The transitional skin treatments experts swear by

As summer winds down, aesthetic experts are already thinking about repairing, replenishing and getting skin ready for autumn.

So what exactly do they do at this time of the year? From the ingredients and skincare habits they swear by, to the restorative in-clinic treatments that are top of their list, and the small seasonal switches they make to keep skin healthy, hydrated and glowing, we spoke to five leading experts for the lowdown.

Julie Scott RGN NIP, Nurse Prescriber

“I shift skincare from protection to repair and recovery. After months of UV exposure and heat, my priorities are restoring hydration, calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier and improving resilience.

“I focus on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide and panthenol, alongside gentle cleansers and richer moisturisers. I also ease back on stronger actives, reintroducing them gradually in autumn. 

“Once skin feels stable, I gradually reintroduce targeted actives: azelaic acid and vitamin C can help address pigmentation and brighten the complexion, while gentle exfoliating acids such as lactic acid or low-strength glycolic acid support cell turnover and texture without causing irritation.

“I reduce or temporarily pause stronger active ingredients, including high-strength retinoids and vitamin A derivatives, while the skin barrier recovers. For me, the goal is always to first control inflammation, and then gradually and safely address pigmentation, while maintaining a calm, protected, and resilient skin barrier.”

Dr Anna Hemming, Founder & Medical Director, Thames Skin Clinic

“I always reassess skin, rather than simply add more products. Skin can look glowing but actually be dehydrated, reactive and carrying new pigmentation underneath. Using SPF is non-negotiable, while gradually shifting towards repair, hydration and controlled cell turnover, ready for autumn.

“I don’t suddenly overload the skin with strong actives; I rebuild gradually. A medical-grade facial or HydraFacial can deeply cleanse, gently exfoliate and replenish hydration. I also love Laser Genesis for redness, inflammation, and general skin quality (as long as there is no active tan).

“I also begin reintroducing ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, azelaic acid and tranexamic acid. With pigmentation, I always look to the cause first, whether it’s sun damage or post-inflammatory pigmentation, because aggressive treatment can make inflammation worse. Ultimately, it is about resetting rather than attacking the skin—calming inflammation, restoring the barrier, improving hydration and preparing it for autumn.”

Amish Patel BEM, Aesthetics Practitioner, Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic 

“I’m not a big believer in changing up my skincare routine too much, other than moving from serums to richer creams as it gets cooler. Now is also a good time to give skin a hydrating boost with skin boosters and polynucleotides, helping repair UV damage, restore moisture and improve elasticity.

“I also like to switch retinol to tretinoin at a stronger percentage in winter to maximise my actives, while adding barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides as an extra layer after applying hyaluronic acid. For pigmentation, hydroquinone can be highly effective when prescribed appropriately, alongside vitamin C. Also, if needed, in-clinic microneedling.

“Daily SPF 50 remains essential. I also exfoliate at least twice a week to remove dead skin cells and keep skin clear.”

Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert

“Pigmentation is a challenge for me. I get melasma and it always reappears in the summer even though I use really good sun protection. So, the first thing I do after summer is wait two weeks and do a skin peel. 

“I follow up using tranexamic acid and natural skin brighteners such as kojic acid, arbutin, and white shitake mushroom extract. For an intense moisture boost, I use a night cream containing a targeted peptide blend, ceramides, squalene, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.”

Dr Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician and Founder, Ashley Aesthetics

“The first thing I do is switch from protecting skin to repairing it, and most importantly, I continue to use SPF.  One of the biggest mistakes is to become more relaxed about sunscreen as summer fades.

“By August, I’m also thinking about resurfacing and pigmentation. BioRePeel, a gentle-to-medium chemical peel, is my quiet hero. It lifts dullness, improves uneven skin tone and prepares skin for autumn.

“At home, I combine targeted brightening ingredients: vitamin C, tyrosinase inhibitors such as azelaic acid, kojic acid or alpha-arbutin, and a retinoid to support skin renewal, with barrier-repairing ingredients including ceramides, fatty acids, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

“I love layering products too—a hydrating serum on slightly damp skin, followed by a richer moisturiser to seal everything in. For very dehydrated skin, skin boosters or polynucleotides can be transformative. My top pre-autumn treatment is laser or IPL to tackle pigmentation and redness, and to even the complexion.”