September is the month when your skin starts asking for attention again. After months of sun, sea water, salt and chlorine, what you see in the mirror can look very different from the glowing tan you enjoyed on holiday: skin after summer often appears dry, dull, more uneven in tone and with more visible pigmentation.
This is not bad luck: it is a normal physiological response. At our aesthetic medicine and surgery clinic in Como, September is one of the months when we receive the most requests for consultations to restore the skin after summer.
In this article, we explain what prolonged sun exposure does to the skin, which signs to look out for and which treatments to consider — and in what order — to restore brightness, hydration and firmness.
What does the sun do to your skin?
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation triggers a series of processes in the skin. In the short term, these produce a tan, but over time they can leave both visible and less obvious signs of damage.
UVB rays mainly affect the outer layers of the skin, contributing to thickening of the epidermis, dehydration and the familiar feeling of tight, dry skin after several days in the sun.
UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the dermis, where they affect collagen and elastin fibres and contribute to premature skin ageing.
The combined effect of these processes is often what becomes noticeable at the end of summer: thicker and drier skin on the surface, uneven pigmentation and a gradual loss of firmness and elasticity.
Signs of post-summer skin damage to look out for
Sun exposure does not affect everyone in the same way. Some of the most common signs include:
- Dark spots and uneven pigmentation, particularly on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip
- Dry or dehydrated skin, which may feel tight or begin to flake
- Dullness and loss of radiance, making the complexion look tired even after rest
- Uneven skin texture, with more visible pores and a less smooth appearance
- Fine lines that appear more pronounced than before summer
- Redness or more visible capillaries in areas exposed to the sun
Identifying the main concern is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate treatment.
This is why a medical consultation is always the starting point: every skin type is different, and the treatment that is right for one patient may not be the priority for another.
Step 1: renew the skin with a chemical peel
One of the first treatments to consider after summer is a chemical peel.
After months of sun exposure, the outer layer of the skin may become thicker and accumulate damaged cells that are not shed as efficiently as usual. A chemical peel uses a carefully controlled acidic solution to accelerate cell renewal, removing altered superficial cells and encouraging the regeneration of healthier skin.
The main benefits of a post-summer chemical peel include:
- Reduction in sun spots and a more even complexion
- Smoother skin texture and less visible pores
- Restoration of the skin’s natural radiance
- Improved response to subsequent treatments, allowing other procedures to work more effectively
September is often an ideal time to consider chemical peels. As UV exposure decreases, the skin can recover more easily and the risk of post-treatment pigmentation is generally lower than during the height of summer.
Step 2: restore deep hydration
Biorevitalisation
Biorevitalisation uses microinjections of hyaluronic acid to restore hydration within the deeper layers of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water in the tissues, helping the skin regain the softness, elasticity and radiance that prolonged sun exposure can compromise.
Improvements may be noticeable from the first session, with the skin appearing more hydrated, plumper and less dull.
Profhilo
Profhilo is a bioremodelling treatment containing a high concentration of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.
Rather than simply adding hydration, Profhilo also helps stimulate the activity of fibroblasts, the cells involved in the production of collagen and elastin.
For skin showing greater laxity or a more noticeable loss of firmness, Profhilo may therefore be a suitable option.
Biorevitalisation and Profhilo can be used individually or as part of a combined treatment plan, depending on the medical assessment and the specific needs of the skin.
Step 3: stimulate collagen with microneedling
If the skin shows more noticeable signs of ageing, such as pronounced fine lines, uneven texture or a general loss of elasticity, microneedling may be considered as the next step in a post-summer treatment plan.
Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, activating its natural repair response.
This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin and gradually improves the overall structure and quality of the skin.
Unlike some hydration treatments, results are not immediate. Microneedling works progressively, with improvements developing over the weeks following each session.
For this reason, September and October can be particularly suitable months to begin treatment, allowing the skin to continue regenerating throughout autumn and winter.
How to create the right post-summer skincare plan
There is no single post-summer treatment protocol that works for everyone.
The treatments described above are among the most commonly considered options, but the order, timing and combination should always depend on the individual condition of the skin.
Some practical examples include:
- Skin with significant sun spots and uneven texture may benefit from a chemical peel followed by biorevitalisation
- Dehydrated and dull skin without significant pigmentation may be able to start directly with Profhilo or biorevitalisation
- Skin with more pronounced signs of ageing and reduced elasticity may benefit from a course of microneedling
- In many cases, the most effective approach involves combining several treatments in sequence, with timing determined by the doctor
The initial consultation is designed precisely for this purpose: to assess your skin, identify the main signs of damage and create a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs and timing.
FAQ
When is the best time to start post-summer skin treatments?
September is often an ideal time. Sun exposure generally decreases and the skin can begin to recover from the summer months. Starting treatment in September can also allow improvements to become visible throughout autumn.
Can I have a chemical peel if I am still slightly tanned?
It is generally preferable to wait until the tan has faded before undergoing a chemical peel. Higher levels of melanin in recently tanned skin may increase the risk of skin reactions and pigmentation changes. The appropriate timing should always be assessed individually by a doctor.
Are biorevitalisation and Profhilo the same treatment?
No. Both involve hyaluronic acid, but they are used differently and have different objectives. Biorevitalisation mainly aims to restore deep hydration, while Profhilo also has a bioremodelling effect and can help stimulate collagen and elastin production. The most appropriate option depends on the condition of the skin and the desired result.
How many sessions are needed to see results?
This depends on the treatment and the initial condition of the skin. With biorevitalisation and Profhilo, some improvement may be noticeable after the first session, with results developing further over a course of treatment. Microneedling works more gradually, with benefits continuing to develop in the weeks after each session.
Are post-summer skin treatments painful?
The level of discomfort varies depending on the procedure. A chemical peel may cause a mild burning or tingling sensation during application and some peeling in the following days. Biorevitalisation and Profhilo involve small injections and are generally associated with limited discomfort. Microneedling can cause temporary redness and sensitivity after treatment.
Where can I have post-summer skin treatments in Como?
At Esthelia Medicina Estetica, located at Via Mentana 11 in Como, our team of specialised doctors assesses the condition of your skin after summer and creates a personalised treatment plan using the most appropriate procedures. Consultations are free and without obligation.
Would you like to understand what your skin needs after summer? Book a free consultation at our clinic in Como. We will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan to help restore radiance, hydration and firmness.
