Dermo-aesthetic nurse Lara Pérez warned that replacing an entire skincare routine at the end of summer is the most frequent mistake people make.
Dr Alexandra Murillo, medical director and founder of Clínica Etérea Valencia, explained that while skin needs change after summer, the skin itself remains the same, making routine adaptation far more appropriate than a full replacement.
Lara Pérez is a specialized dermo-aesthetic nurse who treats skin conditions, while Dr Murillo leads Clínica Etérea, a medical aesthetics clinic based in Valencia, Spain. Dermo-aesthetics combines clinical dermatology techniques with aesthetic care to maintain skin health and address seasonal changes.
Post-summer skin changes
As summer draws to a close, people often store away lightweight formulas, bring back retinol products, and plan exfoliation regimens to restore radiance. Many also search for treatments targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation that were not visible in June.
The problem arises when individuals attempt to implement all of these changes at once. Skin does not return from summer vacation in the same condition it was in before months of environmental exposure.
Prolonged exposure to sun, heat, humidity, sweat, chlorine from swimming pools, and sea water leaves skin dehydrated, sensitive, or congested, while making pigmentation more noticeable. Pérez noted that dryness, irregular skin tone, breakouts, and heightened sensitivity frequently appear at the end of August.
Background dermatological research indicates that extended solar radiation, elevated temperatures, and pool chemicals weaken the skin barrier. This moisture barrier disruption accelerates transepidermal water loss and triggers excess melanin production, resulting in persistent sun spots.
Gradual reintroduction of active ingredients
A common mistake after August is attempting an immediate return to strong active ingredients that were reduced or paused during months of high solar radiation. Retrieving these formulas simultaneously and at previous frequencies can prove overly aggressive for compromised skin.
Pérez and Murillo recommended reintroducing active ingredients gradually after periods of irritation or simplified routines. They specifically highlighted retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) as active compounds requiring step-by-step reintroduction.
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover and collagen production, while alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate surface cells and beta-hydroxy acids dissolve oil inside pores. Because these ingredients increase cell renewal, introducing them too quickly can cause peeling and redness.
Pérez also dismantled the widespread belief that retinol should strictly be reserved for autumn and winter. She recommended applying retinol at night and paying extra attention to sun protection, noting that usage depends on individual skin tolerance rather than the calendar season.
Daily sunscreen protection
Sunscreen is the one product that must never be stored away alongside summer swimsuits. Pérez described daily sunscreen application as the most effective method for preventing premature skin aging and skin cancer.
She emphasized that photoprotector should be reapplied throughout the day whenever individuals are exposed to sunlight. Reapplication becomes even more critical when September brings the introduction or increased use of active ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliants, or hyperpigmentation treatments.
These active treatments increase cellular turnover and make the skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet light. Sunscreen shields the epidermis from ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, which otherwise degrade structural collagen and cause DNA damage in skin cells.
Routine consistency and smart transitions
Both specialists stressed that consistency remains the fundamental secret to healthy skin. Rather than purchasing and applying five new products at once, individuals should evaluate what specific concern they are attempting to solve.
A seasonal transition does not mean that cleansers, moisturizers, or treatments that worked prior to September have suddenly lost their efficacy. Specialists advise reviewing existing products to decide which items require modification and which can stay in the daily routine.
Ultimately, updating a toiletry bag after summer should be a measured process rather than a complete overhaul. Success relies on keeping effective products, identifying current skin requirements, and adding active treatments progressively over time.
