Five End-of-Summer Skincare Tips from a Boston Pro

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While we've technically still got a good calendar month of summer left, hints of fall are everywhere: The nights have grown considerably cooler, leaves on some trees in the Common have already begun to turn—and pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks.

It also means it's time to take our skincare seriously again—and differently, since our dermis needs change with the seasons, too. We tapped award-winning aesthetician Katherine Nemes of Balans Studio for tips on how to make the transition go smoothly (especially if you've been lax with SPF during those lazy, hazy days at the beach).—Karyn Polewaczyk

1. Saving face: "Ideally, we'd get facials once a month—but realistically, we should get at least one facial a season. The best time to have one is when the seasons change. Now is the time to address dehydration and sun damage caused by one too many cocktails and days at the beach."

2. Go organic: "Your skin is the body's largest organ, and anything applied topically gets into your bloodstream. I recommend Maria Åkerberg Deepskin Organics, a popular European line from Sweden, now available in Boston exclusively at Balans. The standards in Europe are much higher for facial products than in the United States."

3. The eyes have it: "Yes, we do need a separate undereye product. The molecular structure of an eye cream is specifically formulated to penetrate skin under the eyes. If using a second cream seems redundant, try the Eye Gel or the Eye Balm from Maria Åkerberg for a lifting and firming effect. A little bit goes a long way!"

4. Tone it (don't tan it): "Toner doesn't just remove excess makeup and cleanser; it also prepares your skin to allow serum and moisturizer to fully penetrate. Even if you've never used one before, now is a good time to adopt a new routine that includes one (I like Maria Akerberg's Neroli toner)."

5. More than a pretty face: "It's not just your face that counts: you've got to exfoliate and moisturize your body, too. I recommend exfoliating two to three times a week, and moisturizing every day. Steer clear of products that contain plastic microbeads—they're the leading cause of pollution in our lakes and streams! A good, natural alternative is the Salt Energy Scrub from Maria Åkerberg."
· Katherine Nemes [Official]
· Balans Studio [Official]
· Maria Åkerberg (Official)