Start with a cream-based cleanser—never gel or foam in our climate. Look for ceramides and glycerin. Your skin needs that protective layer intact before facing our intense sun.

Apply a hydrating essence or toner while your skin is still damp. This technique, called "wet skin application," helps trap moisture that our dry air would otherwise steal.

• Hyaluronic acid serum first—choose one with multiple molecular weights
• Niacinamide 5-10% to control the heat-induced oil production
• Antioxidant serum with vitamin C to fight our intense UV damage

Use a richer moisturizer than you think you need. Even if your skin feels oily, it's likely dehydrated underneath. Trust me on this one.

SPF 50+ broad spectrum is non-negotiable here. Apply it 30 minutes before going outside, and plan to reapply every two hours. Yes, even during wine tastings.

Start with an oil cleanser to remove that stubborn, heat-set sunscreen, then follow with your gentle cream cleanser.

This is when your skin does its repair work:

• 2-3 times weekly: Gentle enzyme exfoliant (never harsh scrubs in our climate)
• Daily: Hydrating treatment with peptides or ceramides

Gradually introduce: Retinol for sun damage repair (start with 0.25%)

Apply a rich night cream with natural oils and ceramides. Your skin needs this intensive repair time after facing our challenging climate all day.

I get this question almost daily, and I understand why it feels wrong. But yes, you do need substantial hydration. Our 37% humidity is like a moisture vacuum, constantly pulling water from your skin. Think of it this way: you'd layer up in -30°C weather, right? Our dry air requires the same protective approach. Choose lightweight but protective textures—your skin will actually feel more comfortable, not heavier.

Every two hours, minimum—and I mean religiously. With UV levels hitting 8-9, you can burn in just 15 minutes. I always tell my wine tour clients to reapply between each winery stop. Yes, it feels like a lot, but I've seen too many beautiful summer days turn into painful nights because someone skipped one reapplication. Your future skin will absolutely thank you.

This is the number one confusion I see with newcomers to our valley, and you're not imagining it. This is classic dehydration, and it happens because our dry air strips moisture faster than your skin can replace it. Your skin panics and starts overproducing oil to compensate. The solution isn't oil-free products—it's hydrating serums layered under a good moisturizer. I promise this combination will make sense once you try it.

With our UV index regularly hitting 8-9, I recommend SPF 50+ as your daily minimum. SPF 30 might work elsewhere, but our intense sun and reflective surfaces—think lake water and vineyard slopes—amplify UV exposure significantly. Look for broad-spectrum, mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They stay stable in our heat and won't break down by noon like some chemical sunscreens do.

Yes, but only at night, and you must be absolutely religious about your SPF 50+ every single morning. Start with 0.25% and build very slowly—our UV levels make any sensitivity much more serious. If you're planning lots of outdoor activities, consider taking a break from retinol during your most sun-exposed weeks. It's better to pause and restart than to damage your skin.

Less aggressive, more gentle. Our intense sun makes skin more vulnerable, so skip harsh scrubs entirely. I recommend enzyme exfoliants 2-3 times weekly—they're much gentler but still effective. Think papaya or pineapple enzymes that dissolve dead skin without irritation. Save stronger treatments like glycolic acid peels for winter, when your skin isn't battling UV damage daily.

Absolutely. What works beautifully in our dry summers might feel too light come winter, when you're dealing with indoor heating and cold winds. I help my clients build seasonal routines—think of it like having a summer and winter wardrobe for your skin. Summer focuses on UV protection and hydration; winter adds richer textures and barrier repair.

You're not imagining this either. Our dry air makes products evaporate faster, and the heat can break down certain formulations. This is why I recommend layering multiple light products rather than relying on one heavy cream, and why timing your application matters. Apply products to slightly damp skin when possible—it helps them absorb and last longer.

It's honestly my favorite tool for understanding your skin's real needs. VISIA uses advanced imaging to show damage you can't see yet—like future sun spots forming beneath the surface. In our intense UV environment, this early detection is invaluable for prevention. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of product selection. I can show you exactly what your skin needs rather than making assumptions. It's completely complimentary, and most clients find it eye-opening.

Absolutely, and I actually recommend it. Professional treatments can repair damage faster than at-home care alone, and I can customize treatments for your summer skin needs. We might avoid aggressive exfoliation right before a big outdoor event, but regular maintenance facials help your skin stay healthy and resilient. Plus, it's a lovely way to treat yourself after all that outdoor adventure.