Ultimate Summer Skin Care, Courtsey Of Celebrity Facialist Lord Gavin

Just in time for summer: the celebrity facialist & Augustinus Bader brand representative Lord Gavin ... [+] shares his favorite summer skincare tips.

Augustinus Bader

In honor of the summer solstice, we talked to Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine, the coveted facialist-to-the-stars and brand ambassador for Augustinus Bader — the blue-bottled, cult skin care line favored by Hollywood elite. A few weeks ago, the luxe brand debuted The Skin Infusion, a deeply-restorative, 4-week treatment. "It's an amazing addition to a day-and-night summer skin care," says McLeod-Valentine, who hails product as an intensive reset thanks to a vitamin D Accelerator "helping to convert the benefits of the sun into skin repair."

Just below, the LA-based McLeod-Valentine — known for his Geisha-trained face massage technique and all-star roster — shares his favorite summer skin tips.

Summer days and summer nights: Augustinus Bader's new 4-week intensive skin reset leans on the ... [+] brand's Advanced TFC8 and Vitamin D Activator.

Augustinus Bader Don't Forget These 3 Ingredients

Summer's holy grail ingredients? Sunscreen (SPF) is "essential for protection from harmful UV rays," he says (look for broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher). Additionally, make sure you're using vitamin C — doubling as a complexion brightener and skin protector; while hydrating hyaluronic acid aids "in moisture maintenance without feeling heavy or greasy," says McLeod-Valentine.

Augustinus Bader's cult-favorite The Rich Cream leans on TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex TFC) a ... [+] proprietary technology that targets wrinkles and dryness.

Augustinus Bader Avoid Heavy Creams with Fragrance

McLeod-Valentine doesn't adhere to any strict rules, but reminds us: "heat creates more sensitivity and heavy creams with fragrance can be a trigger." Even on the hottest of days, McLeod-Valentine reaches for Augustinus Bader's much-hailed (Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber, Lily Aldridge are fans) The Rich Cream. "There's no risk of pore clogging and it provides comfort against the sun," he adds. And, if you're using a product with vitamin A — SPF is imperative.

Consider Supplements and Vitamins

Make sure you're getting enough vitamin C — the antioxidant supporting collagen production; alongside vitamin E, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress; and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (found in fish oil supplements) and known for maintaining hydration and reducing inflammation. And while sunlight remains the primary vitamin D source; McLeod-Valentine recommends a supplement if you're applying heavy sunscreen or spending too much time indoors. Zinc also supports skin healing and can help with acne too.

The Serum by Augustinus Bader, with a lightweight, hydrating milky texture, helps prevent the ... [+] appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Augustinus Bader A Hydrating, Sun-Protecting Daytime Ritual

First things first, "use a mild, hydrating cleanser to remove sweat, dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin's natural oils," says McLeod-Valentine. Use a gel (The Cream Cleansing Gel) or foam cleanser (the Foaming Cleanser), followed a complexion brightening and collagen-promoting, antioxidant-rich vitamin C product (such as The Serum) which also protects from sun damage.

Next, "opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy," says McLeod-Valentine. Gel-based moisturizers or hyaluronic acid products make great companions. "The Light Cream is excellent at minimizing excess oil production and staving off nasty summer breakouts," he adds. Lastly, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with at least SPF 30). A hydrating face mist can work wonders too— McLeod-Valentine likes rose water formulas such as The Face Mist.

And...Before You Sleep

"Start with a double cleanse at night," says McLeod-Valentine who uses a deep clean salicylic acid cleanser to unclog pores and refine skin texture. A few times a week, he applies The Essence, a toning cleanser to slough away dead skin cells. A general rule of thumb: avoid physical scrubs which can be aggressive on sun-exposed skin. Follow with a vitamin C serum or a retinol, and then apply serum. Finish with a protecting cream such as The Ultimate Soothing Cream or the aformentioned Rich Cream. "I'm also a big believer in an eye cream and lip balm before bed," he says.

Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine opts for a weightless tinted serum formulated with mineral SPF 50+.

Ciele A Pop of Color In Your Sunscreen

Sunblock protects against skin cancer and combats both UVA and UVB rays (that contribute to premature aging). For a pop of color, McLeod-Valentine likes weightless tinted mineral SPF 50+ formulas like Ciele Tint & Protect (from celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRouest) or Australian-born Mecca Cosmetica.

Don't forget a hat and keep your scalp in it's summer prime too

getty Don't Forget Your Scalp

"Wear a hat during the hottest time of the day and look for sprayable scalp SPF," says McLeod-Valentine, who likes Supergoop and Coola. "Make sure you're using sophisticated shampoo and conditioner to purify and treat the scalp," he says (try Augustinus Bader's Hair Collection and Scalp Treatment). Beauty and skin care aside, McLeod-Valentine is quick to remind us: "summer is really about fun and freedom."