As the seasons shift in the Pacific Northwest—and Vancouver Island in particular—so does our skin. It needs extra care to adapt to summer’s golden light and heat.
While I have always been skin-conscious, and having lived in a variety of climates—like the dry desert in Arizona and the Rocky Mountain air of Calgary—my move to Vancouver Island six years ago took things up a notch. I had to adapt to the humidity, rainy season, and summer heat. Each element required slightly different considerations.
Our living boundary
Did you know our skin is the largest organ? It spans over 20 square feet and has three distinct layers that work together to protect us against pathogens. It regulates temperature, absorbs and retains moisture, and, in the summer, synthesizes vitamin D.
Our skin tells a story. It is the boundary between the inner workings of our human body and the external environment.
Those of us in the Pacific Northwest live with a unique skin paradox due to seasonal polarity, especially in coastal regions. Shifts in seasons can challenge our skin’s natural balance and manifest in unexpected sensitivities.
Embrace thoughtful practices to support your skin’s resilience while you’re out enjoying the PNW’s majestic environment.
Layers
Did you know that facial skin is much thinner, more vascular, and contains more oil glands than the skin on the rest of our body? This means our facial skin requires much lighter products and a higher level of protection from UV rays than the skin below the neck does.
Our bodies absorb and tolerate thicker and more robust products. A fun fact: The skin cell turnover rate is much slower on the body than the face.
From the inside out
The mind-body wellness approach recognizes that physical manifestations of the skin often reflect internal states of other body systems. Skin is often the first to reveal imbalances in digestion, hormones, and stress levels.
Chronic stress can trigger inflammatory responses. Sleep deficiency impairs cellular regeneration, and nutritional choices always directly affect skin health—particularly when it comes to collagen and elasticity.
What may be the most important variable, though, in our relationship with our skin is hydration. It represents the most fundamental internal influence on skin health.
Most people unknowingly walk around chronically dehydrated—particularly given our popular coffee culture, craft beverage scene, and the vast amount of physical activity many of us indulge in, especially in the summer months.
Proper hydration supports all skin functions—from cellular turnover to the natural moisturizing processes that keep the complexion radiant—and aids the sweat cycle in regenerating cells.
Holistic summer skin practices
While each of us has a unique skin blueprint, there are certain universal, gender-neutral truths. All skin benefits from gentle cleansing, supportive external hydration that penetrates the layers, antioxidant protection, and sun damage defense. These practices will help keep your skin in optimal condition for the season and beyond:
1. A daily facial routine
- Gently cleanse with a sulphate-free cleanser
- Apply an antioxidant serum
- Use a lightweight moisturizer suitable for your skin type
- Finish with a broad-spectrum mineral based sunscreen
2. Dry brushing
- Using a natural-bristle brush on dry skin before showering or bathing helps exfoliate dead skin cells, activate peripheral circulation, and stimulate internal lymphatic drainage. This supports your skin and your overall well-being.
3. Red light therapy
- Red light therapy penetrates skin layers and stimulates cellular energy production. It increases collagen synthesis and reduces inflammation. It can be used on both your face and body. There are many red light devices to choose from, so research the options.
4. Mindful hydration
- As noted above, many people are dehydrated without realizing it.
- You don’t have to feel thirsty to be lacking water.
- Add minerals, such as Celtic salt, to your water in small amounts for extra benefits.
- Try infusing water with cucumbers, berries, or citrus.
5. Protect your skin
- Even in the PNW, summer means intense UV exposure.
- While brief sun exposure on unprotected skin can be beneficial, it’s important to be mindful and use mineral-based sunscreens to protect your skin’s longevity.
- If you do experience a sunburn, aloe vera, calendula cream, or lavender essential oil mixed with a carrier oil can help soothe and heal your skin.
Remember: skincare is not about vanity—it’s about vitality. Because your skin is more than just surface, it deserves tending and care every day.
