Were You Outside Most of the Summer? Here’s How to Refresh Your Skin

Summer is coming to an end, but the effects of spending too much time in the sun are still evident on your face. Even if you slathered on the sunscreen or hid under a wide-brimmed hat all season, you may still be noticing dry patches, sun spots and breakouts from all of your fun in the sun. So, as we head into fall, here’s how to look fresh-faced and give your skin a little summer rehab.

Exfoliate

To start fresh for fall, you’ll need to begin with a great exfoliator that is both gentle on your skin and will remove dead cells to reveal a fresher complexion. However, you don’t want to overdo it. We suggest exfoliating two to three times a week using a gentle, exfoliating face and body wash. For sensitive skin, you’ll need to exfoliate just once a week.

For your feet, hands and other areas made rough by summer dryness, a rougher sea salt scrub is appropriate—it’s a quick and easy way to shed dead skin.

Moisturize

Your regular moisturizer may not cut it when the weather begins to cool down. If you are looking to switch up your skincare routine, start with your moisturizer. For fall, try a creamy day and night product that will even out any dryness on your face and prepare your skin for the colder months ahead. Adding serums and nighttime eye creams will help to plump, eliminate dullness and moisturize your skin.

Don’t forget about the rest of your body! Upping your daily water intake and opting for a healing body lotion when you hop out of the shower will help to soften and rejuvenate your skin.

Banish the Breakouts

The hot days of summer meant more sweat, and the extra SPF may have clogged your pores. If you find yourself breaking out during this time of year, you aren’t alone. To clear your skin, make sure you have cleanser, mask or serum that includes salicylic acid. You’ll find that salicylic acid is able to breakup oil-filled pores and clear out breakouts. It’s also great for all skin types and is a favorite of skin care experts.

Treat Yourself and Your Skin

If you are looking for some extra assistance in reclaiming your skin before fall, consult an aesthetician who can recommend treatments like microdermabrasion, which removes outer layers of the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles; or they may suggest hydra-facials, which uses a medical-grade device to cleanse, exfoliate and then infuse the skin with intensive serums.

If sun spots and freckles are popping up on your face, laser treatments can be done to reduce their size and appearance.

And don't forget: Just because summer's over doesn't mean you can put the sunscreen away! Wear sunscreen year-round to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and aid against premature aging.