Why September is the right time for a skin reset
Every year, when September arrives, I find myself making the same assessment: during summer, my skin seems to "hold up" well. The complexion is more even, small rednesses less evident, there is that golden glow everyone likes. But I know, from personal and professional experience, that it is only a temporary illusion.
Behind that tan there is often a weakened skin barrier, signs of dehydration, and the beginning of elasticity loss. I see it on myself and the people I follow: men and women, of different ages and skin types, show the same issues in September.
For this reason, I consider this month a true "skin check-up": it's time to repair damage, give the skin what it has lost, and prepare it for autumn.
What really happens to the skin in summer
When I talk about summer skin damage, I don't just mean sunburns (which are serious and should always be avoided), but a set of micro-stresses:
-
UVA and UVB rays: penetrate the skin layers causing oxidation, collagen and elastin degradation, and DNA damage (Rittié & Fisher, 2015 – PubMed).
-
Wind and salt spray: increase water loss (TEWL) and leave the skin drier and more reactive (Proksch et al., 2008 – PubMed).
-
Chlorine: alters the physiological pH and compromises the barrier.
-
Pollution: adds an additional oxidative load.
The result? Skin that, upon returning from vacation, may appear dull, less elastic, with uneven texture and tendency to dryness. Sometimes spots and discolorations also appear, especially if we haven't protected the skin well.
How I recognize that the skin needs a reset
On myself and the people I follow, the most common signs are:
-
Dullness: the skin no longer reflects light like in June.
-
Tight skin sensation: a sign of hydration loss.
-
Uneven texture: more visible pores and less smooth texture.
-
Discolorations: more evident spots after the tan fades.
-
More pronounced fine lines: due to summer oxidative damage.
It's not just aesthetics: they are warning signs of functional weakening.
My September protocol: four steps for everyone
Over time I have developed a simple approach, suitable for both men and women, that works because it addresses the real needs of the skin after summer.
1. Gentle cleansing
I use cleansers with gentle surfactants and physiological pH. The goal is to cleanse without depleting the barrier.
Tip: Use a cleansing oil before the mousse if the skin is very dry (Double cleansing).
2. Smart exfoliation
After summer, I prefer “gentle” exfoliants like mandelic acid or PHA, which renew the skin without stressing it (Draelos et al., 2018 – PubMed).
1–2 times a week are sufficient.
3. Intensive restructuring treatment
Quickly comes into play SkinAge Advance by LeLang: a single-dose mask I designed precisely to give the skin, in one application, deep hydration, immediate comfort, and barrier support.
For me, it’s the perfect post-summer “booster”: I use it once a week in the first weeks of September.
4. Daily hydration and protection
  
|
Serum and cream with hyaluronic acid are the foundation to rebuild the barrier and keep the skin elastic (Gehring, 2004 – PubMed).
And I never forget sun protection: even in the city and with cloudy skies.
The ingredients I focus on at this stage
-
Hyaluronic acid: immediate and long-lasting hydration.
-
Ceramides: essential to rebuild the barrier.
-
Niacinamide: improves elasticity and evens skin tone.
-
Peptides: stimulate collagen and elastin.
-
Antioxidants: stabilized vitamin C and ferulic acid to protect and brighten (Lin et al., 2005 – J Invest Dermatol).
How I integrate SkinAge Advance into my routine
For September, my personal plan is:
-
Weeks 1–2: SkinAge Advance 2 times a week, after cleansing and exfoliation.
-
Weeks 3–4: maintenance with 1 per week.
-
Daily routine with barrier cream and SPF.
Lifestyle tips that make a difference
Skin care is not only "from the outside":
-
I drink enough water every day.
-
I add fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.
-
I supplement omega-3 with fish or oilseeds.
-
I maintain a good sleep-wake rhythm: the skin regenerates at night.
FAQ
Why does the skin worsen in September?
Because the cumulative effects of sun, wind, chlorine, and pollution emerge: the barrier is weakened and hydration reduced.
Is SkinAge Advance suitable for men too?
Absolutely yes: male skin has the same hydration and repair needs after summer.
Is sunscreen still needed in autumn?
Yes, because UVA rays are present all year round and contribute to skin aging.
Elisa Avalle
Founder of LeLang Skin Care
