This Post-Summer Detox Is the Reset Your Skin Needs for Fall

Even though summer technically runs through the end of September, let’s face it, everyone unofficially bids farewell to the season after Labor Day. First up on the prepare-for-fall to-do list? Giving our skin some much-needed love after a season of summer indulgences. Think: frequent dips in chlorine-filled pools, three-months of all of the rosé and maybe even a little too much sun bathing. Even though we’ve faithfully applied sunscreen all summer long, things like clogged pores, dry skin, sun damage and chapped lips are often a concern by the end of August. Luckily, all it takes to reboot your complexion are a few tweaks to your current summer skin-care routine. Need a little guidance? Read on for tips on how to detox your skin post-summer. 

Deep Clean Your Pores

After months of hot and humid temperatures, it’s likely you’ve experienced sweat, dirt and oil accumulating on the surface of your skin. Your sweat mixed with makeup and environmental impurities can take a toll on the appearance of your complexions and cause clogged pores. To help improve the look of pores and help keep breakouts at bay, detox your complexion with a cleansing mask. One of our favorites is the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, which is formulated with Amazonian white clay to help purify your skin, draw out impurities, reduce surface oil production and visibly minimize the look of pores.

Moisturize, Moisturize Moisturize

Seriously, we mean it. We’re talking night creams, day creams, creams with SPF, oils, body creams … the more the merrier. Chlorine, salt water and UV rays all have the potential to dry out your skin, so don’t be afraid to load up on the moisturizer. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has a rich but non-greasy texture and is loaded with beneficial ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It can also be used on your face and body. 

Address Any Existing Sun Damage

Once your summer glow begins to fade, you may start to notice some signs of sun damage — think: newfound freckles, dark spots or an uneven skin tone. Unfortunately, you can’t undo damage caused by UV rays (which is why it’s so important to apply sunscreen daily), but you can help minimize the visible appearance of sun damage on the skin’s surface with a vitamin C serum, like the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum. It works to even out your skin tone and texture while leaving your skin smooth and hydrated.  

Use Antioxidants And Sunscreen

Sun damage can happen year-round, even in the fall and winter, so don’t skip an application of sunscreen. Reach for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Face and Body Sunscreen with SPF 100, which offers maximum protection and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. For extra protection against environmental aggressors and to help minimize the visible signs of aging, pair your SPF with an antioxidant-rich serum, like the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. 

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating is always important, but it’s especially necessary when you’re trying to reset your skin after a long and sweaty season. One of our favorites is the ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads. It’s a chemical exfoliator that removes dead surface skin cells, reduces excessive oiliness while calming and soothing the skin. For your body, try the Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub. This indulgent body scrub effectively removes dead surface skin cells without over-drying the skin. Formulated with apricot seed exfoliating particles and skin-enriching emollients, the skin is left feeling soft and smooth.

Treat Your Pout 

Combat dry lips by incorporating an exfoliating lip scrub into your routine to help slough away dry, flaky skin on your lips and prepare them for further hydration. After exfoliating your lips, give them the moisture they’re looking for by reaching for a nourishing lip balm, stick, stain (whatever you prefer) that’s formulated with ingredients like vitamin E, oils or aloe vera. For example, try the Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing Lip Balm that is formulated with vitamin E, acacia honey, beeswax and rosehip seed oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips while leaving them smooth, hydrated and plump. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn