Your Skin’s End-of-Summer Survival Guide…Because your skin’s not ready for pumpkin spice just yet.

Ah, summer. You gave us sun-kissed afternoons, breezy patio dinners, and - let’s be honest - probably more SPF “oops” moments than we’d like to admit. As the season starts winding down, our skin is waving a little white flag, begging for some post-summer TLC before the cool, dry weather rolls in.

Here’s how to give your skin the spa day it deserves (without the spa-day price tag):

1. Hydration Is Not Just for Your Houseplants

Between pool chlorine, salty ocean dips, and that sneaky summer dehydration, your skin is probably a bit parched. This is the time to double down on moisturizing - inside and out.

• Drink more water than you think you need. Yes, iced coffee counts emotionally, but not physically.

• Upgrade to a richer moisturizer than your lightweight summer lotion. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane. My go to right now is The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors+ PhytoCeramides. 

2. Gentle Exfoliation - Not Sandpaper Energy

Summer fun often leaves behind a layer of sunscreen build-up, sweat, and dead skin cells. Time to slough it off - but go easy.

• Use a gentle scrub or a mild chemical exfoliant (think lactic acid or fruit enzymes). I recommend The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA is gentle and has hyaluronic acid to soothe and moisturize.

• Once or twice a week is plenty; your skin doesn’t need to be treated like a stubborn countertop stain.

3. Vitamin C Is Your Post-Sun BFF

Even if you were diligent with sunscreen, UV rays can still cause sneaky damage. Vitamin C helps brighten, even skin tone, and fight free radicals.

• Apply it in the morning before SPF to boost protection. I recommend Ursa Major’s Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum.

• Bonus: It helps keep that late-summer glow looking intentional instead of “I forgot to reapply.”

4. Don’t Ghost Your SPF

Yes, the days are getting shorter. No, the sun didn’t move to another planet. UV damage is year-round, so keep sunscreen in your routine.

• Go for SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum, every day. I recommend Ursa Major’s Force Field Sunscreen...it’s a little extra creamy.

• Reapply if you’re outdoors, even in “cooler” temps.

5. Soothe with a Little TCM Magic

If you’ve been dealing with redness, dryness, or post-sun irritation, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help.

• Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture boosts circulation, encourages collagen production, and supports your skin’s natural healing process.

• Cooling herbs like chrysanthemum, goji berry, and mint (used internally or topically) can help calm overheated skin.

6. Transition Your Routine Before the Weather Forces You

Think of this like switching your wardrobe - you wouldn’t wear flip-flops in a snowstorm.

• Swap foaming cleansers for cream or oil-based ones. I like The Ordinary’s Squalene Cleanser, but I also love Ursa Major’s Milky Cleanser.

• Layer a hydrating serum under your moisturizer for an extra boost before the dry air sets in. I have been using Ursa Major’s Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum and love it!

Final Thought:

Your skin has been working overtime this summer. Treat it like the loyal BFF it is - hydrate it, protect it, and give it some acupuncture love if it’s looking tired. That way, you’ll glide into fall looking fresh and glowy instead of crispy and regretful.