After-Summer Skincare Tips

As the warmer months of the year come to a close, you may notice that your skin is wearing evidence of the fun you had while taking advantage of many sunny days outdoors. Especially in the wake of avoiding crowds and social contact, it was tempting to make up for the lost time by packing in lots of summertime activities, which can have a tangible impact on the appearance and health of your skin.

So if you’re wondering how to help reverse that damage; how to repair your skin after sun and fun, just remember that hydration and some precisely combined ingredients are some of the finest choices for skin healing and rejuvenation.

What Happens to Our Skin in the Summer?

During summer months we relish water, wind, sun, salt (swimming in it, eating too much of it in meals and snacks, sweating a lot of it), plus a backyard BBQ-style diet that may include alcohol. And we frequently double or even triple cleanse to rid skin of extra sweat and dirt. By the end the day, our skin is giving testimony to every one of these elements.

Covering up, wearing a hat, and protecting yourself with a quality SPF sunscreen every day are all important, but even with that added protection, the extra time that we spend outdoors in the summer months significantly increases the chance of developing premature aging, dryness, and damage to our skin.

It may even be so bad that, after time, you begin to notice unevenness, redness, and sunspots or brown discolorations on your most exposed skin. Parched summer skin often becomes dry and rough in texture. Breakouts may result from dirt, oil, and extra SPF products. Your skin has been through a lot by the end of the season, so now is the time to buckle down and repair sun damage with after-summer skincare. Here are the 4 best tips for taking care of your skin after the hot seasons.

Tip #1: Rehydrate your Skin

Focus on rehydration. Very dry skin shows up as dry patches and roughness. These effects can be addressed in several ways. Drinking a lot of water, improving diet with antioxidants and vitamins D and C, and using a humidifier all help to improve skin’s texture. 

To best repair sun damage dryness, treat the skin with a quality after-summer skincare routine. Switch to a creamy or oil face wash to mildly cleanse, prevent extra dryness, and help skin retain its natural oils. Apply a rich moisturizer like SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream to restore hydration and improve smoothness. Other products, like those with vitamin E and antioxidants, also serve to replenish skin moisture. And a hydrating face mist can provide a soothing and moisturizing boost to skin throughout the day.

Tip #2: Target Hyperpigmentation

Brighten your skin’s complexion with products that specialize in decreasing the hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. A serum high in antioxidants and vitamin C is most suitable for fading sunspots and delivering radiance. Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% contains the highest concentration of vitamin C available for over-the-counter purchase. And as a bonus, it also decreases the appearance of fine lines – another effect caused by too much sun.

Chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) are an effective tool for lightening skin tone from hyperpigmentation and can be purchased for home use or applied professionally. Glycolic and lactic acids are AHAs commonly used in peels and masks for brightening skin, truly helping to reverse this particular symptom of too much sun exposure.

Tip #3: Use Products to Increase Cell Turnover

Using an FDA-approved skincare product with regenerative properties that help to increase skin cell turnover is another great way to counterbalance the damage your skin endured over the hot, summer months. These products boost collagen and plump the skin, reducing the signs of aging significantly.

Your skin cells regenerate approximately every 4 weeks in your 20s and 30s. But natural aging and prolonged sun exposure both slow the process. Continuing to use SPF throughout the year will block skin-damaging rays that prevent healthy cell turnover, extending your natural abilities to restore these vital skin functions. Getting adequate sleep, eating well, and maintaining health also encourages cell renewal (and overall vitality).

The ingredients in your skincare matter when dealing with natural aging and the “speeding up” effect that the sun has on our skin. Lactic acid and retinoids in products like Obagi360 Retinol are powerful in helping to promote cell turnover and lessen fine lines, creases, wrinkles, and acne. 

Tip #4: Take Care of your Eyes and Lips

Remember your eyes and lips. These delicate areas of your skin often need specialized skincare separate from your overall skincare choices to truly target their sensitivities.

If you don’t already use a great eye cream, switch to a hydrating formula for the fall and winter months. Ingredients like retinol, AHAs, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and peptides are all effective for the fragile skin surrounding the eyes.

Lips can also suffer damage due to summer weather and swimming and are often forgotten. Keep them smooth by exfoliating with a grainy scrub a few times a week and wearing moisturizing SPF lip balm throughout the day. Lip peels and serums with AHAs are also great for dissolving dead skin and a thick lip cream or sleeping mask will hydrate the skin overnight.

When summer draws to a close, it’s crucial to detox and treat your skin from the effects of so much excess sun, heat, and sweat. No matter how you enjoyed the past few months, you can rejuvenate, rehydrate, and heal your skin from damage with the best after-summer skincare products.