Beauty expert Nuria Aluart has advised adjusting skincare routines in September to recover from post-summer dryness, dullness, and dark spots without over-treating skin.
As summer holidays and beach trips come to an end, weeks of increased sun exposure leave many people looking for a fresh start for their skin. However, beauty specialists warn that attempting a rapid overhaul by combining too many new products or aggressive active ingredients can cause more harm than good.
Nuria Aluart, a beauty expert and founder of beauty retailer Mumona, explained that people should not confuse renewing the skin with attacking it. She noted that at this stage, skin does not need an intensive overhaul but rather a careful effort to recover its natural balance.
The protective skin barrier, known as the stratum corneum, acts as the body's primary shield against environmental stress and moisture loss. When skin is compromised by intense sun, salt water, or chlorine, sudden exposure to harsh treatments can damage this barrier further.
Restoring skin balance before treatment
One of the most frequent mistakes people make when noticing dullness or uneven texture is increasing how often they exfoliate. Aluart warned that exfoliating too frequently or mixing different exfoliating products can alter the barrier function of the skin, triggering tightness, redness, flaking, and heightened sensitivity.
Aluart stressed that the skin possesses its own natural renewal mechanisms, and the goal of any routine should be to support those processes rather than force them. When used in moderation, exfoliation effectively removes dead surface cells and enhances both texture and radiance.
For targeted exfoliation, Aluart recommended the Byoode Adzuki & Ragi Fantasy Exfoliating Powder, priced at 39 euros. The formula can be applied to the face, body, and scalp, incorporating antioxidant ingredients such as pomegranate to help retain moisture while refining the skin.
Cleansing also plays a central role in rebalancing post-vacation skin, but Aluart advised avoiding overly astringent formulations that strip natural oils and leave the face feeling tight.
To maintain gentle cleansing, Aluart highlighted the Verso Facial Cleanser, available for 28.95 euros on Mumona. The cleanser uses natural enzymes from mango and papaya to deliver mild enzymatic exfoliation, while jojoba beads and bisabolol work together to reinforce a soothing, calming effect.
When skin displays signs of tightness, irritation, or peeling, specialists emphasize that hydration must take priority over aggressive corrective treatments. Strengthening hydration helps repair the damaged cutaneous barrier before deeper concerns are addressed.
For body care, Aluart selected the Scens Huile Relax Intense, priced at 63 euros. Formulated with baobab oil, grapefruit oil, and grape seed oil, the body treatment delivers essential nutrition alongside antioxidant defense, making it particularly effective when skin is sensitive after sun exposure.
Addressing post-summer spots and body marks
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation often become significantly more visible as summer concludes. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure stimulates melanocyte cells in the epidermis to produce excess melanin, darkening existing pigmentation. At the same time, fading summer tans reveal tone disparities that were previously masked.
When dealing with body concerns such as stretch marks or scars, experts emphasize looking beyond surface color changes. Salena Sainz, a pharmacist specializing in dermatology and creator of Annue Body Elixir, pointed out that the goal should not focus solely on erasing a specific mark, but on improving overall skin quality.
Sainz developed the Annue Body Elixir, priced at 39.90 euros, to support skin quality through a combination of 19 natural active ingredients. The formula features rosehip oil, jojoba, calendula, centella asiatica, and vitamin E to nourish, hydrate, and maintain skin flexibility while gradually enhancing its appearance.
However, experts caution that pigmented spots require a specialized dermatological approach. Body oils should not be considered depigmenting treatments, and high-level sun protection remains mandatory on exposed body areas to prevent UV rays from continuing to trigger melanin production.
Reintroducing active ingredients and daily SPF
September serves as an ideal month to reintroduce active skincare ingredients, but specialists urge consumers not to restart every strong treatment simultaneously. For individuals who have never used retinoids, vitamin A derivatives known for promoting cellular turnover, Aluart recommended a gradual introduction to allow sensitized skin time to adjust.
Sunscreen must remain a non-negotiable daily habit even after beach holidays finish. Ongoing protection against ultraviolet light is particularly vital when using active treatments designed to treat hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, or signs of photoaging.
For daily protection, Aluart highlighted the Usu Serum Cell Defense SPF50, priced at 32.50 euros. The serum offers broad-spectrum defense against solar radiation while simultaneously shielding the skin against environmental pollution.
Ultimately, post-summer skincare is not about attempting to fix every visible flaw in a matter of days. Experts agree that returning to gentle cleansing, rebuilding hydration, reintroducing active treatments gradually, and maintaining strict sun protection allows individuals to meet their skin's current needs without causing unnecessary stress.
