If you want to know what good skin actually looks like—we’re talking Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Gal Gadot, Demi Moore, Lily Collins, Cate Blanchett, Sienna Miller good—it helps to go straight to the person who knows best. That source is Keren Bartov, the aesthetician behind flagship clinics in London and Tel Aviv and pop-ups in New York and Los Angeles, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after skin experts in the world. (She’s Roberts’ favorite, for what it’s worth.)
As summer ramps up, Bartov is sharing exactly what she tells her clients this time of year. “Beautiful summer skin is not about being more tanned,” she says. “It’s about skin that is balanced, protected, hydrated and glowing.” Here, her seven non-negotiables for the season:
Sun protection is non-negotiable.
While 30 may be the number engrained in our sun-safe brains, Bartov is team SPF 50, every day, even when it’s cloudy, even when you’re indoors. Her firm tip: “Reapply regularly, especially after sweating or any sun exposure. Everything else in your routine depends on this step holding.”
Less layering, more hydration.
Heavy product stacking is a cold-weather habit. In summer, skin needs lightweight, effective hydration—”formulas that replenish moisture without overwhelming it.” Streamline and let your skin breathe, Bartov says.
Refresh your glow throughout the day.
In Bartov’s book, a hydrating mist is not a luxury, it’s a midday must. Keep one on hand to replenish moisture, soothe heat-stressed skin and maintain radiance from morning through evening.
Don’t skip vitamin C.
Antioxidants are essential year-round, but especially now, when UV exposure and environmental stressors peak. “Vitamin C defends against damage while supporting a brighter, more even complexion—making it a summer staple, not an afterthought.”
Keep using your active ingredients.
Contrary to popular belief, the right actives, properly selected for your skin type, don’t need to be shelved in summer. “Ingredients that target pigmentation, texture and signs of aging can and should be used year-round, she says.
Cleanse gently.
More sweat and sunscreen buildup is not an invitation to scrub harder. Over-cleansing compromises the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity and irritation—the opposite of summer skin goals.
Personalization is everything.
The most effective routine isn’t the trendiest one; it’s the one built for your skin specifically. Bartov’s practice has always centered on individualized care, and summer is no exception.
