As the summer sun begins to fade and we trade beach days for snow days here in Kelowna, your skin will start sending you signals that it’s ready for a reset. September is the perfect month to transition your skincare routine and embrace a holistic approach to skin health. After all that summer fun and the environmental stressors that go with it, your skin deserves some intentional support and care.

This month you can focus on three essential priorities that will help your skin not just survive the seasonal transition but truly thrive!

1. Keep Skin Protected: Your Year-Round Non-Negotiable

Just because our Kelowna summer is winding down doesn’t mean your skin’s protection needs are. In fact, September is the perfect time to double down on protection while rebuilding what summer may have compromised.

Sunscreen Stays Essential

Those September rays can be deceiving. UV exposure remains significant even as temperatures cool, and your summer-stressed skin is actually more vulnerable to additional damage. Continue using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, and don’t forget often-missed areas like your neck, ears, and hands. Try Colourscience with enviroscreen technology, protecting you from UVA, UVB, infrared and blue light!

Barrier Rebuilding Basics
Kelowna’s summer combination of sun, chlorine, and air conditioning can leave your skin barrier compromised. Focus on gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like:

• Ceramides to restore your skin’s protective layer
• Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and strengthen barrier function
• Hyaluronic acid to attract and hold moisture
• Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that won’t further strip your skin
  Our product recommendations: Colorscience Barrier Pro Cleanser, DermaMade Niagenic Lotion or Ceramide barrier cream, Alumier Ulitmate Boost or A.G.E. 

Professional Guidance
Consider scheduling a consultation with an Onyx Beauty Lab skincare clinician to assess any summer damage and create a targeted protection plan for the months ahead.

2. Keep Skin Refreshed: Revitalize and Restore

Kelowna summers leave skin looking dull, tired, and uneven. This month, it’s your opportunity to wake up your complexion and restore that healthy glow.

Gentle Renewal
Begin incorporating gentle exfoliation to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can make your complexion appear dull. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Gentle exfoliation once a week can brighten and smooth the skin. We love DermaMade’s AHA + BHA Peel Pads.
• A light chemical peel exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer to improve skin tone and texture. It can also treat mild pigmentation issues like sun spots. Chemical peels are available in-clinic and are quick, easy, effective, and customizable.
• Consider gradually reintroducing retinol if you paused it during peak sun season.

Brightening Boost
Vitamin C becomes your best friend in September. This powerhouse antioxidant helps fade dark spots from summer sun exposure while providing ongoing protection against environmental damage. Layer it under your sunscreen for maximum benefit. Our favourite is Skinbetter Alto or Solo.

Professional Refreshers
September is an ideal time for professional treatments that might have been too intense during summer:

• Once again, a chemical peel exfoliates, resurfaces, and brightens the skin.
• Microneedling is another in-clinic treatment that is generally paused during the summer months and is excellent for increasing collagen and elastin production.
• Onyx’s Aquafirme Facial is non-invasive and deeply cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates, and nourishes the skin.
• In-clinic skinboosters and PRP, or opt for Onyx’s Signature Renewal Treatment Package to begin a longer journey in post-summer skin renewal. 

Remember to Hydrate
Don’t underestimate the power of water! Dehydrated skin is less resilient, slower to heal, and more prone to inflammation. Be sure to replenish the skin’s moisture with daily electrolytes and regular water intake.

3. Keep Skin Balanced: The Holistic Approach

True skin health extends far beyond what you apply topically. September’s “reset energy” makes it the perfect time to address the lifestyle factors that directly impact your complexion. Here are ways you can improve your lifestyle to balance your skin:

Rest & Reset Your Environment
Your skin does its most important repair work while you rest. For deeper sleep (and deeper skin repair) consider taking magnesium before bed and ensure your home’s air is clean or purified. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep and consider:

• Using a silk or satin pillowcases and be sure to change your pillowcase regularly (2-3 times per week).
• Deep cleaning make-up brushes bi-weekly.
• Having a humidifier in your bedroom as heating systems begin to dry the air.
• Adding an air purifier to reduce indoor pollutants that can trigger inflammation.
• Scheduling your evening skincare routine to stay consistent.

Treat Tired Eyes
Late summer nights and bright sun can leave eyes looking tired and showing signs of stress. Focus on gentle eye care with:

• Hydrating eye creams. We love DermaMade Multi-Peptide Eye Cream.
• Cool compresses to reduce puffiness.
• The Onyx Signature Renewal Package is a full-face, four-month bespoke treatment that’s personalized and designed to refresh and restore tired eyes and dull skin.
• Neuromodulators soften wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and give eyebrows a lifted look, helping the eyes appear more open.

Gut Health Connection
Your skin’s appearance is deeply connected to your digestive health. Support your gut-skin axis with:

• Fiber-rich foods like berries, beans, and leafy greens feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, walnuts, and colorful vegetables.
• Adequate water intake to support both digestion and skin hydration.
• Consider a high-quality probiotic to support your microbiome.

Hormonal Balance
Seasonal changes can affect your hormonal balance, which shows up on your skin. Support healthy hormone function through:

• Regular exercise to manage stress hormones.
• Adequate sleep to support hormone production.
• Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Nutrient-dense foods that support hormone synthesis.

The Mind-Skin Connection
Don’t overlook the impact of stress on your skin. As you transition back to busier fall schedules, make time for stress-reducing activities that benefit both your mental health and your complexion. The Onyx Team’s favourite September activities include treating ourselves to lattes, luxe spa visits, shopping mall visits, and quality time with friends. 

For a personalized summer (or post-summer) skin strategy, book a consultation with one of our skin specialists here in Kelowna. Let us help you maintain your radiant complexion while you create unforgettable summer memories!

Embrace the Season of Renewal

September represents renewal and fresh starts. Your skin has supported you through summer adventures, and now it’s time to return that care. By focusing on protection, refreshment, and balance, you’re not just addressing current concerns – you’re setting the foundation for healthy, glowing skin that can handle whatever the coming seasons bring.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Your skin is your largest organ and your first line of defense against the world. This month give it the attention and care it deserves. Your future self will thank you when you’re glowing through fall and beyond.

To book an appointment, please contact Onyx Beauty Lab at onyxbeautylab.com or by texting or calling us at 250-800-6888. To purchase Alumier products, you will need to be associated with a clinic. Please select Onyx Beauty Lab or shop with this link for purchase: https://ca.alumiermd.com/?code=RXABWTZY