Frederika van Hagen, celebrity facialist and beauty editor at L&rsquo;Officiel Ibiza, shares her expert guide to repairing skin after a long summer

As autumn arrives, our skin often tells the story of summer: dehydration etched into fine lines, uneven tone from weeks of UV exposure and congestion left behind by sunscreen and sweat. With the comfort of cooler weather and the return of routine, September becomes a natural pause; a moment to repair the visible traces of the season just passed. Early autumn is the ideal time to restore hydration at a cellular level, strengthen barrier function and rebalance pigment, ensuring skin enters the winter months resilient, luminous and renewed.

Thirsty Skin
Tight, papery skin and fine lines are classic signs of seasonal dehydration. At the root is transepidermal water loss (TEWL), when the skin struggles to hold onto moisture leaving the barrier weakened and more vulnerable to external stressors.

&ldquo;After months in the sun, skin often feels dehydrated, tight or dull from heat and environmental stressors. The best way to restore moisture is by repairing the skin barrier while replenishing hydration.&rdquo; says Helene Chammas, co-founder of beauty brand <a href="https://moussse.com/">Moussse</a>.

Hydration is the cornerstone of recovery, the first step in bringing skin back to balance. Humectants like <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/tips-for-perfect-skin-this-christmas-island-glow">polyglutamic acid</a> and glycerin serums work by drawing water into the epidermis, restoring hydration on a cellular level. To lock this in, finish with a moisturiser that forms a light, breathable shield, preventing further water loss while keeping skin supple. <a href="https://moussse.com/collections/all">Moussee Moisture Rush Cream,</a> with its blend of emollients, plant oils and humectants, creates a refined, semi-occlusive veil that cushions skin without weight.
Her advice is to keep things simple: &ldquo;Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that won&rsquo;t compromise the skin&rsquo;s natural protective layer, then follow with a moisturiser containing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin and squalane. These help lock in water, smooth texture and strengthen the barrier against future moisture loss. Most importantly, I&rsquo;d say, consistency is key: hydrating morning and night keeps skin plump and resilient.&rdquo;
For an instant surge, hydrogel masks deliver a cool soothing layer to the skin surface whilst deeply hydrating. <a href="https://bioeffectspain.es/products/imprinting-hydrogel-mask?srsltid=AfmBOooeeilsgSuyw54QmAi08s5DSjuLbBcCPSpXrWNK1WlFTOBdFNVB">Bioeffect&rsquo;s EGF Hydrogel Masks</a> are rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which boost moisture retention and leaves skin soothed, replenished and radiant.&nbsp;

Internal support matters too: <a href="https://papaduk.com/producto/wild-collagen-2/">Ancient + Brave Collagen</a> sustainably sourced marine collagen has been shown to improve elasticity, reduce fine lines and increase hydration from within, while also supporting hair and nail strength.

Brightening Boost
Even with diligent SPF and wide-brimmed hats, summer inevitably leaves its mark. Beyond UV rays, the very warmth of summer can also spark hyperpigmentation, leaving behind freckles, sun spots and stubborn discoloration that persist long after the season has passed. Hormones, medication and pregnancy can intensify this response, making pigmentation one of the most stubborn souvenirs of summer. At the core are melanocytes &mdash; the skin&rsquo;s pigment-producing cells &mdash; which surge into defence mode under UV exposure by releasing melanin, our natural shield, but in doing so leave behind visible discolouration.
The most important step in protecting against new pigmentation is daily sunscreen, ideally one with a tint. Without daily protection, even the most effective treatments will struggle to make an impact. <a href="https://www.sarahchapman.com/products/skin-insurance-spf-50?srsltid=AfmBOopZTl7PuwgrXN1GDbI5JmemVttAsLJR3K8y5zBj8pkk4YvSaXb5">Skin Insurance SPF 50+</a> by Sarah Chapman offers advanced UVA/UVB protection with a sheer adaptive tint and light-diffusing finish, keeping skin radiant, even-toned and beautifully primed year-round.

Dermatologists agree that pigment correction is one of the hardest concerns to treat, often requiring patience, layering, and year-round protection.

But protection is only half the story. Once UV has left its mark, fading stubborn freckles and dark patches requires a careful layering of actives that work in harmony together. Vitamin C offers daily antioxidant defence whilst lightening and brightening the skin; azelaic acid calms inflammation that can deepen pigment and tranexamic acid helps to break the cycle that drives melasma and sun spots. Gentle vitamin A serums accelerate skin renewal so these actives can penetrate more deeply. Used consistently over time this cocktail of brighteners helps skin regain its luminosity, gradually softening uneven tone. Clinical formulas such as <a href="https://www.skinceuticals.es/buscar-por/preocupacion-dermatologica/manchas-e-hiperpigmentacion/discoloration-defense-serum-despigmentante/S25.html">SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defen</a><a href="https://www.skinceuticals.es/">se</a> blends tranexamic acid, niacinamide and kojic acid to directly target melasma and stubborn pigmented patches, while <a href="https://papaduk.com/en/producto/vitamina-c-booster-30ml/">Rowse&rsquo;s Vitamin C Booster</a>, a highly active liposomal vitamin C concentrate with phloretin and hyaluronic acid fade acne marks and brightens uneven tone.

Protecting your pigment can also be done from within; <a href="https://tienda.pilar-delgado.com/marcas/mesoestetic/mesoestetic-mesoprotech-ple-gummies?srsltid=AfmBOorIgEPt7BFSuRNz2qC-AjbFyNSjaUmDv5IlMJOIBmEtmRzdu0b-">Mesoprotech&rsquo;s PLE Gummies </a>deliver Fernblock&reg; polypodium leucotomos alongside vitamins C, E, D3 and carotenoids, helping protect against oxidative stress and photoaging while reinforcing topical protection.

Barrier Building
&ldquo;After months of sun, chlorine and SPF, the most common signs of barrier impairment are dehydration, tightness, cracking and inflammation,&rdquo; explains Isabel Vitale, co-founder of<a href="https://sivcare.com/"> SIV Skincare</a>.

&ldquo;The sun can dry the skin and weaken the barrier if not protected; this is what we call Leaky Skin, a condition we use to describe barrier impairment driven by microbiome dysbiosis.&rdquo;

A compromised skin barrier is like a damaged roof, once the tiles are cracked, leaks begin to seep in. This fragility is why barrier repair is one of the most important steps in post-summer recovery. Unlike other skin concerns that invite treatments and product layering, barrier healing is about paring everything back: a philosophy known as skin minimalism. Over-care often causes as much harm as neglect: too many actives, harsh exfoliation or stripping cleansers can leave skin red, textured and sensitised.
The solution is simplicity: gentle milk or balm cleansing, a pause on exfoliation and soothing, replenishing care until skin feels supple again. Probiotic skincare can also accelerate this recovery by restoring equilibrium to the microbiome. As Vitale notes: &ldquo;The skin microbiome, much like the gut, controls the skin&rsquo;s immune system. When it&rsquo;s balanced, the immune system functions properly and addresses real threats. When it&rsquo;s dysbiotic, it can artificially trigger inflammation and chronic conditions. Microbiome-focused skincare restores that balance, ensuring the immune system can work as it should.&rdquo;
To reinforce the barrier externally <a href="https://www.eau-thermale-avene.es/p/cicalfate-crema-protectora-reparadora-3282770204667-cdb6f609">Av&egrave;ne&rsquo;s Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream </a>forms a protective film over sensitised skin, nourishing and soothing dryness while shielding against external aggravators.&nbsp;
For support from within, <a href="https://es-healthcare4all.glopalstore.com/minami-morepa-original-omega-3-fish-oil-softgels-x60">Minami Omega-3</a> (EPA/DHA) high-quality marine omegas that support anti-inflammatory pathways, feed into the lipid matrix of the skin and help reduce redness, rebuilding a strong resilient barrier from the inside out. And spore-based probiotics, such as those in<a href="https://sivcare.com/products/siv-biome-balancing-serum"> SIV&rsquo;s Biome Balancing Serum</a>, &ldquo;rewild&rdquo; the skin by reducing the overgrowth of harmful microbes while encouraging beneficial strains. In doing so, balance is restored, reactivity calms and the barrier begins to function more like healthy skin again.

Skin Unclogged
Even those who rarely break out can find their skin feeling congested as autumn settles in. Post-summer, pores are often weighed down by layers of SPF, sweat and late nights leaving behind rough texture, stubborn blackheads or even tiny white bumps known as milia. The result is skin that looks dull, uneven and in need of a seasonal reset.
The answer lies in a gentle approach. Summer-worn skin is often sensitised, so it&rsquo;s best to start with mild exfoliation enzymes or low-dose acids coaxing skin back to clarity without provoking irritation. Results may take a few weeks, but commitment over time brings radiance flooding back.
Sophie Radcliff, founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophies_skin_lab/">Sophie&rsquo;s Skin Lab</a>, explains,

&ldquo;After summer I see so many clients with clogged, rough skin: SPF, sweat, and heat can all build up in the pores. One of my go-to products to revive post-summer skin is <a href="https://zoskinhealth.com/us/enzymatic-peel-gbl-full-size-905100.html">ZO Skin Health&rsquo;s Enzymatic Peel</a>, a gentle at-home peel with alpha hydroxy acids. It&rsquo;s mild enough even for sensitive skin, yet it revitalises lacklustre complexions and smooths uneven texture &mdash; instantly giving the glow back.&rdquo;

Cleansing tools can then elevate your home routine. The <a href="https://www.foreo.com/es?srsltid=AfmBOorrQyOOU_6iyygr7jucXAAWheg8hSa6fDz1cgMjl5lY36PBveg0">Foreo</a>&rsquo;s silicone bristles deliver a deeper cleanse without compromising the skin barrier, while<a href="https://beautybio.com/collections/shop-all/products/glofacial"> BeautyBio&rsquo;s GloFacial </a>combines light suction with salicylic acid exfoliation and blue LED to target bacteria in the pores whilst gently resurfacing the skin. Both offer a salon-style reset from the bathroom shelf.
If congestion persists, it may be a sign your summer sunscreen was too rich or comedogenic for your skin. With today&rsquo;s new lightweight filters, there&rsquo;s no reason to settle for heavy textures as there is an abundance of new feather-light formulas that feel like a second skin. A cult favourite is <a href="https://beautyofjoseon.com">Beauty of Joseon&rsquo;s Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50</a>+ PA++++, a silky cream infused with rice extract and fermented probiotics. It delivers high protection without clogging pores, leaving skin hydrated, luminous and breathable proof that sunscreen can be both protective and skin-kind.

Sometimes, however, home care isn&rsquo;t enough. As Sophie at<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophies_skin_lab/"> Sophie&rsquo;s Skin Lab</a> explains: &ldquo;Hydrafacial is an incredible treatment for the change of the seasons, combining exfoliation, extraction and infusion to restore clarity and glow. Each treatment can be customised depending on skin type and concern using skin boosters containing potent cocktails of gorgeous skin actives."

September is less about starting over and more about fortifying what&rsquo;s already there;&nbsp; strengthening, restoring and preparing skin for the season ahead. Through layered hydration, barrier repair and targeted pigment correction, the skin steps into autumn with resilience, radiance and longevity.

The September Reset: Repair, Restore, Renew

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