Summer Melasma Care: Why It’s Time Rethink Your Routine.
As summer arrives in Louisiana, managing melasma becomes more complex. The combination of heat, humidity, and stronger UV exposure means your skincare routine needs a thoughtful seasonal shift. One of the most important adjustments? Reassessing the use of hydroquinone and focusing on calming, protective measures to keep inflammation at bay.
Why You Should Press Pause on Hydroquinone in the Summer
Hydroquinone (HQ) is a widely used pigment lightener—but during summer, it can be counterproductive. Here’s why:
• Increased Photosensitivity: HQ makes the skin more reactive to sunlight, increasing the risk of rebound pigmentation.
• Inflammation Risk: In hot, sunny conditions, HQ can aggravate inflammation, leading to irritation or worsening discoloration—especially for melasma-prone skin.
Instead, summer is the perfect time to transition to a more restorative, protective protocol.
Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: What to Look For
Not all sunscreens are created equal—especially when treating melasma. The right formulation makes all the difference:
• High Zinc Oxide Content: Choose sunscreens with at least 15% non-nano zinc oxide. This physical filter offers consistent UVA and UVB protection without irritating the skin.
• Iron Oxides for Blue Light: Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides protect against visible light (including blue light), which has been shown to worsen melasma and hyperpigmentation.
• Antioxidants for Infrared (IR-A) and Oxidative Stress: Infrared radiation doesn’t cause immediate sunburn, but it penetrates deeply and creates inflammation via oxidative stress. Look for sunscreens rich in antioxidants like green tea extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
One standout option is the Radiant Shield SPF 40. With a 17% zinc oxide UVA/ UVB rays, blue light, and pollution, iron oxides, and skin-calming botanicals, it provides intelligent protection while supporting a clear, balanced complexion. It’s one of my personal favorites—and for good reason.
Enhance Protection with Adair Skin’s Green Tea Antioxidant Serum and C + Stem.
For an added layer of defense, consider applying Adair Skin’s Green Tea Antioxidant Serum beneath your sunscreen. Rich in potent antioxidants, this serum helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, offering enhanced protection against environmental stressors like infrared radiation. Incorporating this serum into your morning routine can fortify your skin’s barrier, making it more resilient during the sun-intensive summer months.
C + Steam: Concentrated serum with lilac stem cells, vitamin C, and marine extracts. Dramatically improves deeper lines, brightness, texture, and pores.
Benefits:
Lessens appearance of lines and wrinkles
Shields from environmental toxins, free radicals
Plumps skin appearance with Hyaluronic boost
Lessens blackheads, breakouts, and improves pore appearance
Brightens skin and evens skin tone
Helps to calm redness and rosacea
Gentle Exfoliation: Why Mandelic Acid Wins in Summer
Exfoliating acids are powerful tools, but not all are summer-friendly:
• Glycolic Acid is highly active and often too aggressive during warmer months, increasing photosensitivity and risk of irritation.
• Mandelic Acid, on the other hand, is more oil-soluble and works at a slower rate. It gently resurfaces without provoking inflammation, making it ideal for melasma-prone or sensitive skin during summer.
Supporting Skin From the Inside Out
Melasma is not just a surface issue—it’s inflammatory at its core. That means a holistic approach is key:
• Hydration: Keeping the skin hydrated enhances its barrier function and reduces sensitivity.
• Inflammation-Lowering Nutrition: Diet matters. Focus on omega-3s, colorful fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed inflammatory foods when possible.
• Sun-Smart Habits: Wide-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and seeking shade in peak sun hours aren’t just accessories—they’re part of your treatment plan.
A Seasonal Skincare Reset
Summer is the time to shift your melasma approach from aggressive fading to soothing and shielding. By minimizing inflammation, staying consistent with physical sun protection, and using gentle, pigment-safe actives, you can maintain clearer skin through the hottest months of the year.
To build your custom summer regimen—or to learn more about products like Radiant Shield SPF, C + STEM and our Green Tea Antioxidant Serum—I invite you to explore more at www.adairskinlft.com
Hypochlorous Acid: Helpful or Harmful?
As an esthetician with over a decade in the industry, I’ve seen trends come and go.
I’ve gone all-in on some of them before—trusting reps, marketing, and the excitement around “the next big thing.” But over the years, I’ve learned to slow down, observe, and really do my research—especially when it comes to long-term effects on the skin and the skin’s microbiome.
