Summer Skincare: What’s Real + What’s Fake
And why it's the toughest season to hold boundaries as an esthetician
I live for summer—sunshine, saltwater, sandy toes, and boat days. But I’ll be honest: as an esthetician, it’s also the season where I struggle most with boundaries. Like, boundaries with total strangers.
Whether I’m strolling the beach or lounging poolside, I constantly fight the urge to yell, “Hey! Did you reapply your SPF? At least SPF 30, please!” I daydream about launching a team of “Skin-guards” who patrol the beach with me, blowing whistles and tossing sunscreen like it’s confetti.
But since I can’t go squirting sunscreen on every sunbather and shark tooth hunter I pass, what I can do is share facts—and debunk a few fiction-filled summer skincare myths.
Let’s play: Is It Real or Is It Fake?
☀️Myth #1: A tinted moisturizer with SPF is all I need during summer to protect my skin, particularly my face.
REAL.
SPF is SPF—whether it’s in a white lotion, mist, or your favorite tinted hydrator. The key is ensuring it’s SPF 30 or higher and that you reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
🔥Myth #2: I break out more in summer than any other season.
REAL.
Heat and humidity = sweat and clogged pores. Back-ne and body breakouts are super common this time of year. Look for body washes with ingredients like mandelic, glycolic, or salicylic acid. My go-to? Face Reality’s Body Wash. It works.
✨Myth #3: Self-tanner is the only way to get a summer glow without sun.
FAKE.
Glowing skin comes from exfoliation + Vitamin C, not just self-tanner. Use an exfoliating serum at night, and a brightening serum with Vitamin C in the morning. That’s the glow-up secret, friend.
🌊Myth #4: Being near water increases sun exposure.
REAL.
Water reflects and intensifies UV rays. As someone who’s always near the ocean with my wife, Captain Sandy Yawn, we don’t leave home without sunscreen and lip hydration. One of her favorites (and mine) is Image Vital C — trusted in my treatment room for years.
💻 Blame It On the Algorithm: Ice, Ice Baby
Welcome to B.I.O.T.A. - Blame It On The Algorithm, where we shine a spotlight on the beauty trends running rampant in your feeds. I’ll tell you if they are worth your time and money.
Let’s talk ice water facials. Lately my feed is full of influencers dunking their faces into frozen sinks as part of their morning regime… you might be wondering: is this trend actually worth trying?
✅ The verdict: YES.
I’ve been doing this for years. When I travel, I actually call room service for a bowl of ice every morning. Or use the hotel ice bucket. Even a few cubes in a washcloth will do.
Why it works: it boosts circulation, reduces puffiness, and wakes up your skin better than caffeine. I submerge my face for 10 seconds, come up for 5, and repeat for one minute. Try it—you’ll see and feel the difference.
What Goes Down in My DMS
I get a lot of messages on social. So, what do I get asked about the most? The number one DM subject: my lips – as in, what procedures have I had done and what lip color am I wearing. Here’s the scoop:
A. My lips are real (thanks genetics), I’ve not had filler. But I do practice microneedling, which stimulates collagen and elastin and fullness (and goes without saying, but should always be administered by a true professional). I also use lip masks all the time. Most days, I dab on Ormedic’s lip mask (again, not sponsored I’m just a superfan, it really works) and head out the door.
B. When I do wear color, you’ll find me in MAC and Lawless Beauty’s Lip Gloss. I swear by both brands.
💛 Mini Motivation Moment: See Yourself Through Love, Not Lack
Aging isn’t something to fear. It’s something to celebrate.
For too long, we’ve been fed the lie that beauty belongs to youth. But real beauty—the kind that radiates from the inside—comes from confidence.
As the founder of Skin By Leah, I’ve spent decades helping others care for their skin and, more importantly, learn to see themselves with grace and gratitude. Aging With Confidence isn’t just a motto, it’s a mindset.
This space is for the woman who’s done chasing youth and ready to stand in her power. Whether you’re navigating menopause, rethinking your skincare routine, or rediscovering your purpose—know this: you are still becoming. You are still beautiful.
Let this be your reminder:
Age with pride.
Walk in your skin with grace.
Choose confidence over comparison.
Beauty isn’t behind you—it’s right here, right now.
XOXO Leah
P.S. If you liked this, please share with some amazing women in your life!