Dark spots after summer: what I would do in October

Summer leaves and some dark spots stay. I am not a dermatologist, but I do know how to put a routine in order: fewer products, well chosen, used consistently.

October is an honest mirror.

The tan fades, the light gets lower and, suddenly, small dark spots appear on the face that we didn’t see in August. Or didn’t want to see.

I am not a dermatologist and I won’t tell you what your skin has. What I can do is tell you how I would put a routine in order for this time of year, with few products and a lot of judgement.

First, what matters most

If a spot is new, or changes shape, colour or size, it isn’t a cosmetics question: it’s a visit to the dermatologist. This routine is for the usual things: a slightly uneven tone, the marks the sun leaves, that radiance that fades at the end of summer.

Who this routine is for

• For you if your tone looks less even after summer.
• For you if you want something simple you can keep up for weeks without thinking about it.
• Not for you if you want an instant result. Caring for dark spots is about consistency, not a weekend.

The routine I suggest: three products

In the morning: light and protection

On clean skin, a few drops of Meisani’s Glow Drops Vitamin C Serum. It contains encapsulated vitamin C and the brand recommends it for dull skin or skin with dark spots, preferably during the day. It is light and goes on before your cream.

Then, your moisturiser.

And last, always, Aloe-Lujah Sunscreen Serum SPF50+. This is the step that isn’t up for negotiation: without sun protection, everything else loses its point. The texture is fluid, with no white cast, which makes it easy to wear every day, under make-up too.

At night: dark spot care

On clean skin, Ondo Beauty 36.5’s Tranexamic Acid & Licorice Dark Spot Treatment, on the areas with spots or over the whole face, before your cream. It combines tranexamic acid and licorice, and the brand describes it as suitable even for sensitive skin. It can also be used in the morning, before moisturiser; if you do, sunscreen is still essential.

What I wouldn’t do

I wouldn’t mix ten actives at once. I wouldn’t switch products every week. And I wouldn’t expect miracles in days.

Choosing three products and giving them time is, at heart, the same idea I stand for in the wardrobe: less, better and with intention.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need sunscreen in autumn and winter?

Yes. Daylight is still there when it’s cold or cloudy, and any routine for dark spots loses its point without daily protection.

When will I notice changes?

It depends on each skin and each spot. The honest answer is to think in weeks of consistent use, not days. If something worries you, see a dermatologist.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

According to the brand, the dark spot care and the sunscreen are suitable for sensitive skin. Even so, if your skin reacts easily, introduce one new product at a time.