Summer brings sun-kissed skin, beach days, and outdoor adventures, but it can also leave your skin feeling less than radiant. If you’re noticing fine lines, dark spots, increased blemishes and sensitivity or overall dullness, your skin might be showing signs of sun exposure, dehydration, and the effects of disrupted routines. Here are Oresta’s top skin care tips on how to restore post-summer skin for a smooth transition into fall.
1. Rehydrate from the Inside Out
High temperatures and increased sweating can lead to dehydration, which not only affects your body but also your skin. When your skin is dehydrated, it can look dull, feel tight, and be more prone to fine lines.
Oresta’s Tip: Replenish your hydration levels and drink plenty of water, and add hydrating foods to your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens. Topically, rehydrate your skin with a hydrating mist and look for skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, Indian senna seed and marshmallow root, which attract and retain hydration in the skin.
LILFOX Cupu Cool, Laurel Hydrating Elixir I, Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Serum, Josh Rosebrook Hydration Boost Concentrate
2. Address UV Damage with Antioxidants
Summer sun can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin (which provide the structure to our skin) leading to premature aging. UV exposure can also trigger hyperpigmentation, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Oresta’s Tip: Incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare into your routine. Ingredients like vitamin C, green tea, sea buckthorn, rosehip and resveratrol can help neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from further damage, while also aiding in lightening pigmentation for a more even skin tone. Applying a daily serum with these ingredients can boost your skin’s resilience. Pair this with a natural, mineral-based sunscreen to prevent further UV damage.
LILFOX Sea Buck Neroli Serum, Laurel Radiance Compound, Eminence Citrus + Kale Mask, LILFOX Haute C
3. Balance and Restore Your Skin’s Microbiome
Sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can throw your skin’s microbiome out of balance, leading to breakouts, irritation, or exacerbated conditions like eczema.
Oresta’s Tip: Opt for gentle, non-foaming cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Consider using prebiotics and probiotics in your skincare to support a healthy skin barrier. Ingredients like chamomile, calendula, oat and hemp seed and tamanu oils soothe irritation and calm inflammation.
Eminence Kombucha Cleanser, Laurel Balance Serum, Laurel Unburden Serum, Blissoma Restore Oil, Laurel Elixir II
4. Use exfoliation products to reveal fresh skin
Exfoliation is key to revealing fresh skin. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and enhance absorption of your skincare products. Regular exfoliation helps to brighten the complexion, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of sunspots.
Oresta’s Tip: If your days in the sun are coming to a close, you can introduce a more active exfoliator, like exfoliating acids, into your routine. These acids penetrate deeper, promoting increased skin cell turnover. If your skin tends to be sensitive, opt for enzymatic exfoliators, which work more gently on the surface.
Exfoliate max 1-2x weekly and always remember your SPF when using exfoliating products.
LILFOX Acid Glow, Laurel Honey Berry Enzymatic Glow Mask, Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner, Eminence Arctic Berry Peptide Peel
5. Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management
Finally, remember that your skin reflects your overall well-being. The stress of disrupted routines, travel, and lack of sleep in the summer can manifest in your skin as dullness, puffiness, and breakouts. While September often pulls us back to routines, it can also be a stressful time with back-to-school/work schedules.
Oresta’s Tip: Prioritize getting enough restful sleep, as this is when your skin undergoes its most significant repair processes. Do whatever you like to do to relax and make time for it on a regular basis. The calmer and more balanced you feel, the better your skin will look.