One of the most common questions we hear as summer arrives is: "Should I stop using my active skincare products?" Retinol, vitamin C, exfoliating acids, brightening serums — patients often assume these need to be shelved until autumn.

In most cases, the answer is no. Most medical-grade skincare continues to provide important benefits throughout the year. The key is making thoughtful adjustments, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and choosing products appropriate for your skin type.

Quick Reference: Active Ingredients in Summer

What If I Get Sunburned?

One of the most common mistakes is continuing all active products immediately after a sunburn. If your skin becomes sunburned:

• Stop retinol until the redness settles
• Pause exfoliating acids
• Avoid scrubs
• Focus on repairing the skin barrier

Products that can help soothe and restore a compromised barrier include:

• Vivier CREME 47 — a deeply nourishing barrier-repair cream
• Vivier GrenzCine® Serum — a growth factor serum that supports skin recovery
• Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
• Cool compresses to reduce heat and inflammation

Once the skin has healed, gradually resume your regular routine.

Is It Safe to Get a Tan?

Many people believe a "base tan" protects the skin. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a healthy tan.

A tan is the skin's response to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Even if you do not burn, tanning contributes to:

• Collagen loss and wrinkles
• Brown spots and uneven skin tone
• Broken blood vessels
• Increased skin cancer risk

If you enjoy being outdoors, protective clothing, shade, and sunscreen allow you to do so while reducing cumulative UV damage.

Should I Wear Sunscreen Indoors?

Often, yes. If you work near large windows, drive frequently, or sit beside natural light for much of the day, UVA rays can still contribute to premature skin aging. Daily sunscreen is a simple habit that provides consistent protection — regardless of whether you step outside.

Can Heat Alone Cause Pigmentation?

Yes — and this surprises many patients. Conditions such as melasma can be aggravated not only by UV light but also by heat, infrared radiation, and visible light. This explains why pigmentation may worsen even in people who wear sunscreen faithfully.

Cooling the skin, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and limiting prolonged heat exposure may help reduce flare-ups.

Summer Skincare Myths

Myth: I don't need sunscreen if it's cloudy.
False. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.

Myth: Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen.
False. Although darker skin has more natural melanin, it can still develop skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.

Myth: Makeup with SPF is enough.
Usually not. Most people do not apply enough makeup to achieve the labelled SPF protection.

Myth: Retinol should never be used in summer.
False. Most patients continue retinol safely with appropriate sun protection and individualized guidance.

Summer Travel Skincare Checklist

When packing, consider including:

• Gentle cleanser
• Vitamin C serum (e.g., Vivier C E Peptides)
• Hydrating serum (e.g., Vivier GrenzCine® Serum)
• Moisturizer (e.g., Vivier CREME 47 or Vivier Ultimage™)
• Retinol (as directed by your provider)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Lip SPF
• Hat and sunglasses
• After-sun moisturizer

Travel-sized products make maintaining your routine much easier.

Summer Skin by Concern

If You Have Acne

Heat, sweat, and sunscreen can contribute to breakouts. Helpful products include:

• Vivier Acne Treatment System
• Vivier Acne Treatment Lotion
• Lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen
• Oil-free moisturizer

Additional tips: wash your face after exercise, avoid picking blemishes, clean sunglasses regularly, wash hats frequently, and change pillowcases often. Professional options such as HydraFacial® and medical acne consultations can often continue safely throughout summer.

If You Have Pigmentation

Helpful products include:

• ZO Brightalive® Skin Brightener
• Vivier Radiance Serum
• Vivier C E Peptides (vitamin C)
• Daily broad-spectrum SPF

Professional treatments after summer may include pigment-specific lasers, IPL, or medical-grade chemical peels, depending on your skin type and diagnosis.

If You Have Dry Skin

Look for deeply nourishing, barrier-supportive formulas:

• Vivier CREME 47
• Vivier GrenzCine® Serum
• Vivier Ultimage™

Avoid over-cleansing and very hot showers, which can further strip the skin barrier.

If You Have Rosacea

Heat often triggers flare-ups. Helpful tips include staying cool, avoiding prolonged direct sun, wearing sunscreen daily, using gentle cleansers, and avoiding harsh exfoliation.

A Word from Our Medical Director

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that skincare should stop during the summer. In reality, most medical-grade skincare continues to provide important benefits throughout the year. The key is making thoughtful adjustments, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and choosing products appropriate for your skin type. Healthy skin is built through consistency, not by stopping your routine every summer."

— Dr. Gidon Frame, Medical Director, Anti-Aging Vancouver

If you are unsure whether your skincare routine should be adjusted for summer, our physicians and skincare professionals are happy to provide individualized recommendations based on your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle. Browse our full product collection or contact the clinic to book a consultation.