6 Tips to Support Skin Health This Summer

Jun 11

In East Asian Medicine, summer is the season associated with joy, connection, and abundance. It's the time to hit the pool with friends, spend time in your garden, head to the beach, take vacations, and spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

At the same time, summer brings increased exposure to UV rays, heat, sweat, chlorine, salt water, and dehydration—all of which can affect the health and appearance of our skin.

The good news? A few simple practices can go a long way in helping your skin look and feel nourished, radiant, and healthy all summer long.

Here are my top 6 recommendations to support healthy skin this summer.

1. Use Sunscreen Daily

Applying sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do to protect your skin—even on cloudy days.

Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and remember to apply it to all exposed areas, including your:

Face
Ears
Neck
Chest
Hands
Arms
Legs

If you're spending extended time outdoors, be sure to reapply according to the product instructions.

2. Hydrate Inside and Out

It can be surprisingly easy to become dehydrated during the summer. We get busy, spend more time outside, and before we know it, realize we haven't had much water all day.

When we're dehydrated, our skin can appear duller, less supple, and fine lines may become more noticeable. Staying hydrated helps support healthy skin and maintain a more radiant appearance. While hydration starts from within, supporting the skin externally is important too. Using a clean, nourishing moisturizer can help lock in moisture, especially after sun exposure or swimming, which can leave the skin feeling dry.

A few ways to support hydration include:

Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
Sip water consistently throughout the day.
Replenish electrolytes if you've been exercising heavily or sweating more than usual.
Include hydrating foods in your diet, such as cucumber, watermelon, berries, and citrus fruits.

3. Nourish Your Body with Regular Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture helps to reduce signs of aging by stimulating circulation and encouraging the production of collagen and elastin.

In East Asian Medicine, the condition of the skin is often viewed as a reflection of our internal health. By supporting the body as a whole, this treatment helps cultivate healthy, radiant skin from the inside out.

Potential benefits include:

Improved circulation
Increased oxygen delivery to the skin and facial tissues
Reduced puffiness
Release of tension held in the face
A brighter, more radiant complexion

4. Don't Skip Your Microneedling Sessions

Spending time in the sun is one of the best parts of summer, but UV exposure can gradually break down the collagen that helps keep our skin firm and resilient. Over time, this contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and sagging.

The good news? You don't have to choose between enjoying summer or staying on track with your skincare goals. With diligent sunscreen use and avoiding direct sun during the healing period, Microneedling can help support collagen production and improve some of the visible signs of sun damage.

Benefits may include:

Supporting collagen production
Improving skin texture
Softening the appearance of fine lines
Improving uneven skin tone

Important Summer Considerations

Be diligent about sunscreen use.
Avoid direct sun exposure during the initial healing period.
Wear hats and seek shade whenever possible.

Summer doesn't have to mean putting your skincare goals on hold.

5. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

Our complexion often reflects our internal health.

The foods we eat provide the building blocks for every cell in the body—including our skin cells. Nourishing ourselves well helps support the body's ability to create healthy, resilient skin.

What foods support healthy skin?

Focus on including:

Protein to support collagen production
Healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids
Colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants

Some skin-supportive foods to consider include:

Salmon
Eggs
Avocado
Dark leafy greens
Berries
Nuts
Seeds

Think of food as another way to care for your skin.

6. Prioritize Sleep

Summer often brings later nights spent socializing or staying up for "just one more episode"—and that's okay sometimes.

But most nights, aim to be asleep before 11:00 p.m. According to East Asian Medicine, regularly staying up late can gradually deplete our deeper reserves, making it more difficult for the body to repair and restore itself.

Sleep is when the body—and the skin—does much of its healing. Prioritizing restful sleep supports recovery, healthy aging, and a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Embracing Summer with Healthy Skin

Summer is meant to be enjoyed. By protecting your skin, staying hydrated, nourishing your body, and supporting your skin with intentional treatments, you can embrace all that this season has to offer while helping your skin stay healthy, resilient, and radiant.

Let's connect!

Jacqueline Fusari

My first encounter with Acupuncture was as a teenager suffering from severe, chronic back pain. I was used to being active and involved in sports, and I was no longer able to participate due to my back pain. I went to many doctors and specialists, but couldn’t get any relief. As a last resort, my mom took me to see an acupuncturist.

It was the only thing that helped alleviate my pain! I finally had hope that I could be free of pain again. After a series of acupuncture treatments, I was able to go about my life with ease. I had such a transformative experience of healing–I could jog, do yoga, and swim again– pain free. This profound experience planted the seed that would lead me to studying Acupuncture and helping others through this medicine.

I decided to study Traditional Chinese Medicine, earning my Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, MAOM, from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2021. During this time, I spent over 800 hours in the clinic with patients. I am nationally board certified in Acupuncture and Herbology, a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, and a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in the state of Connecticut.

In 2022, I relocated from Oregon to Connecticut with my partner and dog to be closer to family. My practice is located in Avon, Connecticut. I am fluent in American Sign Language and, in my practice, I seek to provide an experience that is accessible and inclusive for all.