As summer is winding down and we start to add more layers of clothing to our daily outfits, you might be left with some reminders of the season that are unexpected and maybe even unwanted... on your skin. After countless days soaking up the sun's rays and reveling in your best mermaid fantasy at the beach, maybe you've noticed a few extra freckles pop up, a complexion that's a little more lackluster than usual, some fine lines that just won't budge, or some textural differences. But don't panic - we're here for you! 

Read on to find out how to get back your glow in no time and feel like your freshest self again!

Although the visible signs of sun damage show on the skin's surface, UV radiation can cause harm on a deeper level, and this is important to consider when choosing your plan of attack to combat, reverse or prevent sun damage, especially if you notice any strange growths. If you do feel like something's abnormal, consult with a licensed medical skincare expert ASAP.

First thing's first - don't hesitate to call a doctor if you notice any of your freckles or dark spots change in size or shape, as this could be an early sign of skin cancer. That being said, sometimes as our skin is trying to protect our DNA from UV damage by producing melanin, it can be unevenly produced, resulting in the appearance of dark spots. Sun exposure can also lead to free radical damage of the cells, which can prematurely age your skin. If you're seeing more than a couple brown spots pop up at the end of the season or other signs of sun damage, try these tips to reduce their appearance and gain back a more even and smooth complexion.

Yes, even in winter, you should be applying sunscreen during the day. Further sun exposure without the proper protection can make your dark spots worse and thus, harder to even out, as well as create new spots & damage, which is what you want to avoid!

Antioxidants like Vitamin C, A and E help to protect your skin from further free radical damage that can age the skin and lead to more spots. They also offer a boost to your cells' reparation processes, making them great ingredients to incorporate in your daily and/or nightly skincare regimen.

A delicate chemical exfoliation is the perfect way to remove the dead skin at the surface, which can cause dullness and get in the way of the efficacy of your skincare. This also stimulates the skin's natural synthesis of ingredients like collagen and elastin, to smooth away pigmentations, wrinkles and boost your glow. Just make sure not to use any exfoliants on sunburned skin.

Spending extended periods of time in the sun can really leave you feeling dehydrated, which is why it's important to drink lots of water and use a hydrating moisturizer on your skin to recover the moisture loss. We are 64% water, after all, so maintaining the proper hydration levels is crucial to healthy cell function. After-sun cares also tend to focus on getting back hydration into the skin, so it's not a bad idea to consider using one.

Combined with a targeted skincare routine, professional medical treatments like laser therapy and chemical peels can help to accelerate your results with a deeper action. However, these treatments should never be done without the recommendation of a specialist.