With summer officially coming to an end, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL talks to longtime dermatologists Dr. Harold Lancer and Dr. Jessie Cheung about the best ways to restore your skin after months of sun exposure.&nbsp;

Summer is winding down, and the East Coast is already seeing some unseasonably chillier days. While your first instinct might be to swap sundresses for <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/styling-sweaters-as-scarves-is-the-newest-trend-this-season">sweaters</a> and pack away sandals for <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/best-riding-boots-to-buy-shopping">boots</a>, your skincare routine deserves a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/fall-plaid-to-shop-transitional-dressing-prada-celine-ralph-lauren">seasonal transition</a> too. Just like your wardrobe, your skin needs a reset. Months of sun, sweat, chlorine, and humidity can leave behind more than just a summer glow&mdash;think dryness, irritation, breakouts, or even early signs of sun damage.
But post-summer skincare isn&rsquo;t just about slathering on a thicker moisturizer or reaching for a face oil when the air gets dry&mdash;it&rsquo;s about intentionally rethinking your regimen with barrier-repairing ingredients, soothing <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/hyaluronic-acid-serums">hydration</a>, and antioxidant protection to prep for the colder months ahead.
With fall officially starting on Sept. 22, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL turned to dermatologists Dr. Jessie Cheung and Dr. Harold Lancer for expert guidance on the best routines, ingredients, and habits to restore your skin after summer and carry you seamlessly into the new season.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Why is Post-Summer Skincare Recovery Important?</h2>

Getty Images.

L&rsquo;OFFICIEL: Why is post-summer skin recovery important, even for people who didn&rsquo;t spend much time sunbathing?&nbsp;
DR. JESSIE CHEUNG: Summer means more time outdoors, with exposure to more UV rays, heat, humidity, sweat, and even pollution. All of these stressors can chip away at your skin barrier, speed up collagen breakdown, and leave your skin more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, acne flares, and premature aging.
L&rsquo;O: How can people tell if their skin barrier needs recovery, even if they weren&rsquo;t out in the sun much?&nbsp;
JC: Signs of a stressed barrier include tightness, dryness, redness, sensitivity, stinging when applying products, more frequent breakouts, or flaking skin. Even if you weren&rsquo;t outdoors much, air conditioning, pool water, or sweat can compromise your skin barrier.&nbsp;

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Summer vs. Fall-to-Winter Skincare Routine</h2>

L&rsquo;O: How does summer typically affect the skin differently than fall or winter?&nbsp;
JC: Summer skin is exposed to UV, heat, sweat, chlorine, and salt water. These can dehydrate the skin, increase oil production, and cause pigment to flare. In the fall and winter, we have the opposite&mdash;colder, drier air, and indoor heating will strip away moisture, leading to sensitivity, redness, and flaking.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: What are the key differences between a summer skincare routine and a fall-to-winter one?&nbsp;
JC: In the summer, you want to focus on lightweight hydration, antioxidants, oil control, and daily sunscreen with a high SPF. In the fall and winter, you want to pivot to barrier support with richer moisturizers and actives for repair.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: Which ingredients should people avoid using during the summer, and why?
JC: ​​Strong retinoids, harsh exfoliating acids, and heavy fragrances can make skin more sensitive to the sun or more prone to irritation when mixed with sweat and heat. You can still use them if your skin tolerates it, but I tell patients to go slow or reserve stronger actives for nighttime.
L&rsquo;O: But for colder months, which ingredients should people prioritize?&nbsp;
JC: Ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and occlusive emollients like shea butter or oils help lock in hydration and repair barrier damage.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: Do you recommend a &ldquo;transition period&rdquo; between summer and fall skincare, or can people switch up their routines immediately?
JC: Yes. Think of it like swapping out your wardrobe for the season. You don&rsquo;t have to overhaul your whole routine overnight, but gradually introduce richer moisturizers and repair serums as your skin feels drier. Listen to your skin&rsquo;s cues.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Effects of Sun Exposure</h2>

L&rsquo;O: What happens to someone&rsquo;s skin when they&rsquo;ve been out in the sun a lot?&nbsp;
DR. HAROLD LANCER: After significant sun exposure, the skin may feel rough, dull, or unusually reactive to products it previously tolerated.
L&rsquo;O: Beyond sunburn, what are some long-term effects of summer sun on the skin that people often overlook?
HL: Chronic UV exposure accelerates collagen loss, pigment irregularities, broken capillaries, and a rough, leathery texture&mdash;often appearing years later.
JC: Many people focus only on burns or tan lines, but the invisible effects lead to premature aging and loss of skin elasticity.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Post-Summer Skincare Recovery: Ingredients &amp; Routine</h2>

