Sunsmart behaviours
in warmer months

Medical-grade active ingredients, like Vitamin A and Hydroquinone, are some of the most powerful tools for long-term skin health. But because they're so effective, the way you use them often needs to shift with the seasons. The good news: with a few small adjustments, your active skincare routine can work beautifully all year round.

Here's what to know about using your actives in summer versus winter, and how to keep your skin comfortable, protected, and glowing no matter the weather.

Using actives in summer

A common misconception is that active ingredients need to be paused over summer. In reality, our products are completely safe to use throughout the warmer months; you simply need to be a little more mindful of how you use them.

Why the extra caution?

Vitamin A and Hydroquinone can make the skin more photosensitive. This doesn't mean you need to avoid them; in fact, both ingredients continue to benefit your skin all year long:

Retinoids help repair sun-induced damage, including the breakdown of collagen and the over-production of melanin that leads to pigmentation.
Hydroquinone inhibits melanin production, helping to prevent and fade existing pigment.

There are two types of UV we need to protect our skin from; UVA and UVB.

UVA

Penetrates deep into the dermis of the skin and is the prime cause of ageing as it destroys collagen and elastin. It's constant year-round, passing through glass and clouds.

UVB

Affects the outer epidermis layer of the skin, which appears as sunburn and direct DNA damage. UVB intensity varies with the season and is blocked by glass.

The key: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen

If you're diligent about applying SPF50+ every single day and avoid overexposing your skin to the sun, you can absolutely continue using your actives through summer.

If you know you'll be spending prolonged periods in the sun (a beach day, a long weekend outdoors, where consistent SPF reapplication isn't realistic) we recommend scaling back your Night Cream during that time.

For an extra layer of summer-friendly support, our Day Elixir offers powerful brightening and protective benefits that are especially useful during the warmer months.

Your Spring Reset Routine

Lighten your moisturiser

Add the Base Cream to keep your skin comfortable in the heat, humidity and airconditioning.

Support your barrier

Seasonal allergies, pollen and temperature changes can affect our skin, and can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity as it adjusts. Support your skin with a gentle oil cleanser and hydrating serum and a nourishing moisturiser with antioxidant protection.

SPF50+ and sun protection, every day

UV rises through spring and it's important that you continue to protect your skin with diligent SPF use and scale back on your Night Cream application if you're spending long stretches in the sun.