If your skin has felt a little off since Labor Day, with new sun spots that were not there in June, a congested texture no matter how much you cleanse, and patches of dryness sitting right alongside patches that still look oily, this is exactly what a summer of sun, heat, sand, salt, and yes, the sunscreen we needed to wear to protect ourselves, does to skin. Fall is the perfect time to get your skin back in shape.

I say this every year to everyone around me (and to myself in the mirror): summer skin needs a reset, and fall is exactly when your skin chemistry is ready for it.

Here is the biology behind why timing matters. Throughout the summer, your skin is in defense mode. UV exposure generates free radicals, increasing oxidative stress and working against the very renewal pathways your skin needs. That is also why aggressive actives, strong acids, retinoids, and deep peels are best avoided during peak sun months. If you use intensive skin renewal actives and then head outside to hang out by the pool or at the beach (aka UV exposure), you risk irritation, sensitivity, and rebound pigmentation, which is the opposite of what the actives were supposed to do. So, once you know you are done with the sun for the season, with no more beach trips or long days outdoors, that is your sign to start fall renewal! Yay! (Fall happens to be my favorite season!)

So here is exactly what I do, and what I recommend, once summer is officially over.

The first step is exfoliation, and I mean real exfoliation, not just a scrub. Dead surface cells accumulate all summer, trapped oil and sunscreen residue congest pores, and hyperpigmentation sits closer to the surface than it should. The most effective way to address this is a professional peel. I am partial to a VI Peel, a medium-depth peel that combines trichloroacetic acid (TCA) with a blend of other acids to resurface skin more comprehensively than a single-acid treatment can, and to address the hyperpigmentation and melasma that tend to surface over summer even with diligent sunscreen use. It is administered by a licensed professional, and for most women, one at the start of fall is enough to reset the surface of the skin- sometimes two treatments are needed.

If an in-office peel is not right for you, at-home acid pads are a legitimate alternative. SkinMedica's Even and Correct brightening peel pads and Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Peel Pads both use acid blends to gently lift dead skin cells and support a brighter tone with consistent use. Neither replaces a professional peel, but both prepare skin well for the skin renewal steps ahead.

Once your skin has been properly exfoliated, whether in-office or at home, it can actually absorb what you put on it next. This is the part I get excited about, because it is where peptides come in and do their best work. With the dead layer cleared, active ingredients penetrate more deeply, and this is exactly where you want to introduce a peptide system built for mature skin.

This is where the Sherak Pentapeptide Matrix™ comes in. The Reactivation Serum and Barrier Shield Moisturizer both contain five biomimetic peptides that support the pathways tied to firmness and a more lifted, toned-looking appearance, while helping to lift sagging skin along the jawline and support a more even-looking tone. I formulated the Sherak System for skin like ours, midlife skin that needs skincare formulated for our biology. Three steps, morning and night, and typically within a few weeks, you’ll start to see remarkable changes in your skin. 

Now, here is the step I get asked about most, and the one I think makes a big difference for women over 40: fall is the ideal time to reintroduce a retinoid if you paused it during the summer.

Let’s talk about the science behind retinoids. Retinoids work by binding to retinoid receptors in skin cells, driving faster cell turnover, more even melanin distribution, and, over time, a visible improvement in fine lines and tone. Over-the-counter retinol must be converted through multiple steps in the skin before it becomes active, which is part of why it takes longer to show results and tends to be gentler. Tretinoin, a prescription retinoid available through your dermatologist, physician, or an online health platform like RedBoxRx, doesn’t require conversion. It is already in its active form, which is why it is generally estimated to be up to 20 times more potent than the retinol you can buy over the counter. That difference in potency is also why you need to start at a low dosage to see how your skin responds: start slowly, two to three nights a week, and build tolerance before moving to nightly use and higher strengths.

Here is exactly how I use mine. I mix my tretinoin directly into my Barrier Shield Moisturizer at night. The peptides and the retinoid are not competing; they are complementary: the retinoid drives turnover and evens tone, while the peptides support the skin's structural proteins and help keep the barrier intact during that renewal process. I have done this for years, and I can tell you it works. And don’t forget that retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun (even in the fall and winter), so don’t forget SPF during the day. 

I built the Sherak skincare system because I needed it for my own mature skin. Every fall, I watch my hyperpigmentation fade, my skin texture smooth, and that tired, congested feeling lift. I hear the same thing from women in our community around this time every year. Taking care of your skin consistently pays off. 

Here’s the fall routine: deep exfoliation (professional or at-home peel), then introduce peptides to renew, lift, and restore. Use a retinoid at night, and never skip SPF in the morning. Do this now, and by the time winter arrives, your skin will look healthy, even, moisturized, and in good shape for the cold! 

And.. I can’t wait to share tips for winter skincare soon.

In the meantime, shop the Sherak System to start your fall reset, and tell us how your skin is transitioning this season. We love hearing from our community. Email us at community@sherakskin.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start my fall skincare routine after a summer in the sun?

Once you know you are finished with direct sun exposure for the season, such as no more beach days or long hours outdoors, you can begin. Introducing exfoliation, peptides, or a retinoid while still in heavy sun exposure increases the risk of irritation and rebound pigmentation.

Can I use a retinoid and a peptide serum together?

Yes. Peptides and retinoids work through different pathways, and using them together is one of the most effective combinations for skin over 40. The retinoid supports cell turnover and tone, while peptides support the skin's structural proteins and barrier during renewal.

How much stronger is tretinoin than over-the-counter retinol?

Tretinoin, a prescription retinoid, is generally estimated to be up to 20 times more potent than over-the-counter retinol, depending on concentration and formulation. Because it works in its active form immediately, it also calls for a slower introduction to avoid irritation.

What is the best way to treat hyperpigmentation from summer sun exposure?

A combination approach works best: professional or at-home exfoliation to lift surface pigmentation, followed by consistent use of peptides and, if appropriate for your skin, a retinoid to support a more even tone over time. Daily antioxidant protection helps prevent new pigmentation from forming.

Do I still need sunscreen in the fall if I am using a retinoid or peptide serum?

Yes, every day, regardless of season. Retinoids increase skin's sensitivity to the sun, and antioxidants like those in the Free Radical Neutralizing Oil work best alongside, not instead of, daily broad-spectrum SPF.