Don’t Neglect Your Summer Skincare!

Let’s be honest—summer feels like a breath of fresh air. We slow down, we plan beach days, we sneak in extra rest. And if you’re like a lot of women in midlife, this season of sun and fun might be exactly what your soul needs.

But your skin? It needs a little extra love.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking summer is the season where your skin thrives. You’re more active, you drink more water, you get more sunshine. But if you’re still treating your skin the way you did in your 20s and 30s, you might be doing more harm than good—without even realizing it.

As we age, our skin gets thinner and drier, and it doesn’t bounce back as quickly from dehydration, sun exposure, or even that layer of sweat that used to mean nothing more than a summer glow. That’s why now—more than ever—summer skincare needs your attention.

And trust me, I learned the hard way.

My Childhood Skin Wake-Up Call

When I was little, I got sun poisoning more times that I care to count. We didn't use sunscreen unless we were headed to the pool or beach for the whole day, and even then, it was old-school stuff like SPF4 and didn't work very well.

Those blistering burns left their mark. Not just on my skin, but in my memory. Tea baths anyone?

Now that I actually care about my skin—and understand how it works—I'm passionate about helping women in midlife avoid the damage I didn't even know I was doing at the time.

Because here's the deal: every season is skincare season. And summer might just be the most important of all.

Summer Skin Stressors You Might Be Overlooking

Sunshine isn't the only thing your skin battles in the summer. These culprits might be flying under your radar:

UV Rays

Obvious, yes—but here's the kicker: even short walks or driving in the car can cause cumulative damage. And mature skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation and fine lines caused by UV exposure. Especially if you wear glasses. They can act like a magnifying glass to the skin around your eyes.

Chlorine, Salt Water & Sweat

These strip your skin of its natural oils and can leave you flaky, irritated or dry. That natural glow? It disappears fast if your skin barrier is compromised.

Heat & Humidity

These trigger more oil production and increase your chances of clogged pores. Not a fun combo where the results are more breakouts.

Over washing

If you're cleansing more often to remove sweat or makeup, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Over cleansing can damage the skin barrier, leading to dullness, breakouts, or dehydration.

What Mature Skin Really Needs This Summer

If you want skin that's healthy, balanced, and glowing all summer long, try these essential shifts—especially tailored for women 40 and up:

1. Hydrate Like It's Your Job (Inside & Out)

Sweat isn't the same as hydration. Your body needs internal water and your skin needs external hydration and moisture. Add a hydrating mist or serum on already wet skin before your moisturizer to help lock it all in.

Bonus Tip: Anytime your skin gets stripped (from chlorine, sweat, saltwater), apply extra mist/serum and moisturizer. Don't wait until your skin is dry and cracking—beat it to the punch.

2. Focus on Antioxidants

When damaging UV rays hit your skin, they generate free radicals—little troublemakers that break down collagen and cause wrinkles, age spots, and inflammation. Antioxidants neutralize those.

Get them in your diet (berries, green tea, leafy greens) and in your skincare (think Vitamin C, CoQ10, or natural botanical oils). Mature skin needs that extra defense.

3. Reimagine Sun Protection

I believe in sun protection, but maybe not in the way you've heard it.

Our bodies need Vitamin D. Traditional SPF blocks Vitamin D absorption—and even mineral sunscreens can, too. That's why I love Earthley's Sunshield. It supports your system during sun exposure without fully blocking the benefits of the sun.

Heads Up: It doesn't act like a conventional SPF, so reapply often and pair it with protective clothing or a hat if you'll be outside long. You'll still be protecting your skin—just in a way that works with your body, not against it.

* Use code: michellerose if you want to try it out and get a small discount

4. Adjust Your Cleansing Routine

More sweat and sunscreen doesn't mean harsher cleansers—it means smarter ones.

Mature skin can't handle being stripped, even when it's sweaty. Instead of using foamy or drying gel cleansers, stick with gentle options (clay based is my favorite) that detoxifies and refreshes without irritation.

My favorite? The Clay Cleanser from Give-A-Derm. It's gentle, hydrating, and does double duty by keeping your pores clean and your skin dewy.

* Use code: michellerose if you want to try it out and get 10% off your entire order!

5. Don't Skip Your Routine—Just Simplify It

Summer is a great time to slow down. But don't confuse rest with neglect.

You don't have to do a 10-step routine. Just focus on the pillars"

• Cleanse (gently)

• Hydrate (layer water-based and oil-based)

• Protect (smart sun practices)

• Treat (with antioxidants)

That's it. Stay consistent, even when life gets busy or relaxed.

You Don't Have to Fight Your Skin This Summer. You Just Have to Listen to it.

What worked in your 20s? It probably won't serve you now. And that's okay. Your skin isn't failing you—it's just asking for something different.

Midlife is a beautiful season, and your skincare should reflect that beauty. With the right shifts, summer doesn't have to be stressful for your skin—it can be healing.

Let go of the pressure to do everything "right" and just start with what's real.

Want Help Choosing the Right Routine for Summer?

Your skin is unique—and your skincare routine should be, too. If you've been wondering where to start, or how to tweak what you already use, let's talk.

Sign up for a FREE Skin Analysis with me.

I'll help you figure out what your skin is craving right now. and how to support it through the heat, sun, and changes that come with this season.

No pressure. No overwhelm, Just support and a plan that actually fits your life.

Cheers (with a full glass of water in hand to hydrate),

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I personally use and LOVE these products, and all opinions are my own.