Sun exposure can make a lasting impression on the skin in the form of pigmentation changes, collagen breakdown, and cumulative cellular stress. September is a natural checkpoint in the skincare calendar: a time to assess what can be repaired, what needs ongoing support, and how to transition routines into fall with a focus on long-term resilience rather than quick fixes.
Can summer skin damage be undone?
Summer skin damage can be improved, says Vancouver-based Alaina Overton, ND.
“Summer often leaves subtle reminders on the skin, such as hyperpigmentation and early signs of collagen breakdown,” she says. “While there is a lot we can do to correct these changes, it’s important to understand that we cannot truly ‘reverse’ cells back to a younger state.”
However, what we can do, says Overton, is meaningfully influence how skin cells function over time with the right interventions.
For instance, to address collagen loss, Overton favours treatments including topical retinoids, lasers,and microneedling. For hyperpigmentation, she recommends topicals including vitamin C, retinoids, and niacinamide along with ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid,and arbutin. Chemical peels are also useful in accelerating the skin renewal process, says Overton.
Post-summer skin reset strategies
Post-sun-exposure skin is often inflamed, dehydrated, and slightly overactive. Your fall skin goals should first be to stabilize and then rebuild, says Overton.
Overton recommends the following regimen to reach those aims:
- Start with a gentle cream or milk-based cleanser, avoiding gels and foaming cleansers, which can strip the skin’s natural lipids and worsen dryness or sensitivity.
- Focus on barrier repair using ceramide-rich moisturizers and humectants such as hyaluronic acid to restore lipid integrity and draw water into the skin. Niacinamide can also help by supporting barrier function while reducing redness and inflammation.
- Once the skin feels more stable, reintroduce gentle chemical exfoliation no more than 1 to 2 times per week, using mild direct acids such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, or salicylic acid (if acne is present).
- Incorporate retinoids slowly and intentionally. If you’re new to them or restarting after a break, begin with a low-strength retinol 2 to 3 nights per week, gradually increasing to 4 to 5 nights as tolerated. Once well tolerated, you may transition to prescription-strength retinoids if appropriate. Avoid using retinoids on the same nights as exfoliating acids to minimize irritation and support barrier recovery.
When to step up the self-checks
Some individuals may benefit more than others from regular skin self-exams:
- those at higher risk of skin cancer (for instance, if you have reduced immunity)
- people who have had skin cancer before
- individuals with a lot of moles or other skin spots
- those who have a strong family history of skin cancer
The transition from summer to fall skin care
Fall is the most exciting time for Overton as a practitioner when it comes to treating skin. “It’s when we shift from protection into true repair, correction, and regeneration,” she says. “I always look forward to seeing patients in clinic during this season and building skin back to its healthiest state.”
For Overton, the perfect first skincare step for fall is a HydraFacial to treat post-summer skin that’s often dehydrated, textured, or mildly inflamed and may be congested with layers of sunscreen, oil, sweat, and environmental debris.
“A HydraFacial is an ideal first step while any residual tan is still present because it provides a thorough—but gentle—resurfacing without downtime,” says Overton.
Once your tan has fully faded, Overton supports shifting into a more targeted correction of sun-related damage using chemical peels and laser treatments.
Skin cancer awareness without fear
After a summer of sun exposure, it’s a good time to check in with your skin, not necessarily to look for problems but to become familiar with what’s normal for you, says Beth Edwards, PhD, director of the Toronto-based SkinCan, a skin cancer detection clinic. “Taking a calm, consistent approach to self-checks can help you stay aware of your skin without feeling overwhelmed or anxious,” she says.
Edwards suggests a simple head-to-toe skin check every few months in a well-lit room, using both a handheld and full-length mirror. A partner, friend, or family member can assist by taking photos of hard-to-see areas.
“Many skin spots are harmless and may naturally change a little with age and sun exposure,” says Edwards. “What matters most is noticing changes that persist or stand out, such as a mole that looks different from the others, a spot that continues to change over time, or an area that bleeds, crusts, or doesn’t heal.”
When to seek medical input
“Skin cancer is often very treatable when caught early,”says Edwards. “[That’s] why it’s important to see a healthcare provider if something seems new, unusual, or persistently changing.”
For those less comfortable monitoring their own skin, clinics such as SkinCan offer mole mapping. This advanced imaging technology identifies spots that may need closer attention by a physician specially trained in cancer detection.
“This combination of expert assessment and advanced imaging helps support accurate monitoring and early detection,” says Edwards.
As the seasons shift, skin care becomes less about reacting to summer damage and more about supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair and renew. With consistent care and calm awareness, fall is an opportunity to restore balance and build long-term skin resilience.
Sun protection in fall and winter
Sun protection remains relevant after the outdoor pools close and the temperature begins to drop.
UVA rays—the main culprit of skin aging—have the longest wavelength and penetrate deep into the skin. UVB rays are shorter. UVA rays stay consistent throughout the year, while the levels of UVB rays dip in fall and winter.
The sun can cause up to 90 percent of changes most often associated with aging. And just because UV levels are lower in the winter doesn’t mean the sun can’t cause damage. Protective winter gear such as a hat, earmuffs, and sunglasses can help to shield some areas of your head and face. You still need to be conscious when playing winter sports: The snow reflects the sun’s rays—increasing your UV exposure—and UV levels rise as altitude increases. Remember to wear a mineral-based, reef-friendly sunscreen and a lip balm labelled SPF 30 or higher.
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of alive magazine.