L&rsquo;O: Which skincare ingredients do you recommend for skin recovery after sun exposure?
HL: Niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea, and soothing botanicals such as aloe or chamomile.
L&rsquo;O: What role do hydrating ingredients play in helping the skin recover after the summer?&nbsp;
HL: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin act like water magnets, pulling hydration into the skin and restoring plumpness. They also help strengthen the skin&rsquo;s barrier, which is often compromised after months of UV exposure.
L&rsquo;O: What are the best skincare habits or steps for helping the skin bounce back after a summer of sun exposure?
HL: Commit to gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, barrier repair with ceramides or peptides, and antioxidants to combat lingering free radical damage. Most importantly, continue using daily sunscreen.
L&rsquo;O: How soon after the summer can people use exfoliating acids, and how can they be incorporated safely?&nbsp;
HL: You can begin incorporating mild exfoliants as soon as your skin feels stable. Start with lactic or mandelic acid 1-2 times per week, then gradually increase frequency. Always pair with SPF.

Lancer Skincare The Method: Cleanse. Photography courtesy of Lancer Skincare.

Lancer Skincare Triple Peptide Drops. Photography courtesy of Lancer Skincare.

Lancer Skincare Ultra Rich Berrier Cream. Photography courtesy of Lancer Skincare.

Lancer Skincare Omega Hydrating Oil. Photography courtesy of Lancer Skincare.

L&rsquo;O: Are there any specific products from your brand you personally recommend or think are particularly effective for post-summer recovery?
HL: I recommend <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/lancer-the-method-polish-2-oz.?ID=4336077&amp;pla_country=US&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Pmax+-+GMM9+-+Center+Core+-+Beauty-_-819174015280USA-_-go_cmp-21061604818_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-819174015280USA_sig-Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cd1-ra2f6DkYoq1tEmJBI8EAeQ0MQEatANOqKXFoM4CGPOFqsZA_DYaAl0lEALw_wcB&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21051624168&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD0PCJQAcjHdTB1sn7NvdpNPN8LO_&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cd1-ra2f6DkYoq1tEmJBI8EAeQ0MQEatANOqKXFoM4CGPOFqsZA_DYaAl0lEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Method: Polish</a> and <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/lancer-the-method-cleanse-normal-combination-skin-4-oz.?ID=1333008&amp;pla_country=US&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Pmax+-+GMM9+-+Center+Core+-+Beauty-_-819174011114USA-_-go_cmp-21061604818_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-819174011114USA_sig-Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9ccnZ1ls5c4enbyUr_RbfpgDhRq72n2ZJ8-I0dOg6MG96sy_-3gbTPwaAu77EALw_wcB&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21051624168&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD0PCJQAcjHdTB1sn7NvdpNPN8LO_&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9ccnZ1ls5c4enbyUr_RbfpgDhRq72n2ZJ8-I0dOg6MG96sy_-3gbTPwaAu77EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Method: Cleanse</a> to exfoliate away dead skin and debris and prepare skin for treatment. To boost collagen and elasticity after UV-induced breakdown, I recommend the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skincare-Peptide-Anti-Aging-Hydrating-Hyaluronic/dp/B09YDVS7CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triple Peptide Drops</a>. Then, to rebuild the skin&rsquo;s lipid layer and protect against dry air during the fall and winter, I recommend the <a href="https://www.dermstore.com/p/lancer-skincare-ultra-rich-barrier-cream-with-ceramide-complex-10ml/16046695/?affil=thgppc&amp;kwds=294680686006&amp;thg_ppc_campaign=22593687728&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_id=16046695&amp;cq_src=google_ads&amp;cq_cmp=22593687728&amp;cq_con=183745054487&amp;cq_term=&amp;cq_med=pla&amp;cq_plac=&amp;cq_net=g&amp;cq_plt=gp&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22593687728&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_vmAX_eDWERyVcIL3jj2IN_6L3B&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cfyqHwpknP2ESc4eds9PLtzRABnUJaqZjA-KYvtHABVRszRCF6y2rwaAnB6EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ultra Rich Barrier Cream</a>. I also recommend the <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/lancer-omega-hydrating-oil-with-ferment-complex-1-oz.?ID=2961730&amp;pla_country=US&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Pmax+-+GMM9+-+Center+Core+-+Beauty-_-819174016362USA-_-go_cmp-21061604818_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-819174016362USA_sig-Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cfaLj6eJ5Z8OyHHn7vNFZW6TrgCpZ9ao3uy1-XQy_zmQEohvmMbGbIaApNUEALw_wcB&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21051624168&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD0PCJQAcjHdTB1sn7NvdpNPN8LO_&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cfaLj6eJ5Z8OyHHn7vNFZW6TrgCpZ9ao3uy1-XQy_zmQEohvmMbGbIaApNUEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Omega Hydrating Oil</a>&mdash;it nourishes the skin with fermented oils and antioxidants to restore suppleness.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: How should one incorporate those in their daily routines?
HL: In the morning, start with The Method: Polish and The Method: Cleanse before moving on to the Triple Peptide Drops, Barrier Cream, and an SPF. At night, start with The Method: Cleanse before the Triple Peptide Drops, Omega Hydrating Oil, and Barrier Cream.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: How long did you take to develop them? Did you have any specific concerns in mind that you wanted these products to address?&nbsp;
HL: Each product was formulated to address texture, barrier strength, and hydration&mdash;the three pillars of post-summer recovery. Development often takes several years of clinical testing, as the goal is efficacy without irritation, even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
L&rsquo;O: Finally, what's one mistake you see people make when it comes to post-summer skin recovery?
HL: They stop using sunscreen. UV exposure is year-round&mdash;even in cooler months&mdash;and neglecting daily SPF undermines all recovery efforts.
JC: They want to get rid of all the buildup, so they jump all in and go too hard with strong peels and retinoids while their barrier is still fragile. The best strategy is gentle, consistent repair before diving into aggressive treatments.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Post-Summer Skincare Recovery: Products</h2>

