Summer in the UK might not always mean scorching heat, but even our milder warm months can take a real toll on your skin. More time outdoors, increased sun exposure, air conditioning, and not drinking quite enough water can all leave your complexion looking tired, flat, and lacking that healthy glow you’re after.
If your skin is feeling tight, looking dull, or has lost its plumpness, you’re likely dealing with dehydration in the skin, and it’s one of the most common skin concerns I see at Take Five Skin & Laser in Mountsorrel. The good news? It’s very treatable, with the right combination of products and professional treatments.
Dehydrated Skin vs. Dry Skin — What’s the Difference?
This is something a lot of people get confused about, so it’s worth clearing up. Dry skin is a skin type, you’re born with it and it produces less oil and can feel rough or flaky. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, treatable, it lacks water, and it can affect any skin type, including oily skin.
Signs your skin is dehydrated include:
- A dull, lacklustre complexion
- Fine lines that seem more noticeable than usual
- Skin that feels tight, especially after cleansing
- A loss of bounce or plumpness
- Uneven skin tone or texture
Sound familiar? Then read on – here’s what I recommend.
Step One: Get Your Skincare Routine Right
No professional treatment will deliver lasting results if your at-home routine isn’t supporting your skin day to day. This is why I stock and recommend Estime & Sens, a beautiful French organic skincare brand that I genuinely believe in.
Estime & Sens is formulated with high-quality, naturally derived ingredients that work with your skin rather than against it. Their products are designed to restore hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and bring back that natural radiance, without harsh chemicals or unnecessary fillers.
For dehydrated summer skin, the key steps are:
- A gentle, hydrating cleanser ( Gentle Milk or Face Cleansing Gel) that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture
- A hydrating serum (Simplesense or Cica Velvet – packed with ingredients that draw water into the skin and hold it there
- A nourishing moisturiser (Soverign or sublime rich) to lock everything in and protect the skin barrier throughout the day
- SPF every single morning (Midi12 Is my recommendation) — non-negotiable in summer, as UV exposure is one of the leading causes of dehydration and premature ageing
If you’re not sure which Estime & Sens products are right for your skin, I offer personalised skincare consultations at the clinic. Getting the right routine for your specific skin is half the battle.
Step Two: Boost From Within With Professional Treatments
A great home routine is your foundation, but if you really want to tackle dehydration and restore that summer glow, professional treatments can make a significant difference, and quickly.
SmartGlow — My Signature Glow Treatment
One of my most popular treatments for dull, dehydrated skin is SmartGlow — a combination of SmartMeso and LED light therapy that works together to deeply hydrate, refresh, and illuminate the skin.
SmartMeso uses mesotherapy-inspired technology to infuse the skin with a cocktail of hydrating and skin-loving actives — replenishing moisture levels, improving texture, and boosting radiance from within. It’s a fantastic treatment for anyone whose skin is looking tired or lacklustre.
This is then followed by LED light therapy, which uses specific wavelengths of light to calm inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and enhance the overall results of the treatment. The combination is incredibly effective — clients often notice an immediate glow after their very first session.
SmartGlow is suitable for most skin types, involves no downtime, and is a brilliant choice in the lead-up to a summer event or holiday.
Skin Boosters such as AQ Prodefine
For those looking for deeper, longer-lasting hydration, AQ Prodefine skin boosters are an excellent option. Skin boosters work by delivering hydrating ingredients directly into the deeper layers of the skin, restoring plumpness, improving elasticity, and giving the complexion a beautifully refreshed, dewy appearance.
AQ Prodefine is particularly well suited to those noticing that their skin has lost volume and vitality — common concerns as we age or spend more time in dehydrating environments. Results develop over a few weeks and can last for several months, making it a wonderful investment in your skin health.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The honest answer is — it depends on your skin, your goals, and your budget. Some of my clients love the instant results of SmartGlow as a regular monthly treat, while others prefer the deeper, longer-lasting impact of skin boosters a couple of times a year. Many find that a combination of both, alongside a consistent Estime & Sens home routine, gives them the best results overall.
The best place to start is with a consultation. I’ll assess your skin, listen to your concerns, and put together a personalised plan that actually makes sense for you — no pressure, no one-size-fits-all approach.
Treat Your Skin This Summer
Don’t let dehydration dull your glow. I’d love to help you get your skin feeling its best this summer.
Get in touch to book your consultation at Take Five Skin & Laser — your skin will thank you for it. ✨