Complexion Rehab: The Ultimate Post Summer Skin Reset
After months of basking in golden rays, beachside afternoons, and outdoor dinners, our skin, while bronzed and glowing, leaves us with sun spots, uneven texture, dullness, or that lingering dryness from heat and saltwater. To recapture that glow, albeit not as bronzed, fall is the perfect time to repair and reset your skin. Even with diligent SPF use, UV exposure leads to oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, pigmentation, and surface dehydration. Addressing this right after summer helps your skin bounce back faster and sets yourself up for healthier, more luminous skin through fall and winter. Fall is a great time to jump start your skin renewal with non-invasive laser treatments;
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): ideal for sun spots, redness, broken capillaries, and overall tone. IPL uses light energy to target pigment and vascular changes from UV exposure. It helps fade brown spots and discoloration while evening out your skin tone.
Clear and Brilliant: ideal for preventative anti-aging, mild sun damage, and overall glow. Known as a “baby Fraxel,” this gentle fractional laser improves texture, radiance, and tone with minimal downtime—perfect for transitioning skin post-summer.
Fraxel (Fractional Laser Resurfacing); Ideal for fine lines, pigmentation, rough texture, and early sun damage. By creating microscopic “columns” of controlled damage, Fraxel stimulates new collagen and cellular turnover, revealing fresher skin beneath. This is a great treatment but requires a bit more downtime.
Pro Tip: Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or licensed provider to choose the best laser for your skin type and goals. It is best to know your provider; do your research, ask your friends, and get referrals. Timing matters—fall and winter are optimal for laser treatments since sun exposure is lower.
As helpful as lasers can be for post summer skin, the products you use are just as important to repair and restore your skin.
Antioxidants (AM). Vitamin C helps to fight free radical damage, fade pigmentation, and boost collagen. It also enhances SPF effectiveness. My go-to is Medik8, and with 3 formulas one is likely the perfect fit. If you are already a Vitamin C user, their C-tetra Luxe or Super C with Ferulic Acid are optimal.
SPF - the Non-Negotiable (AM). Continue daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use, rain or shine. Combined with Vitamin C, it makes your SPF more effective and if you are going to do any laser treatment, post- laser skin is extra photosensitive, making sun protection vital. I always have EltaMD on hand, great for both your face and body and layers well with other products.
Retinoids (PM). Whether you use a prescription Retinoid or an over-the-counter formula, retinols accelerate cell turnover, smooth fine lines and fade UV-induced pigmentation. Other than prescriptions (Tazorac, Tretinoin, Retin-A) you could try Medik8 Retinal or Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream both over the counter optons.
Gentle Exfoliation (1–2x weekly). Enzyme masks or lactic acid exfoliants lift dull, dead skin cells without compromising a sun-stressed barrier. Sunday Riley Good Genes is a tried and true formula that is great to use daily in the AM and layers beautifully under make-up (apply after your Vitamin C and before your SPF)
Hydration & Barrier Repair (AM/PM). Look for hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, and ceramides to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier after heat, chlorine, and salt exposure. I especially use this at night as a last step over my retinol. Use your favorite moisturizer or try Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Rehydration Serum or La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Cream
Whether you choose to combine lasers or not, these essential skin care ingredients will go a long way. With a little dedication, your skin will not only recover from summer but step into fall brighter, smoother, and more resilient.