BRB, Rethinking My Entire Routine Thanks to These Tips From a Chanel Skincare Expert

If there's one thing I've learned from years of swapping out sweaters for bikinis every June, it's that your skincare routine needs a summer makeover just as badly as your closet does. Once the temps rise and the UV index hits 10, your winter holy grails won't cut it anymore. The rich cream that kept your skin balanced and happy in January isn't exactly built for heat, humidity, and nonstop SPF reapplication. Summer skincare plays by a whole different set of rules—think lightweight layers, lasting hydration, and serious sun protection. Moral of the story? Adjusting your routine accordingly can make all the difference.

To get the scoop on what our skin needs to thrive this time of year, I had the pleasure of chatting with Amy Wechsler, MD, the consulting dermatologist at Chanel. Her take? If you use only one skincare product this summer, it should be sunscreen—no questions asked. We all know this, but there's a catch: It's not enough to swipe sunscreen on once in the morning and call it a day. That's the biggest slip-up Wechsler sees, and it can seriously backfire on your skin. If you want to keep your skin gorgeous and dodge the horrors of sun damage, you should reapply sunscreen every two to four hours, especially after sweating or swimming.

Sun protection is just the start. For truly radiant, hydrated skin, she swears by smart layering: first a serum, then a moisturizer, and a reliable sunscreen to seal the deal. That's where the new Chanel Sublimage Le Sérum—your skin's next must-have—steps in.

Yes, Chanel's newest Sublimage Le Sérum has a price tag that might make you do a double take, but trust me—your skin will genuinely thank you for every penny. This serum is next-level. It's loaded with powerful antioxidants, including vanilla planifolia from Madagascar, and works overtime to regenerate and redefine your skin's texture while brightening and firming. Plus, it feels like silk on the skin. It's ultra lightweight and absorbs instantly, leaving the skin feeling like a million bucks (or at least $535). If you want your skin to glow and feel renewed all summer long, this is the splurge-worthy serum you've been waiting for.

Now that we've got the ultimate serum locked down, let's talk about the rest of the season's skincare lineup. From powerful serums to lightweight moisturizers to unbeatable SPFs, these are the essentials that'll keep your skin happy, hydrated, and fully protected all summer long. Here are my top picks to complete your glow-ready routine this summer.

Serums

Moisturizers

SPFs