I Thought I Didn’t Need Skincare in the Summer… Until My Skin Checked Me
Let me tell you about Nia. A radiant, carefree soul who LIVES for the sun. Every spring, she’s on patios, at parks, planning picnics and girls’ trips like it’s a sport. But last summer? Whew. Her skin had a whole attitude—and it was trying to send her a message.
See, Nia thought her summer glow would carry itself. She skipped her full skincare routine because, well, “I’m not wearing makeup anyway.” She even forgot to reapply sunscreen (girl, no!). Her skin was like, “Oh, so we’re just freestyling now?”
By July, her cheeks were dry and patchy. Her forehead was dull. And the little dark spot that faded over winter? It came back with backup. She panicked. Then she called us.
And here’s what we told her…
☀️ Summer + Spring Are NOT the Time to Skip Skincare
Warm weather can trick you into thinking your skin is fine because you’re glowy from sweat or oil. But the truth is:
Melanin-rich skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation when exposed to the sun.
Heat + UV exposure = inflammation, dullness, and flare-ups.
Dehydration is real—inside and out.
And while summer makes us feel free, your skin still needs structure, sis.
🚫 What Hurt Nia’s Skin (That You Might Be Using Too)
Here’s what we pulled from her shelf:
A “brightening” toner loaded with denatured alcohol
A foaming cleanser with fragrance + sulfates
A moisturizer with silicones that sat on top of her skin but didn’t nourish it
These ingredients are often marketed as “oil-free” or “clarifying,” but they can dry out melanin-rich skin and worsen pigmentation over time—especially in sunny seasons.
✅ What Helped Her Skin Bounce Back (The Polk Way)
We set Nia up with a spring/summer routine built around nourishment, gentle exfoliation, and protection. Here’s what we recommended:
Milk & Honey Cleanser – Creamy, non-stripping, and full of natural humectants
Perfection Toner – Balances the skin’s pH without alcohol or harsh ingredients
Spotlight Serum – Targets dark spots with turmeric + licorice root
Marigold Mango Butter (lightly applied at night) – Seals in moisture + repairs barrier
Daily SPF – Always. No matter the melanin. (We’re not negotiable on this one.)
Within weeks, her skin felt like her skin again—dewy, clear, and glowing (for real this time). And now? Sis is religious about her summer skincare ritual.
🌿 Ingredients That Love Your Melanin (and Work with the Season)
Here’s a spring/summer cheat sheet for what your skin actually needs:
✅ Use This- Turmeric, Honey, Mango Butter, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C (gentle formulas)
❌ Skip This- Alcohol-based toners, Sulfates (harsh foaming agents), Fragrance-heavy products, Silicone-heavy moisturizers, Physical scrubs with large grains
💛 Let Nia’s Story Be Your Reminder:
Just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean your skincare takes a vacation. Your glow deserves better. Feed your skin what it needs, protect your melanin, and keep it cute all season.