The Best Summer Skincare Routine for High Altitude Living
A standout Tahoe Summer Skincare routine! Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer. Just Add SPF!
Summer skincare should feel lighter.
Not emptier.
A lot of people respond to warmer weather by removing too much from their routine. Less moisturizer. More exfoliation. Stronger products. More cleansing.
But skin still needs support during summer, especially in high altitude environments like Tahoe.
The goal is not stripped-down skin.
The goal is resilient skin.
Why Summer Skin Can Feel Dry and Oily at the Same Time
One of the most common things clients say during summer is:
“My skin feels so dry, but also I’m breaking out. WTH?!”
that’s because skin is lacking water, not oil.
When skin becomes dehydrated, it often compensates by producing more oil while still feeling tight, dull, reactive, or congested underneath.
This is why hydration matters so much during summer months.
Especially in dry mountain climates.
Hydration and Moisture Are Different
Hydration refers to water content in the skin.
Moisture refers to oils and lipids that help seal and protect that hydration.
Healthy summer skin usually needs both:
lightweight hydration
barrier support
antioxidant protection
gentle exfoliation
consistent SPF
Not necessarily heavier routines.
Just supportive ones.
Why Antioxidants Matter More During Summer
Mountain sun exposure is intense.
Between altitude, reflected (increased) UV, outdoor activity, and longer days, skin experiences more oxidative stress during summer than many people realize.
Antioxidants help support the skin against environmental stress while keeping skin calmer and healthier long term.
Current summer favorites:
Sorella Apothecary Pomegranate Acai Antioxidant Serum
Laurel Skin Antioxidant Serum
Laurel Skin Hydrating Elixir I
Body Care Counts Too
Body Care is skin care
stephanie’s favorite at home duo: Bermuda Scrub and Ingrown oil.
Summer skincare is not just about the face.
Heat, friction, sweat, lake days, and increased exposure can all affect body skin too.
Supportive body care during summer often looks like:
regular sugaring maintenance
gentle exfoliation
hydration
calming inflammation
supportive post-sugaring oils
Consistent maintenance usually creates better long-term results than aggressive correction between appointments.
A Simple Summer Layering Routine
A supportive summer routine does not need to be complicated.
Simple layering often works best:
Gentle cleanse
Hydrating mist or hydrosol
Antioxidant serum
Lightweight moisture support
SPF every morning
Consistency matters more than intensity.
My current Sorella lineup?
Orange You Jelly
Watermelon mint
Pomegranate Acai (AM) and Lemon Lightening (PM)
Blueberry Milk
QUench SPF
Ok, so now what?
Healthy summer skin rarely comes from doing the most.
Usually, it comes from doing supportive things consistently.
Hydration.
Protection.
Maintenance.
Barrier support.
That’s the foundation of long-term skin health.
Need help simplifying your summer skincare routine? Book a facial or stop into the studio for personalized product recommendations.