An oldie but a goodie, Av&egrave;ne&rsquo;s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream remains a cult-favorite for good reason. Packed with glycerin and ceramides&mdash;two powerhouse ingredients that both Dr. Cheung and Dr. Lancer recommend for post-summer skin recovery&mdash;the formula delivers intense barrier repair. Its ultra-rich texture makes it especially suited for dry or eczema-prone skin. Personally, it&rsquo;s been my go-to for particularly sensitive skin phases for five years: whenever my eczema-prone skin flares, it calms irritation and soothes allergies within just a few hours. It even kept my teenage hormonal acne at bay. Plus, it&rsquo;s free of fragrance, alcohol, and parabens.
Av&egrave;ne Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, $26, <a href="https://www.ulta.com/p/cicalfate-restorative-protective-cream-pimprod2020798?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulta Beauty</a>

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. Photography courtesy of Avene.

Avene

For oily or combination skin types, Skinfix&rsquo;s best-selling Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Hyaluronate Gel Cream is a smart choice. The lightweight gel-cream formula delivers niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and glycerin&mdash;all ingredients Dr. Cheung and Dr. Lancer recommend for post-summer recovery and the transition into colder months. It&rsquo;s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and beloved by those with acne-prone skin for providing hydration without clogging pores.
Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Barrier Cream with Ceramides, $54, <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/skinfix-barrier-strengthening-and-moisturizing-triple-lipid-peptide-refillable-cream-with-b-l3-P442840?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Barrier Cream with Ceramides. Photography courtesy of Skinfix.

Skinfix

Of course, to lock in hydration, support recovery from sun exposure, and prep your skin for the drier months ahead, hyaluronic acid is essential. SkinCeuticals&rsquo; Hydrating B5 Gel is a standout&mdash;it&rsquo;s lightweight yet powerful, combining hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to replenish moisture, promote healing, and keep skin supple.&nbsp;
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, $95, <a href="https://bluemercury.com/products/skinceuticals-hydrating-b5-gel?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bluemercury</a>

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. Photography courtesy of SkinCeuticals.

SkinCeuticals

Vitamin C isn&rsquo;t just for brightening skin and defending against free radicals. Caudalie&rsquo;s Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is a cult-favorite for its ability to fade dark spots, minimize post-acne marks, and even out skin tone. The best-selling formula has earned praise for improving texture with consistent use, morning and night, and it&rsquo;s gentle enough for sensitive skin.&nbsp;
Caudalie Vinoperfect Vitamin C Alternative, $82, <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/vinoperfect-brightening-dark-spot-serum-vitamin-c-alternative-P94421?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Caudalie Vinoperfect Vitamin C Alternative. Photography courtesy of Caudalie.

Caudalie

As both Dr. Cheung and Dr. Lancer advise, don&rsquo;t forget sunscreen just because it&rsquo;s getting colder. ISDIN&rsquo;s Eryfotona Mineral Sunscreen, in particular, is Dr. Cheung&rsquo;s personal recommendation. The formula, she says, &ldquo;contains DNA repair enzymes to reverse some of the UV damage,&rdquo; from months of exposure.&nbsp;
But that&rsquo;s not all. Dr. Cheung also highlights some of ISDIN&rsquo;s powerhouse treatments: &ldquo;Alastin's A-Luminate Brightening Serum with powerful antioxidants and tranexamic acid to correct pigment, especially melasma. It also contains Rejuran Turnover Ampoule with polydeoxyribonucleotides to help hydrate while calming inflammation and stimulating collagen production.&rdquo; &nbsp; 
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, $46, <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/isdin-eryfotona-actinica-ultralight-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50-P512976?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

The Do’s and Don’ts of Post-Summer Skincare Recovery, According to Dermatologists

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