He’s the brains behind Hollywood’s favourite skincare range, and now Professor Augustinus Bader shares his summer skincare secrets in this Viva exclusive.

To earn the trust of the globe’s most radiant A-listers takes some serious credentials, of which Professor Augustinus Bader has plenty.

The biomedical scientist and physician made his start in burn wound treatment, diving into the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine – also known as the skin’s ability to heal itself.

In 2008, his practice in the field spawned a skincare range rooted in the same philosophy – with a coterie of high-end products designed to re-energise dormant skin cells during the ageing process.

His self-named range of skin-smoothing and glow-giving formulations have since gone on to be praised by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, earning him a spot in both treatment rooms and magazine columns.

Hollywood took notice, with the range being adopted by original “it girl” Alexa Chung, fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, and actor Margot Robbie. It was also the skincare of choice for one of Succession’s main characters, with the brand’s now-iconic royal blue packaging easily recognisable in-frame.

Who better, then, to dish out advice on the best way to soothe, restore and invigorate summer skin? It’s no secret that scorching temperatures aren’t kind to complexions, and considering we’re in for one of the hottest summers on record we thought it best to glean some sage advice early.

To answer our burning questions, Bader is joined by Christiane Werron Schulz, the executive director of global education and spa at Augustinus Bader.

Dry conditioners in winter and humidity in summer render an adaptive skincare routine a must, Bader says, adding the aim is to support the skin’s flexibility in fluctuating temperatures.

“The skin usually knows what to do to adapt – the best preparation here is to reinforce the skin’s own ability to prepare,” he explains.

“In colder temperatures, it is necessary to build up the skin’s lipid shield to act as a protective barrier for the skin’s delicate ecosystem and compensate for the increased transdermal water loss. Hydration alone is insufficient and can exacerbate skin sensitivity in the colder temperature.”

Christiane Werron Schulz agrees, saying: “We simply don’t need the extra support of lipids when weather gets warmer. We should focus more on powerful humectants that keep the moisturisation level up by binding inside the skin.”

Warmer climates tend to favour lighter products, Bader says, citing Augustinus Bader’s The Serum, $675, and The Cream, $508, as two of his summer go-tos.

Following sun exposure, Bader recommends a suite of soothing products brimming with high concentrations of vitamin E to seal in moisture and hydrate skin. This includes The Ultimate Soothing Cream, $508, and The Rich Cream, $508, for the face, or The Body Oil, $186, or The Body Cream, $327, for body - all of which promise a calming and soothing effect when applied to sun-warmed skin.

Viva also loves Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum, $84, or La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, $84.

2. Wear antioxidant-based products under your sunscreen

The best sunscreen is one you’ll actually want to use, but if you’re after the gold standard then a formula that combines UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection rated 50 or higher is your safe bet. (And if you want more tips on what to look out for then read our ultimate guide to shopping for sunscreen in 2024 here).

Bader says wearing an antioxidant cream under your sunscreen is a must.

“It helps prevent oxidative stress that can accelerate ageing while increasing the effectiveness of sunscreen,” he says.

“Our moisturisers or oils should be applied first, and once it has fully absorbed, apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine.”

Viva loves Allies Of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment, $103, Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Hydrating Cream, $109, or Ultraceuticals Protective Antioxidant Complex, $120.

3. Prioritise hydration

Hardworking hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and tocopherol (vitamin E) will be your BFFs in warmer climes, especially after a day spent poolside.

“Moisturising isn’t just for cold weather; you need superior hydration to support the skin’s water barrier for plumper- and smoother-looking skin that’s less susceptible to environmental damage,” Bader says.

He calls Augustinus Bader’s The Ultimate Soothing Cream, $508, his “skin saviour” for its ability to “hydrate dry skin, calm redness, support the skin barrier, and improve the look of skin tone and texture for a vibrant summertime glow”.

Or look to Dr Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream, $97, which couples the brand’s cica complex with centella asiatica extract to soothe skin and eliminate redness.

4. Load up on vitamin C

Another ingredient not to sleep on is vitamin C, a summer skincare essential brimming with antioxidants to help sidestep the oxidative stress caused by the free radicals your skin is exposed to with UV rays.

“That means it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, while also supporting collagen production. Using vitamin C daily enhances the protection offered by your sunscreen,” Bader says.

Consider smoothing on Augustinus Bader’s The Face Oil, $450, before and after sun exposure, or try Raaie Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum, $153, or Trilogy Vitamin C+ Super Serum, $41.

5. Hit pause on resurfacing skin treatments

If you’ve been regularly booking in for resurfacing treatments like laser, chemical peels or IPL, now’s the time take a brief hiatus while you’re spending more time outdoors.

Instead, Werron Schulz recommends trying gentler treatments like facials that help moisturise, detoxify, or lift and firm like a buccal massage.

“These are all treatments that do not work too hard on renewal and exfoliation. We need every part of the skin layers during the high sun exposure times of the year,” she says.

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