Summer leaves us with plenty to remember: afternoons by the water, long walks and weekends outdoors. As the season changes, however, you may notice that your skin has developed some unwanted remnants of summer such as dark spots, redness, dry patches or feels rougher than usual.

Post-summer exfoliation can help refresh a dull-looking complexion and improve surface texture when used properly and repetitively. It can be a useful part of your fall skincare routine, alongside hydration and daily sun protection.

The best place to start is understanding what your skin needs—and choosing an exfoliating treatment that fits.

Why does skin look dull after summer?

A dull complexion can have several causes. UV Radiation from the sun, which can be very harsh in the summer months, causes damage to the skin’s cells both at the surface, and in the deeper layers of the skin. Dryness and a buildup of dead surface cells can make skin feel rough and look less radiant. Uneven pigmentation may also become more noticeable after time in the sun.

Before reaching for an exfoliator, pay attention to how your skin feels. Does makeup sit unevenly? Are some areas rough to the touch? Are there particular areas of the skin that are showing signs of discolouration?   Or does your skin feel tight, tender or irritated?

Those differences matter. Comfortable skin with these kinds of sun related damage can benefit from exfoliation. Skin that stings when you apply your usual products may need a simpler routine and time to recover.

Fall offers a natural opportunity to reassess your skincare habits. Let your skin’s condition, rather than the changing calendar, determine when to introduce an active treatment.

What are the benefits of post-summer exfoliation?

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but as we age, the natural cycle of cell turnover declines significantly.  By the time we are 50, cell turnover takes twice as long as it did when we were 20, and takes 3 times as long when we are over 60.. Exfoliation  removes some of those cells from the surface, which can leave a rough or dull complexion looking smoother and feeling softer and help to address the common signs of aging such as discolouration, redness and skin congestion.

It is useful to keep expectations realistic. Exfoliation cannot erase a summer of UV exposure, but it can, when performed consistently, address many common signs of aging and improve the look and texture of the skin.  It can also help with prevention of breakouts, and lessen the appearance of large pores.

Think of post-summer exfoliation as one step in ongoing skincare. Choosing an appropriate treatment, following its instructions and protecting your skin consistently all matter more than pursuing an immediate, dramatic transformation.

How does glycolic acid exfoliate skin?

Glycolic acid belongs to a family of ingredients called alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. These ingredients encourage the shedding of surface skin cells.

Unlike a physical scrub, glycolic acid exfoliation does not rely on rubbing particles across your skin. It offers a different approach to addressing surface roughness, dullness, and common skin issues.

As the smallest AHA molecule, Glycolic Acid is the most effective at dissolving the glue that holds surface skin cells together - thereby allowing the skin cells to shed.  Glycolic Acid is also instrumental in boosting the skin’s natural process of producing collagen in the lower levels of the skin helping with buoyancy and plumpness

The complete formula matters. An exfoliant’s acid concentration, pH and other ingredients influence its effects. A higher percentage does not automatically make a product more suitable for your skin.

Choosing a well-formulated treatment and using it correctly is essential. Your skin’s tolerance should guide your routine, especially if you are introducing an acid exfoliant for the first time. 

Choosing a LASPA exfoliator for your fall skincare routine

LASPA’s glycolic exfoliators combine 10% glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid in one formula. The bio-based glycolic acid is produced through fermentation and purification, while hyaluronic acid complements the formula’s focus on exfoliation and hydration.

The LASPA Intensive Glycolic Peel (10%) Overnight Treatment Kit includes an airless pump and applicator pads. Its dedicated treatment format makes it a practical choice for a planned skincare reset.

For those already familiar with the formula, the LASPA Glycolic Peel (10%) Dropper offers another option and can serve as a refill for the kit.

These formats give you different ways to incorporate LASPA’s glycolic formula into your routine. Choose the one that suits your preferences and follow the current package directions. 

How do you use LASPA’s Glycolic Peel?

LASPA’s Overnight Treatment Kit directions specify application to clean skin before bedtime over five to seven consecutive nights, with at least two weeks before repeating the course. See a more in-depth how-to video below.

The instructions also say not to apply other skincare products after the peel. Resume your regular morning routine as directed, including sun protection.

Always follow the current label for your chosen format. This short treatment course is specific to LASPA’s product; it should not be interpreted as an instruction to exfoliate every night indefinitely.

Patch test before starting, particularly if you have sensitivities. If excessive irritation develops, remove the product and rinse with water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists. 

Balance exfoliation with hydration

An effective fall skincare routine gives moisture care as much attention as active ingredients. If your complexion looks lacklustre, repeatedly adding exfoliants may not be the answer.

Review the products you already use. Retinoids, exfoliating toners and scrubs can contribute to irritation when combined with another treatment. Avoid introducing several new products simultaneously so you can better understand your skin’s response.

Keep your routine uncomplicated between treatments, with appropriate moisture care. During LASPA’s overnight peel application, follow its instruction to avoid layering other skincare products over the formula.

Comfort matters. Strong stinging and visible peeling are not results to chase. 

Do you still need sunscreen after exfoliating in fall?

Yes. AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and the possibility of sunburn. Applying glycolic acid at night does not remove the need for daytime protection.

Keep a broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher in your morning routine. Explore LASPA’s mineral sunscreens to find an option that complements your skincare preferences, and apply and reapply according to its label.

Combine sunscreen with shade and protective clothing. Limit sun exposure while using an AHA treatment and for a week afterwards. These habits support a thoughtful exfoliation routine throughout the changing season.

Post-summer exfoliation FAQs

Should you exfoliate sunburned or peeling skin?

No. Allow sunburned skin to recover without exfoliating or picking at peeling areas. Avoid exfoliation on broken or irritated skin.

Is glycolic acid suitable for sensitive skin?

Suitability varies. Patch test and seek professional guidance if you have a skin condition, persistent sensitivity or prescription skincare that could affect your tolerance.

Can you use both LASPA peel formats together?

Choose one format for your treatment. The kit and dropper provide LASPA’s glycolic formula; using both does not mean you need an additional layer of exfoliation.

Refresh your routine for the season ahead

Post-summer exfoliation can help address surface dullness and rough texture when your skin is ready. Start with an appropriate treatment, follow its directions and keep hydration and sun protection consistent.

Explore LASPA’s natural skin exfoliators and find the format that fits your fall skincare routine.