Summer is a time for lightness, bare shoulders, open skies, and late sunsets, but your skincare shouldn't be an afterthought. As temperatures rise, so do the demands on your skin. Whether you're navigating the busy sidewalks of New York or jetting off for a long beach weekend, what you put on your skin matters. At Sage + Sound, we take summer skin seriously, but never make it complicated. We believe in curating thoughtful, effective routines built on intention and joy.
In this blog, we’re diving into two essential pillars of a great summer self-care plan: sun protection and lymphatic drainage therapy. With product favorites ranging from SPF glow-getters to detoxifying body treatments, this guide is your seasonal reset, and it all leads back to Sage + Sound, recently named a Vogue Best Spa in NYC.
Summer Skin Is Different, Here’s Why That Matters
Let’s face it, your skin acts differently in the summer. Heat, humidity, longer daylight hours, and more time outdoors mean you’re battling more than just sunburn. Sweat, pollution, clogged pores, and increased oil production all come into play. And while glow is the goal, inflammation and dullness can quickly steal the show if you're not ahead of the curve.
That’s why summer skin calls for a two-pronged approach: daily protection and internal reset. External care (like sunscreen) acts as your first defense, while internal wellness practices (like lymphatic drainage) work beneath the surface to reduce puffiness, support circulation, and keep you feeling lighter and brighter.
At Sage + Sound, we think of this as a full-body strategy, not a trend.
Daily Sunscreen: Invisible Shields For Everyday Radiance
City dwellers know: even if you're not on a beach towel, your skin is still catching rays. From walking to work to brunch on a shaded patio, you're exposed to UVA and UVB light throughout the day. That’s why lightweight, breathable SPF products are essential, especially those that feel good enough to wear daily.
Elegant and simple, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen is the definition of less-is-more. Le Prunier’s Plumscreen uses plum seed oil to nourish the skin while providing broad-spectrum SPF 31 protection. It absorbs effortlessly and leaves zero white cast, making it a beautiful base under makeup or on bare skin days.
What do we love most? It’s skincare and sun care in one step, perfect for rushed mornings and minimalist routines. No sticky residue, no clogged pores. Just healthy, radiant skin with every use.
Minu Brightening Sunscreen Minerals SPF 30 Gel-Cream
If your skin tends to lean oily or you’re battling urban grime, Minu is your summer MVP. This gel-cream formula blends brightening botanicals with mineral sunscreen to create a weightless layer of protection. It dries down with a soft matte finish, ideal for hot subway commutes or active city days.
This one’s perfect for layering, touch-ups, and everyday wear without the heaviness. Think: reliable protection with a clean finish, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it.
Both of these daily SPFs are part of our curated product collection because they truly work for real life, not just vacations.
High-Exposure Sunscreens: For Days That Demand More
Some days, your skin just needs backup. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or lounging for hours under the sun, not all sunscreens are built the same. High-SPF, water-resistant formulas are your armor for those high-exposure moments, and yes, they can still feel good to wear.
Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This isn’t your average beach sunscreen. Augustinus Bader’s SPF 50 is a powerhouse mineral sunscreen that blends seamlessly while delivering serious skin-repairing benefits. Thanks to the proprietary TFC8® complex, it not only blocks harmful UV rays but also supports your skin's ability to heal and regenerate.
If you're investing in one high-performance SPF for summer travel or weekend adventures, let it be this. It's luxury, it's science, and it leaves your skin feeling protected without stickiness or shine.
Soleil Toujours Mineral Ally Daily Face SPF 50
Soleil Toujours wins our hearts (and our skin) with two stunning mineral SPF options, one tinted and one sheer. Both formulas are rich in antioxidants, reef-safe, and water-resistant. They blend beautifully into the skin, leaving a soft, satin-like finish that looks polished, not powdered.
Perfect for hot days, sweaty hikes, and post-swim touch-ups, these SPFs keep your skin protected without irritation. The tinted version doubles as a sheer foundation alternative, while the clear version is ideal for no-makeup days.
With these options, summer protection doesn’t just work; it fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Sculpt + Detox: Why Lymphatic Drainage Belongs In Your Summer Routine
Summer isn’t just about how your skin looks; it's about how your body feels. When you’re carrying extra water weight, dealing with puffiness, or feeling bogged down from long travel days or salty meals, your lymphatic system may need some extra love.
At Sage + Sound, we believe that lymphatic drainage therapy is the missing link in most people’s wellness routines, especially in summer.
Understanding The Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system is your body’s built-in detox network. It moves fluid, clears waste, and supports your immune system. But unlike the circulatory system, it doesn’t have a central pump. That means it relies on movement, walking, stretching, and massage to stay active.
When it’s sluggish, you may feel bloated, tired, or inflamed. When it’s flowing, your body feels lighter, less puffy, and more energized.
The Results You Can Feel And See
Regular lymphatic drainage sessions can:
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Decrease bloating and water retention
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Reduce puffiness in the face and body.
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Support digestion and circulation
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Improve skin clarity and tone.e
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Promote a sculpted, toned appearance.e
Many of our clients book lymphatic treatments before special events, after travel, or simply as a reset during seasonal transitions. It’s more than a massage; it’s a therapy that helps your body perform at its best.
Why Do We Pair Skincare + Sculpting For Ultimate Results?
The truth is, no product alone can give you everything your skin and body need. That’s why pairing surface-level protection (like SPF) with deep internal work (like lymphatic therapy) creates real transformation.
Think of it like this:
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Sunscreen guards against external stressors.
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Lymphatic drainage clears out internal buildup.
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Hydration and nourishment support both inside and out.
This combination helps your skin look vibrant and stay that way, especially when the sun is relentless and your calendar is full. And that glow? It’s not just cosmetic, it’s a sign that your body is working efficiently, and your self-care routine is actually supporting you on every level.
Building Your Summer Ritual With Sage + Sound
A great summer ritual doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler and more consistent it is, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Here’s how we guide our clients to build their own:
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Start With Protection: Choose a daily sunscreen that feels great on your skin. Whether it’s Plumscreen or Minu, the goal is something you'll use every single day.
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Add High-SPF for Weekends + Travel: Keep Soleil Toujours or Augustinus Bader in your bag for pool days or outdoor adventures. Protection is everything when you're in the sun for hours.
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Incorporate Weekly Lymphatic Sessions: Book a lymphatic massage at Sage + Sound to reset your body, reduce inflammation, and support circulation. You’ll feel the difference in your clothes, your skin, and your energy levels.
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Hydrate, Nourish, Repeat: Drink water, eat seasonally, and listen to what your body needs. Summer is about replenishment, not just restriction.
Experience the Ritual. Stay For The Results.
At Sage + Sound, we’ve created more than just a spa; we’re a space for self-discovery, balance, and beauty that goes beyond the surface. Our curated skincare collection and wellness services are handpicked to support every part of your summer rhythm, from protective sunscreens to sculpting therapies.
As a Vogue Best Spa in NYC, we’re proud to offer more than treatments; we offer transformation.
Whether you're shopping for that perfect SPF or booking your first lymphatic session, our doors (and hearts) are open.
Ready to elevate your summer skincare and wellness?
Visit Sage + Sound to explore our curated collection, book a sculpting session, or connect with our team for personalized guidance.
