From Sun-Kissed to Skin-Stressed: Why College Students Need a Fall Skincare Refresh

1. How important is it for college-aged patients (and all other patients, too!) to reset their skin following the summer months?

Summer can take a serious toll on the skin. Increased sun exposure, heat, sweat, and environmental pollutants often lead to clogged pores, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, and even breakouts. For college-aged patients, whose skin is already navigating hormonal changes and stress, it's especially important to reset their skincare routine. This post-summer refresh helps rebalance the skin, address any damage, and prepare it for the new season with targeted treatments and ingredients. For example, to avoid oiliness and clogged pores, I recommend they change from more thick moisturizing creams to lighter serums like HA Boost or Phyto Balance from NazarianSkin (theskinspot.com). Another example is changing from more gentle cleansers to more astringent ones like Clear 1 from NazarianSkin.

2. Are there any areas of focus that you would recommend they start with (ie - uneven skin texture due to sunburns, etc.)?

I am not one of those doctors who wants people to hibernate over the summer. Use sunscreen but also have fun and live your life. We can take the summer off of your skin in the fall. I recommend starting with:

• Sun damage and pigmentation: Look for signs of uneven skin tone, freckles that have darkened, or sunspots.
• Clogged pores and breakouts: Sweat, sunscreen buildup, and travel can all lead to congestion.
• Dryness or flakiness: Often from being in the sun, pool, or ocean.
• Uneven skin texture: Post-sunburn healing can leave skin rough or bumpy.
  A good exfoliating facial, light chemical peel, or a gentle laser treatment can make a huge difference in clearing up summer skin damage. Also, I put my patients on the hyperpigmenation regimen from NazarianSkin in the fall to help them advance their skincare goals at home while receiving their monthly or quarterly treatments in the office

3. What are the most popular nonsurgical procedures at your practice for college-aged patients?

At my practice, we see a lot of interest from college-aged patients in:

• DiamondGlow® facials for deep cleansing, exfoliation, and infusion of medical-grade serums.
• Laser hair removal for long-term convenience.
• Broad band light or Peels to restore glow and hydration.
• Microneedling Radiofrquency or Profractional Laser for acne scars and texture.
• Light neurotoxin (baby Botox) for preventive wrinkle care in select patients who are expressive or genetically prone to early lines.

4. Are there any other procedures that you would recommend patients consider for an overall refreshed appearance?

Yes! If they’re looking for a more noticeable but still natural refresh:

• PicoFocus for a gentle laser that targets pigmentation and improves overall tone and texture.
• BBL (Broad Band Light) for red or brown spots.
• Morpheus8 for skin tightening in older students or recent grads starting to notice early laxity.
• And of course, dermaplaning or a light peel for a quick glow-up before heading back to campus.

5. Are there any other practices that college-aged patients can employ to maintain the appearance of their skin while at school?

Yes, healthy habits go a long way. I always recommend:

• A consistent skincare routine: Cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, retinol, collagen booster, and daily SPF.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water, especially with coffee and alcohol consumption on the rise in college.
• Diet and sleep: Reducing sugar and dairy can help with breakouts; sleep helps your skin regenerate.
• Maintenance visits: A quarterly facial or treatment helps stay ahead of issues.
• Minimal makeup: Let your skin breathe when possible.

6. Are there any procedures that you would recommend this type of patient avoid prior to going back to school?

Avoid anything with a long recovery time or risk of purging right before returning to campus. That includes:

• Deep chemical peels
• Aggressive laser treatments (like CO2)
• Injectables done too close to move-in day — swelling or bruising can be a confidence concern.
  I always recommend giving yourself at least 2 weeks before a major social or school event if trying something new.

7. Are there any other insights around this topic that you’d like to share?

College is a time for self-expression and building lifelong habits — including skincare. Starting early with the right treatments and routine can prevent future skin issues and boost confidence. But the goal isn’t perfection — it’s healthy skin that makes you feel good in your own body. I always encourage patients to be consistent, be gentle, and make time for self-care — even in a busy college schedule.