One trend I’m seeing right now is the overuse of hypochlorous acid sprays.
Now, don’t get me wrong—hypochlorous acid has its place. It’s a naturally occurring compound in the body, known for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. In the right context, it can be amazing for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
But here’s the thing: more isn’t always better.
Using too much, too often, can throw off the skin’s natural balance. Your skin has a delicate microbiome—a protective ecosystem of bacteria that keeps things healthy, resilient, and functioning as it should. When you constantly spray with something antibacterial (yes, even a gentle one like HOCl), you risk disrupting that balance.
That can lead to:
• Increased sensitivity
• Dryness or irritation
• Even more breakouts in the long run (yep, defeating the original purpose)
The skin industry is super oversaturated—so many products, some fantastic, and others… not so much. It’s easy to get swept up in the hype, especially when something gets a ton of influencer or brand attention.
All I’m saying is: pause before you overdo it.
Trendy doesn’t always mean necessary—or safe for long-term use. Respect your skin, protect your microbiome, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take your time before jumping all in.
A Moment with the Founder
What is your earliest memory of caring for your skin?
I have vivid memories from when I was little—I’d invite my friends over, raid my mom’s cabinet for anything I could find, and mix up little potions of lotions and serums. Sometimes I’d even head out to the garden, pick herbs, and make face masks for them. I was hooked from the start. Looking back, I think that’s where the obsession really began.
What activity makes you feel most like yourself?
Being behind the helm of a sailboat. It takes me right back to sailing down the Gulf of Mexico with my dad. For a moment, I can feel the salty wind and sun on my face, without a care in the world. I’m not thinking about what the sun is doing to my skin—I’m just completely at one with the ocean and the world around me.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Adair—hands down. It's been the most rewarding, challenging, and worthwhile investment I’ve ever made. It’s worth every sleepless night.
Whom do you secretly admire?
Anyone who truly listens. It’s such an underrated quality, but to me, it’s the foundation of real compassion, understanding, and connection.
What are bad recommendations you hear in your field?
Oh, so many. One I hear all the time is people washing their faces with hot water every day, which can totally strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to sensitivity. Cool water with the right cleanser is always the way to go. I also hear that acne-prone people should avoid oils, but honestly, some of the best sebum regulators are oils—you just have to find the right ones. I had adult cystic acne for years, and our oil-based Ritual Serum completely changed my skin. Another one? People skipping sunscreen until they step outside. UV rays through your window are just as damaging. SPF should always be the final step in your morning skincare ritual—no exceptions
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I turn to our Adair core values. I have them written down, and I refer back to them constantly. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do, and it helps me refocus and find clarity fast.
Ditching “Anti-Aging” Let’s get Real
It all begins with an idea.
There’s a word we’ve all heard too many times in the skincare and med spa world—“anti-aging.”
It’s plastered across product labels, campaigns, sales pitches…I’ve used it. We all have. It’s become second nature in the industry. But lately, I’ve been rethinking it—and I want to shift the conversation.
Because anti-aging?
It’s not just a marketing term. It’s a mindset. And not a great one.
It suggests that aging is something we’re supposed to fight against. That it’s a flaw. That if we see signs of age—lines, texture, changes—we’ve somehow lost the battle. And that’s just not true.
Aging is inevitable.
It means we’re alive. It means our bodies have carried us, protected us, evolved with us. And instead of pretending we can somehow outsmart time, I believe we can choose something more empowering:
Healthy Aging.
This shift in language isn’t just about words—it’s about how we see ourselves.
We’re not here to erase who we are. We’re here to support the skin, to care for it, nourish it, restore its balance, and help it thrive at every stage.
Yes, we can improve the skin. Yes, we can smooth, brighten, lift, and renew. But we can also speak kindly to ourselves along the way. We can set real expectations. And we can stop chasing the impossible idea of “anti” aging.
Let’s be real: aging isn’t the enemy. Unhealthy skin, harsh treatments, unrealistic beauty standards? That’s what we’re moving away from.
It’s time for a new approach. One rooted in grace, science, and self-respect.
Because aging doesn’t mean letting go—it means showing up for yourself with a little more care, and a lot more love.
Skin Barrier Health
It all begins with an idea.
