Cleo Skincare and Sugaring

Your most asked summer skincare questions answered!

You ask, we answered. We've gathered some of the most common summer skincare questions and are sharing our professional guidance to help you navigate your skin’s needs throughout the warmer months!

Actives:

Is retinol safe to use during Summer?

Yes! Retinol can absolutely be used during Summer when using the right formulas for your skin. We recommend avoiding prescription strength retinoids during this season of increased outdoor time, as they can increase sun sensitivity. Instead, we love & swear by formulations by Marie Veronique, which are designed to support skin renewal without thinning the skin barrier.

Is vitamin C safe to use in Summer?

Yes! Vitamin C is not photosensitizing- it's actually one of our favorite daytime antioxidants. It helps defend the skin against environmental stressors and works beautifully alongside your daily SPF to support healthier, more resilient skin while still enjoying the sunshine.

Sunscreen:

What SPF should I use every day?

We recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Mineral sunscreens with skin-loving ingredients can provide daily protection while helping to maintain a healthy barrier. A few of our favorites here at Cleo are Marie Veronique Color-free Zinc Sunscreen, Lesse Every Tone SPF 30, and Face Reality Power Mineral SPF 50!

Mineral or chemical sunscreen?

Both chemical and mineral sunscreens can provide sun protection, but at Cleo, we reach for mineral formulas for their supportiveness to sensitive and reactive skin. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide to sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays while being gentle on the skin barrier.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

For everyday wear, applying SPF once in the morning is a great foundation. For extended sun exposure like beach days and outdoor activities, remember to reapply every two hours or more often if you're sweating and swimming.

Travel:

Why does flying dry out my skin?

Airplane cabins have very low humidity, which can cause your skin to loose moisture more quickly than usual. The recycled air, altitude, and long periods of time spent in the airplane cabin can all contribute to dehydration. This can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, or more sensitive after traveling. Before & during your flight, focus on supporting your skin barrier with hydrating, nourishing products, and by drinking plenty of water.

How do I repair my skin after a trip?

Travel can be a lot for your skin; changes in climate, sun exposure, airplane air, and a disrupted routine can all impact skin. When you return back to your normal rhythms, focus on restoring and replenishing with gentle & nourishing products. We recommend prioritizing hydration, barrier-supportive ingredients, avoiding over exfoliation, or introducing too many new products. Booking a Cleo Custom Facial is a great way to target and support your unique needs post-travel and bring balance back to your barrier.

Breakouts & Acne:

Should I switch to a lighter moisturizer in the Summer?

Not always but sometimes! While some skin types might prefer a lighter texture during warmer months, your skin still needs nourishment. Summer heat, sun exposure, and increased activity can actually create more stress on your skin barrier. Instead of switching based only on the season, choose a moisturizer that will help keep your skin balanced, hydrated, and resilient through the summer months.

Why am I breaking out more in the summer?

Summer can bring new challenges for the skin. Increasing heat, sweat, humidity, sunscreen, and more frequent touching of the face all contribute to clogged pores & breakouts. Heat and humidity increase sweat and oil production, which mixed with sunscreen, makeup & environmental build up, can contribute to build up on the skin, contributing to congestion. The key during these summer months is not to over strip your skin. Avoid over exfoliation & harsh cleansers that can further disrupt your barrier. Focus on gentle cleansing, supporting your skins barrier, and using well formulated products that support your skin.

Have another skincare question?
Reply to this email & we will personally get back to you! Whether you're wondering about ingredients, routines, or seasonal skin changes, we are here to support & guide you so ask away!

Warmly,

Leslie & the ladies of Cleo

Your Summer Skincare Questions answered! Click here for an update from Cleo Skincare!

Community Beach Cleanup 🐚

Sunday, July 12th 9-11am

Meet at Cleo Skincare

Community Beach Cleanup 🌊

In partnership with Seaside Surf Cafe & Bird Rock Surf Shop

Details:

*Please arrive at 9am at Cleo Skincare to pick up your complimentary trash bag and gloves before heading out to help clean our local beaches and community.

* Return to Cleo Skincare with a bag of collected trash by 11am to receive a coupon for:

20% off retail purchase at Cleo Skincare
20% off purchase at Seaside Surf Cafe
20% off purchase at Bird Rock Surf Shop

*Your coupon is valid on July 12th only & may be redeemed once at each participating business.

* 10% of all retail sales at Cleo Skincare will be donated to Surfrider, The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network*

Every small action adds up & makes a big difference! Thank you for being apart of our effort to support our coastlines & community!

Warmly,
Leslie & the ladies of Cleo

Join us in caring for our coast tomorrow! Click here for an update from Cleo Skincare!

Community Beach Cleanup 🐚

Sunday, July 12th 9-11am

Meet at Cleo Skincare

"We are not separate from the Earth; we are the Earth walking."

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Community Beach Cleanup 🌊

In partnership with Seaside Surf Cafe & Bird Rock Surf Shop

Details:

*Please arrive at 9am at Cleo Skincare to pick up your complimentary trash bag and gloves before heading out to help clean our local beaches and community.

* Return to Cleo Skincare with a bag of collected trash by 11am to receive a coupon for:

20% off retail purchase at Cleo Skincare
20% off purchase at Seaside Surf Cafe
20% off purchase at Bird Rock Surf Shop

*Your coupon is valid on July 12th only & may be redeemed once at each participating business.

* 10% of all retail sales at Cleo Skincare will be donated to Surfrider, The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network*

How Beach Cleanups are a Small Step to a Bigger Issue:

Beach cleanups create a meaningful impact that extends far beyond the shoreline. By removing trash and debris from coastal environments, we help prevent pollution from entering the ocean, where it can harm marine life, damage ecosystems, and break down into microplastics that persist in the environment for generations. Clean beaches also support healthier habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife, while protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of our coastlines.

Beyond the environmental benefits, beach cleanups inspire stewardship and collective action. They bring people together around a shared purpose, fostering a deeper connection to the places we love and a greater awareness of how everyday choices affect the health of our planet. Every piece of litter removed is a small but tangible step toward cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. Together, these individual actions contribute to lasting environmental change and demonstrate the power of community in caring for the Earth.

We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and everyone who has chosen to be part of this effort. Your care for our coastline and commitment to our earth make meaningful work like this possible. Thank you for helping us protect and celebrate the place we all call home.

Warmly,
Leslie & the ladies of Cleo

A Community Beach Cleanup! Click here for an update from Cleo Skincare!