How to Repair and Replenish Sun-Stressed Skin Naturally

christinaallen28
18 hours ago
3 min read

The first few weeks of summer always give me that vacation feel. The sunshine, beach days, late-night fires outside on the deck, and spontaneous weekend fun are so welcome after a long winter.

But your skin does start to feel the effects of all that heat, sweat, and sun (dullness, dehydration, and sensitivity).

I love being outside more than anything, especially this time of year. We live in Barrington so we are always packing a lunch and heading to the beach, having pool play dates for my daughters, going on morning and evening walks, and gardening my flowers and vegetables, but I can always tell when my skin has gotten to the point it’s in need of some extra nourishment.

Here’s how I like to support my skin (and nervous system) during this season of extra exposure.

1. Calm, Cool + Rehydrate Your Skin

Look for products or spa treatments that include:

Aloe Vera – Soothes and deeply hydrates overheated or reactive skin (like the Phyto- Calm Alo Hydrator or our farm fresh herbal aloe mask in our 90-minute Summer Botanical Citrus Facial)

Calendula – Calms inflammation, supports skin healing (calendula is the local herb we use in our Summer treatments for herbal massage oil, mask, hydrosol, and body polish)

Vitamin C – Brightens and protects against free radical damage from sun exposure (try the Hyda-Bright Vitamin C Drops)

Hyaluronic Acid – Pulls hydration deep into the skin to plump and repair (we have a whole line of hyaluronic acid infused products at the spa)

For calming and cooling, the Phyto-Calm Line by Glo Skin Beauty is a must-have during the summer months for instant relief for reactive moments and parched, dry skin.

At home, I love to keep a hydrating mist and cooling mask in the fridge, like the Phyto-Calm Flower Mist or HA-Hyaluronic Mist and the Soothing Gel Mask, and apply them after a hot day outdoors.

2. Gently Exfoliate + Nourish

While it can be tempting to “scrub” off any dryness or dullness, summer skin is generally a little sensitive. Be gentle and choose exfoliants that support cell renewal without compromising your barrier.

I like to use a gentle enzyme-based exfoliator once per month—like the Flower Enzyme Peel included in our Summer Botanical Citrus Facial. It smooths and brightens without irritation, and it smells lovely. For my weekly exfoliant I like the Brightening Polish 2-3 times per week. It is owered by kojic acid, botanical brighteners, and eco-friendly jojoba beads, and targets tone and texture, for a smoother, more radiant effect.

3. Reserve a Seasonal Recovery Treatment

Sometimes your skin needs more than a cleanse or serum; it needs a full-body reset.

The Summer Botanical Citrus Facial is perfect for just that. It is a restorative facial treatment designed for sun-exposed, summer skin. It combines calming plant oils (like calendula + orange peel), citrus hydrosols, and a brightening clinical blend from Glo Skin Beauty.

Includes a Flower Enzyme Peel
Features a stress-relieving facial, scalp, upper back, hand, and foot massage
Leaves your skin hydrated, soothed, and radiant

If your body is also feeling the effects of sun and travel (or maybe your mind and body just need a reset) the Summer Botanical Citrus Body Remedy is a full-body ritual that includes dry brushing, a citrus body polish, aloe hydration, warm botanical oils, and a relaxing full body, scalp, and facial massage.

Both treatments include a private infrared sauna session (especially good for some post Fourth of July detox) and are designed to help you feel refreshed, skin, body, and mood.

4. Make It a Weekly Ritual

Recovery doesn’t need to be a one-time thing. I encourage our guests (and try to remind myself too) to create simple weekly rituals for skin and nervous system care. Try:

A cool dip in the ocean or a cool rinse at the end of your shower
A cooling, hydrating mask and guided meditation while you sip an herbal iced tea before bed
A mini at-home facial with chilled products and tools, and calming music
A spa visit to reset your system with nurturing touch
A Gus-Sha massage with a calendula herbal oil