Repairing your skin barrier
POV: You got too excited about a new chemical exfoliant that promised fresh, glowing skin and may have overdone it to the point that now everything you put on your face stings.
As innocent as some itchy, irritated, or burning skin may seem, it’s actually a sign that you damaged your skin barrier - the “shield” that determines how your skin looks and feels. And once you mess with it, it can lead to breakouts, rashes, premature wrinkles, and more, which is why dermatologists and facialists will tell you to go slow with at-home peels and retinol creams.
Our skin barrier is technically known as the epidermis. It can be disrupted by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, and often a combination of both. Intrinsic factors include skin barrier diseases that have a genetic component, such as eczema and ichthyosis and high levels of stress and illness. But also poor diet and lifestyle can have a significant impact.
Meanwhile, extrinsic factors include excessive exposure to harsh weather elements, such as too much sun or wind, or extremes of temperature (think going from a heated room to the biting cold outdoors – one reason why compromised barriers often show themselves during the winter season); exposure to potential chemical irritants, such as certain active skincare ingredients, like AHAs and retinoids; and soaps containing SLS or any physical irritants that can scrub the skin. Not to mention pollution, smoking, poor sleep and allergens.
What indicates a damaged skin barrier?
It can be ashy or flaky, and can feel irritated (or sting) after any chemical formula is applied. You might also experience acne breakouts, rosacea and eczema. The texture is likely to change, and feel bumpier and rough. Those with sensitive skin are more predisposed to suffering from an impaired skin barrier, so need to be extra vigilant about keeping it strong and healthy.
How to repair your skin barrier:
Remove Triggers: The first thing you should do is identify and exclude any triggers that may be contributing to skin barrier damage. Strip your skincare routine back and keep it simple. Think cleanser, moisturiser and SPF – remove any retinoids or acids, in particular. Avoid products that:
Strip the skin of oils, for instance anything alcohol based.
Products that increase pH of the skin (like soap, which is very alkaline).
Ingredients that are heavily preserved or scented that can cause inflammation.
ingredients that can cause photosensitivity (like benzoyl peroxide).
Restore and Repair: Strategic and well formulated home care is most important. Consulting with a professional for guidance on the best products for your situation will set you up for more successful recovery.
When it comes to your cleanser, we recommend opting for a nourishing, calming and fragrance-free cleansing milk or cream, Cream Cleanse or Essential Balm Cleanse.
Incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine to soothe and hydrate the skin. Our go to’s are Adair’s Hydrating Accelerator,
Hydro B5 Intense, Adair’s #1 Hydragel
Seek out barrier-building ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and fatty acids. Adair’s favorites include; Superdose Sleep Mask, Niacinamide Heartleaf Calming Serum, Sonya Darker Omega Treatment Oil.
Good oral hygiene: opting for cleaner formulas such as LOVEBYTS toothpaste and mouthwash. Ingredients in common oral care products can be harsh on your skin.
To take down inflammation and help instigate the reparative process, LED light therapy is your friend. We offer LED light therapy sessions in most of our treatments as well as a LED Light Therapy Programme, which can be a great thing to incorporate weekly to focus on repairing a damaged skin barrier.
Cut Actives Out: Then reintroduce them slowly – but only when skin is healthy again. Reintroduce one active at a time (for example, use retinoids for a few weeks before adding a Vitamin C or liquid exfoliator back in), but if you have chronic skin barrier dysfunction, you should always opt for more gentle actives. For example, you might swap retinol for a retinaldehyde because it is gentler on the skin. In terms of acids, seek out PHAs rather than AHAs Another great tip, use a Manuka Honey Mask as a cleanser / gentle exfoliant. The benefits are endless, gentle, antibacterial and reduces inflammation - to name a few.
Other gentle Vitamin A & C formulas we love include:
Active Infusion Oil
Morning Dew Vitamin C
Lead a Balanced Lifestyle: Balance is key in your skincare routine, but what goes on internally also manifests on our skin, so leading a healthy lifestyle is key to healing and preventing future problems making a comeback. “Ensure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet, with lots of rich fatty foods, like nuts, fruit and fish,” recommends FENN naturopath Alice Flannery. A high-quality omega oil supplement every day can be great insurance for supporting skin barrier health. “You will notice a huge difference in your skin’s resilience and overall health.”