Woman applying SV Phytoserum to skin

How to Keep Aging Skin Hydrated in the Heat of Summer

Who doesn't love summertime? Think plenty of sunshine, long days, and warm breezes. However, the perks of summer can also bring stress to our skin, particularly if you have a more mature complexion.

As we age, our skin naturally becomes drier, thinner, and more susceptible to environmental damage. Add heat, humidity, UV exposure, and frequent sweat to the mix, and it becomes even more critical to protect your complexion with mindful hydration.

So, how do you keep mature skin nourished and dewy all summer long, without overwhelming it? The key lies in understanding what your skin craves during the hottest months and providing it with high-performance, plant-based support.

Why Summer Dehydration Hits Harder as We Age

Mature skin produces less sebum, which means it has a harder time holding onto moisture. Combine that with common summer culprits—like time spent in the sun, salty air, air conditioning, and increased outdoor activity—and you've got a recipe for dehydration, sensitivity, and even fine lines appearing more pronounced.

The solution isn't simply piling on heavy moisturizers. It's about strategically layering lightweight hydration, delivering nutrients that support your skin's barrier, and helping your skin repair overnight.

Start With Smart Hydration

Of course, it starts from within. Hydrate by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens to provide your skin cells with the hydration they need to function optimally.

Topically, look for lightweight serums packed with antioxidants and botanical actives that help quench thirsty skin while also protecting it from environmental aggressors.

Our weightless yet potent 23 Phytoserum is a summer skincare essential, especially for aging skin. Packed with 23 active botanicals, marine extracts, and skin-replenishing oils, it delivers deep hydration without heaviness. You'll find ingredients like squalane, sea buckthorn, algae, and prickly pear oil—all chosen to soothe, replenish, and promote elasticity.

Apply 23 Phytoserum after cleansing in the morning to lock in moisture and provide your skin with a breathable, radiant base, perfect for applying sunscreen and makeup. And yes, it's gentle enough to reapply in the evening if your skin needs a post-sun boost.

Don't Skip Moisturizer—Even in Summer

It might seem like moisturizers are optional during humid summer months, but for aging skin, they're essential. Even when the air feels heavy, skin can still lose hydration, especially after sun exposure, time in air conditioning, or evening cleansing routines.

The goal is to choose a moisturizer that supports your skin barrier and seals in hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores.

Rich in plant-based lipids and soothing botanicals, such as fermented algae, bakuchiol, and ceramide-rich oils, our Dream Nighttime Phytocream deeply nourishes the skin while remaining breathable and lightweight. Whether used after serum in the evening or even sparingly during the day (for those extra-parched moments), Dream helps aging skin stay plump, smooth, and resilient.

Keep It Cool, Calm, and Protected

If your skin tends to run hot or flush easily, especially in the summer, keep a cool mist on hand during the day. Thermal water sprays or a DIY rosewater toner kept in the fridge can help calm irritation.

Most importantly, don't forget sun protection. While SPF isn't a hydrating product in itself, it prevents the kind of damage that leads to long-term dehydration, like sunburn, inflammation, and collagen breakdown. Mature skin requires broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection every day, regardless of the forecast.

Bonus Tips for Supporting Summer Skin

  • Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and moisture loss overnight.

  • Avoid over-cleansing. Excessive exfoliation or the use of stripping cleansers can exacerbate dehydration. Stick to gentle, non-foaming formulas.

  • Use a humidifier indoors if you frequently run the air conditioning.

  • Listen to your skin if something feels too heavy or irritating, scale back. Summer is about intuitive skincare that supports, not overwhelms.

Let the sunshine in—but keep your skin protected, replenished, and radiant with Apothesea's high-performance plant-based skincare. Whether you're starting your day with the featherlight 23 Phytoserum or ending it with a deeply restorative moisturizer like Dream, you're giving your skin exactly what it needs to thrive—season after season.