How to repair your skin after summer?

After weeks of sun, salt, and chlorine, the skin barrier can become dehydrated and blotchy . Upon returning to the city, pollution (PM2.5, NO₂, ozone) adds to the accumulated UV damage and accelerates skin aging. That's why September is the perfect time to rehydrate , even out your skin tone , and restart your anti-aging routine .

1) Deep rehydration and barrier repair

Smart hydration: Hyaluronic acid helps retain water in the stratum corneum; combined formulations of different molecular weights can improve hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Emollients and occlusives (ceramides): seal in moisture and support barrier function in dry urban climates.
Gentle cleansing: Avoid harsh surfactants; you don't need to over-exfoliate to "cleanse" contamination.

Moisturizing routine: gentle cleanser → moisturizing serum (HA) → barrier cream (ceramides) → broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 50.

2) Spots and tone: exfoliate what you see and prevent what's coming

AHAs (glycolic, lactic): Exfoliate pigmented corneocyte layers, refining texture and evening out skin tone . Glycolic is the AHA with the most evidence for mild superficial hyperpigmentation and photoaging. Use it 1–3 nights/week to start. SPF the next day is a must.
Retinoids (retinol): regulate renewal, improve texture, fine lines, and pigmented mottling over the medium term. Introduce every other night and increase as tolerated.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Helps with hyperpigmentation and barrier function , useful for reactive urban skin or skin with emerging dark spots; it often works well in combination with retinoids and AHAs on alternate nights.
Daily sun protection: the foundation of any anti-dark spot routine. Broad spectrum (ideally SPF 50) and reapply if exposed to prolonged sun.

Toning routine: Cleanse → AHA nights (1–3/week) → alternating retinoid nights → restorative moisturizer. Continue daily niacinamide if you tolerate it well.

3) Aging in the city: UV + pollution

Epidemiological evidence links traffic pollution with more wrinkles and dyschromia ; it may also act synergistically with UV rays. During the day, combine topical antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C/niacinamide) under your sunscreen; at night, rely on retinoids as an anti-aging staple.

4) Nutrition and habits to “undo” the summer

There's no "miracle" diet, but the Mediterranean pattern (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, EVOO, oily fish, and nuts) is associated with healthier aging and a better antioxidant profile. Carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene) provide modest systemic photoprotection and support against photooxidative stress ; think tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and brightly colored fruits.

Actionable Summary

Moisturizes + repairs (HA, ceramides).
Unify with AHAs and prevent/renew with retinoids (not together on the same night at first).
Niacinamide as a barrier and tone wildcard.
Daily broad spectrum SPF (best SPF 50 in the city) + antioxidants.
Mediterranean dish and carotenoids to support from within.

If you want, I can prepare a personalized routine for your skin type (sensitive, combination, dry, or blemish-prone) with specific active ingredients and frequencies. Just send me a WhatsApp message at +34 613 24 03 56.