If you want to live your Love Island fantasy (minus the drama and heartache), this latest skincare craze might just give you the glow you’re looking for. Whether you have a vacay planned or not, poolside skin is all about serving summer all year long—no sunburns or awkward tanlines here. I’ll admit I was initially a bit skeptical, especially for us combo or sweaty girls out there. But I chatted with three skin experts to learn more about the latest trend and see if it’s worth investing in.
Poolside Skin Is the New Glass Skin—and This Beauty Editor Has *Thoughts*
Can I really get a J.Lo-level glow?
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Published Jul 2, 2025
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Meet the Experts
- Joanna Vargas is a licensed esthetician and founder of Joanna Vargas with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. She offers signature facials at her New York and Los Angeles salons, using her own line of products for all skin types. Her previous clients include Allison Janney, Rachel Brosnahan, Keri Russell and Auli’i Cravalho.
- James Read is founder of Self Glow by James Read and has been at the forefront of sunless tanning for over 20 years. His products have over 35 beauty awards from publications like British Vogue and Glamour.
- Shantani Smith-Pannell is a licensed esthetician and beauty educator at Ogle School. After 22 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, she decided to pursue her true passion for skincare and understanding ingredients and their effects on skin and hair. She also spends her time working at Rochelle Aesthetics on the weekends, where she continues to refine her craft and share her expertise.
What Is Poolside Skin?
Think of it in the same vein of glass skin or the hydro bob. Poolside skin is all about looking like you stepped out of the pool without even dipping your toes in. “It’s that dewy, slightly sun-kissed, hydrated look that makes you appear like you’ve been lounging in Malibu with an umbrella drink and zero stress. It's hydrated, healthy and lightly bronzed without looking greasy or cakey,” explains Smith-Pannell.
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OK, Can All Skin Types Try Poolside Skin?
The experts say everyone can try out poolside skin, but how you approach the trend varies depending on your skin type. “This look is suitable for drier skin types as it leaves a hydrating finish to the face and body, and individuals with a dull complexion will have a refreshed, luminous appearance,” says Read. “However, individuals with oily and/or acne skin should ensure their products won’t irritate the skin, and finding ingredients that nourish skin health is always important first.”
This advice is honestly a sigh of relief. I was very hesitant to try the trend because I didn’t want my skin to feel heavy and end up looking greasy (like a Temu version of J.Lo). In order to avoid this, Smith-Pannell recommends lightweight, water-based formulas for oily/combination skin versus the standard oil-based products used in the trend. One more thing: avoid applying too much product, which can cause inflammation or breakouts. The experts say a little goes a long way to achieve the glistening appearance.
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How to Achieve Poolside Skin
Luckily, you don’t have to use your PTO to achieve a dewy, bronzy glow. The secret to achieving poolside skin is in your bodycare routine. The experts recommend starting with exfoliation. “I would start with dry brushing the skin before showering. It doesn’t only exfoliate but stimulates collagen, increases circulation and gives you an instant glow,” Vargas says. After exfoliating, Read suggests investing in a moisturizing body wash before applying a body lotion, gel or butter to keep your skin soft, supple and plumped. “This step ensures your skin stays dewy and hydrated all day,” he adds.
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Then, you want to add the secret weapon: the body oil. The silky formula offers the right amount of shine and hydration. Opt for a traditional body oil or take it up a notch with a shimmery mixture. Finish your routine with some tanning/bronzer drops or a tinted moisturizer along with SPF for a nice sun-kissed complexion. “This is non-negotiable! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for proper protection. This will also give your skin a buildable glow and eliminate UV damage,” explains Read. Hot tip: Apply all your products as soon as you step out of the shower and take your time layering all your moisturizing products for long-lasting glow.
One Con About Poolside Skin
It can get messy, so consider sticking to breathable clothing (no silk here) or applying it when you’re sporting a chic swimsuit. Also, not all shimmer body oils are created equal so if you don't want to look like an oily, glittery disco ball, apply a pea-sized amount or just stick to regular body oil for shine.
“It’s skin-forward, minimal and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, like you just casually radiate light. Plus, it promotes SPF use and hydration, which every esthetician will tell you is the real tea. Just don’t overdo it—you want to glow, not glow stick,” shares Smith-Pannell.
OK, OK I’m sold. Ready to glisten like a baby dolphin this summer.
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