Over the years, I’ve logged countless summer hours flipping through teen magazines on the dock, hunting for skincare, hair, and relationship advice. As an adult, I’m still unlearning a lot of well-intentioned but ultimately useless guidance.
No, a 10-step quiz will not be able to tell you “What Your Crush Secretly Thinks About You This Summer.”
No, your entire personality does not need to change based on “Which Jonas Brother is Most Compatible With You.”
No, you don’t need the newest jelly sandals in five neon colours to be “That Girl.”
And no, applying toothpaste to your sunburn is not the cooling hack it claimed to be. (Yes, I tried it. No, it did not end well.)
Summer beauty myths have come a long way from the glossy pages of those magazines, but some still linger – especially when it comes to skincare. Let’s debunk three of the worst offenders once and for all.
Myth #1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer in Summer
As someone with combination skin, summer always felt like the time to take a vacation from my moisturizing regime. More humidity and hot weather must mean mean my skin is completely hydrated! It would be counter intuitive to add more moisture to that recipe. Right…?
The Truth: Hot weather can trick you into thinking your skin doesn’t need moisture because it feels oilier. In reality, skipping moisturizer can make oily skin worse as your skin produces more oil to compensate for dehydration.
What to Do Instead: Switch to a lightweight oil or serum that hydrates without clogging pores, like our ELEVATE Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Serum. It nourishes while balancing sebum production, and offers deep moisture without an oily residue.
Myth #2: You Don’t Need to Exfoliate in Summer
I used to think that my skin would tell me when it’s time to exfoliate. Scaly, rough, winter skin was my cue to bring a body scrub back into my weekly skincare routine. When I ditched exfoliation in the summertime, I’d notice more ingrown hairs, uneven skin texture, and stubborn dry patches.
The Truth: Between sunscreen, sweat, and increased oil production, your pores can get clogged faster in the summer. Gentle exfoliation is key to keeping your skin fresh and preventing congestion.
What to Do Instead: Use a natural exfoliant like our FRESH Seasonal Strawberry Body Scrub once or twice a week. It sloughs off dead skin without irritation, leaving your skin glowing and smooth.
Myth #3: Natural Bug Sprays Don’t Work
Like many of us, my childhood summers were marked by the bitter scent of DEET bug spray. Smelly in your hair, sticky on your skin—and god forbid you got any near your mouth… It made sense at the time: Canadian bugs are aggressive, so I need a harsh, chemical deterrent to experience the peace of a mosquito-less evening.
The Truth: Many people assume natural insect repellents aren’t effective. In reality, essential oils like cedarwood, lemongrass, and lavender have been used for centuries to repel mosquitoes and ticks safely.
What to Do Instead: Skip the DEET this summer and try WOODSY Natural Insect Repellent. It keeps bugs away naturally while smelling earthy, fresh, and calming.
Trust Nature, and Your Gut
Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge (and the right products), you can protect, nourish, and love your skin through every season.
