + SPF Layer 1

I use The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer with sunscreen — lightweight but hydrating.

5. SPF Layer 2: Skin Tint

I top that off with EltaMD Skin Tint Mineral Sunscreen for even more sun protection and a little natural coverage.

6. SPF Reapplication During the Day

When I’m out or traveling, I keep Supergoop Powder Sunscreen in my bag — easy to dust on over everything without messing up skin or makeup.

7. A Touch of Color

For cheeks, lids, and lips, I love the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Color Stick in “Flip” — quick monochromatic color that ties everything together. My skin looks so good lately since I have become a member at Skin Laundry that I don’t even want to put makeup on to cover my skin.

My Night (PM) Summer Skincare Routine

Nights are all about removing every trace of sunscreen and makeup while repairing my skin with actives:

1. Makeup Removal

I start with micellar water (I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O) and a Makeup Eraser cloth — it melts off mascara, tinted SPF, and any cheek tint from the day without stripping my skin.

2. Cleanse (Choose One)

After makeup removal, I cleanse with one of three favorites depending on how my skin feels:

• Deinde Face Wash (when I want a gentle but refreshing cleanse)
• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (for extra moisture and calm)
• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (light oil-based clean, perfect if I’ve worn more makeup)

3. Hyaluronic Acid (Again)

This step never changes — I apply The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and prep.

4. Actives (Alternating)

I alternate between:

• Rejuran PDRN serum (the collagen-boosting “salmon sperm” that Hollywood is gatekeeping)
• Tretinoin (prescription retinol) on alternate nights for texture + anti-aging benefits
• AHA/BHA Peel when I feel like I need a peel. Skin Laundry offers peels, but I am allergic to nuts so I do mine at home here and there.

5. Moisturizer

Seal everything in with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — lightweight but nourishing enough to recover overnight.

Extras + Treatments I Swear By

• Sheet Masks in the Fridge — especially stem cell masks for post-sun calming, I also like loops masks.
• Laser Facials at Skin Laundry — I alternate between their Power Resurfacing and Power Signature facials for glow + collagen boost (I avoid retinol and vitamin C for 3–5 days before and after) use my link for a discount at Skin Laundry!
• Summer Fridays Minis — love their Jet Lag Mask, Serum, and Spray for travel
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask — bedtime essential

Summer Travel Skincare Tips

• Pack minis: Same routine, smaller bottles — no excuses to skip steps
• Consistency > 10 steps: Even just cleanser + HA + SPF keeps skin happy
• Skip actives before beach/laser days: Protect your barrier, especially with vitamin C + retinol

On-Set Skincare Adjustments

When I have filming days, my focus is prep + recovery:

• Prep: Lightweight hydration so makeup sits well and lasts
• Recovery: Double cleanse + barrier repair so my skin can breathe afterward

Final Thoughts

Summer skincare doesn’t need to be complicated — just hydration, protection, and balance. These products have become my no-fuss routine that works on the road, at the beach, and yes, even under set lights.

FAQs

Do you always use hyaluronic acid twice a day?
Yes — morning and night. It keeps my skin consistently plump and hydrated.

Can I copy this routine if I don’t have tretinoin or PDRN?
Absolutely — just keep the basics (HA + vitamin C + SPF) and add your favorite moisturizer.

How often do you get laser facials?
As often as I can — they make such a difference, especially in summer when I want minimal makeup. The collagen boosting is unmatched. Use my code SYDNEY7059 for $50 off.