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Cincinnati summers come in hot and heavy—literally. Between the sticky humidity, rising UV index, and constant back-and-forth between blazing sun and cold AC, your skin goes through a lot this season. And if you're like most people, you're probably making at least one mistake that’s sabotaging your glow. As a nurse practitioner who works with skin daily, I see these same issues pop up every June. But the good news? They're totally fixable.
Here’s what you’ll learn today:
I know you've heard this a million times, but not all sunscreens are created equal—especially in Cincinnati's high-UV summer. Many people either skip SPF altogether or grab the first one they find at the drugstore or grocery store. But here’s the thing: those shelves are packed with sunscreens full of ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Some of these chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and even cancer.
Your skin is your largest organ—so why slather it in mystery ingredients that you wouldn’t even put in your body? You want a sunscreen that protects you, not one that adds more toxicity to your system.
A 2024 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlighted growing concerns around common chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which may pose risks to human health and the environment. You can view a full list of ingredients that are harmful to you at Byrdie.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with mineral blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are gentler, work immediately, and won’t clog pores like many chemical formulas. If you can't find any in the store, look for an organic sunscreen at the least.
At Fix Studios, we carry medical-grade, mineral-based SPF options that are organic, lightweight, non-comedogenic, and designed for sensitive, aging, or acne-prone skin. Sunscreen should be the last step of your morning routine, every single day—cloudy or not.
The sweat, oil, and sunscreen buildup make it tempting to go in hard with exfoliants or harsh cleansers. But stripping your skin too much damages your barrier and can lead to more oil production and irritation.
Stick with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser morning and night. If you need to refresh mid-day, try a micellar water or facial mist instead of washing multiple times. Overdoing it is a fast track to dull, inflamed skin.
Some red-flag ingredients to avoid in summer? Sulfates, alcohols, and aggressive acids unless advised by your skincare provider.
"It's humid, so I don’t need a moisturizer, right?"
Wrong. While the humidity can make your skin feel moist, it's essential to understand that external moisture doesn't equate to internal hydration. Air conditioning, sun exposure, and sweating all dehydrate your skin at a deeper level.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying moisturizer immediately after bathing can help trap existing moisture in the skin and support the skin's barrier function. The humidity can fool you into thinking your skin is hydrated, but air conditioning, sun exposure, and sweating all dehydrate your skin at a deeper level. Plus, skipping moisturizer can actually cause more oil production as your skin tries to compensate.
Use a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe. These keep your skin plump without feeling greasy.
My go-to pro tip? Keep your moisturizer in the fridge and apply it right after showering to lock in hydration.
What works in winter won’t necessarily work when the weather shifts. Summer skincare should be about balance, not just protection.
Swap out heavy creams for lightweight serums, reduce how often you use strong actives like retinol, and increase hydration-focused ingredients.
Also—don’t skip exfoliation entirely. Just go for something gentle like a lactic acid serum or toner 1–2 times per week to help with sunscreen buildup and clogged pores.
Here’s a simple summer AM/PM routine you can try:
Many assume summer isn’t the time for in-office treatments. But certain facials are actually perfect during this season—especially PRP and PRF facials.
These collagen-stimulating treatments use your body’s own plasma to boost radiance, improve texture, and support long-term skin health. Even better? They’re sun-safe and don’t require the downtime of lasers or peels.
At Fix Studios, we recommend PRP/PRF facials as a summer-friendly option to reset your skin and maintain that healthy, lit-from-within glow. Add them to your seasonal skincare strategy and watch your results multiply.
Do I really need SPF on cloudy days? Yes! Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin.
Can I use retinol in the summer? Yes, but reduce frequency and apply only at night.
How often should I exfoliate? 1–2 times/week with a gentle formula.
Are PRP/PRF facials safe in summer? Absolutely. They're non-photosensitizing and great for glow.
What's the best time of day to moisturize? Right after cleansing, ideally within 1 minute.
Avoiding these five common mistakes can mean the difference between dull, irritated skin and a healthy summer glow that lasts. With just a few tweaks to your routine—and a little professional guidance—you can enjoy every sunny day Cincinnati throws your way while still looking radiant.
Book your custom skin consultation with our expert team at Fix Studios today. We'll help you build a personalized summer skincare plan that works for your unique needs, skin type, and goals.
For any additional questions, or to schedule your consultation for skincare in Cincinnati Mason and learn how you can benefit from skincare, click the book appointment button above or call Fix Studios at (513) 928-FIXX (3499).
If you’re looking for skincare near me, Fix Studios offers skincare in Cincinnati OH and is located in Mason OH and conveniently located near Montgomery OH, Sycamore Township OH, Symmes Township OH, West Chester OH, Blue Ash OH, Loveland OH, Landen OH, Sharonville OH, Evendale OH, Fairfield OH and other areas of Greater Cincinnati.
Disclaimer: This webpage is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal medical advice nor some medical procedures. Results will vary. Please contact Fix Studios to schedule your consultation appointment to explore your aesthetic option.
Ready to feel confident in your summer skin? Schedule your consultation now and let us help you glow through the season!
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