9 Tested Tips for Your Fall Skincare Routine
We all love the glow that summer gives our skin. The extra vitamin D from being outside in the warm months gives the skin some extra life. As summer comes to a close and the air becomes a little more crisp, it’s time to show your skin some extra love and attention. As air becomes more dry, and regardless of your skin type, this calls for a change in the routine to keep the healthy glow you’ve worked so hard to gain.
It’s time to transition your skincare routine!
Because of the dry air, the main focus of your skin care routine in the fall and winter months should be hydration. Hydration is key. In the summer, you may focus more on high SPF and products that keep you from looking greasy as the day progresses, but in the cooler months you’ll have to lock all that excess moisture in.
Why should you transition to a fall skincare routine?
In the summer months we tend to focus our skin care efforts on suncare. While this is still important in the fall (summer isn’t the only time the sun can damage your skin), weather changes can also lead to other skin conditions. Dry skin is common in the fall and winter months because tempertures drop and strong winds will dry out the skin.
The products that you use in the summer might not be able to sustain the same healthy skin you have while using them in the cooler months. If you don’t want to ruin all the great skin progress you’ve made, you’ll have to make some minor adjustments to your routine.
Luckily, the basics of a skin care routine don’t change from season to season. However, you’ll need to be more disciplined with hydration, lip care, and keeping your on-the-go products handy during the cooler months of the year.
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Hydration is key
Keeping your skin hydrated is the key to reducing effects of aging on skin and other common skin conditions like acne. When your skin is constantly dry, your oil glands take that as a sign to produce more oil which will only lead to more clogged pores.
Help your skin out and get ahead of the problem by maintaining a healthy skin barrier and keeping it hydrated!
Cleansing
Swap out your foaming cleansers for gentler, hydrating ones that won’t strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
For more acne prone skin, try rotating between a hydrating cleanser and a cleasner with active ingredients like benzol peroxide or salicylic acid. Use a hydrating cleanser in the morning and a more intense cleanser in the evening.
Exfoliation
Consider switching to a milder exfoliant as the cooler weather can make your skin more sensitive. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
Serums and essences
Introduce hydrating serums and essences infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture. A great brand to try is The Ordinary. They’re priced well and are super effective. You deserve to show your skin love without breaking the bank.
Richer moisturizers
Opt for thicker, creamier moisturizers to provide your skin with the extra hydration it needs in the drier fall months. Always carry extra moisturizer with you in case your skin feels tight and you decide to reapply.
Lip care
Lip care is not always easy especially when you feel like no matter how much lip balm you apply, you lips never quite feel smooth all day long. Finding the right balance of lip care in the winter months is essential to keep away chapped lips and curb nervous habit like biting your lips.
Exfoliate
Start exfoliating your lips regularly to prevent them from becoming chapped. You can use a homemade sugar scrub or a gentle lip exfoliator. Lush stores have great lip scrubs (that taste good too) for an affordable price. My lips always feel great after using them.
Lip Balm
Invest in a good quality lip balm to keep your lips soft and moisturized throughout the day. Look for ingredients like shea butter and beeswax. Some lip balms will dry out your lips if you don’t continuously reapply, so make sure to get a good quality product and apply at night for the best results. I personally like Aquaphor and Bag Balm.
On-the-Go Essentials
Just like with sunscreen in the summer, you never know when you’re going to need to reapply your skincare. Pack your on-the-go essentials so you can keep your skin healthy at all times.
Hydrating Mist
Carry a hydrating facial mist in your bag to give your skin a quick burst of moisture whenever it feels dry or dull. This is more simple than reapplying and entire moisturizer if you don’t have a mirror or the ability to wash your hands before touching your face.
Travel-sized Moisturizer
Keep a travel-sized moisturizer in your bag for those moments when your skin needs a hydration boost on the go. This is for those particularly dry and windy days.
Sunscreen
Don’t let the cooler weather fool you; UV rays are still present. Carry a small sunscreen tube to protect your skin from sun damage. I typically opt to use sunscreen during the day when I know I’ll be outside and a heavy moisturizer at night.
Lip Balm & Hand Cream
To combat dry lips and hands, always have a nourishing lip balm and hand cream within reach. Lotion on hands isn’t always the most desired feeling, but cracked hands are much much worse.
Don’t Forget SPF
Even though the sun may not be as intense as in summer, UV rays are still present. Incorporate a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen into your morning routine. Since you’ll likely spend more time indoors, you won’t need to reapply as frequently, but make no mistake, sunscreen is a year-round skincare product.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within. Herbal teas and infused water can add a delightful twist to your hydration routine.
Masking Ritual
Introduce hydrating and nourishing masks into your weekly routine to provide your skin with an extra boost of moisture. The perfect reason to treat yourself to a facial or an at-home self care day. It’s required for your health!
Nighttime Repair
Utilize richer and more restorative products at night to repair and rejuvenate your skin as you sleep. Use ultra hydrating moisturizers, eye creams, and lip balms.
Gentle Cleansing
As the weather changes, your skin’s sensitivity may increase. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t disrupt your skin’s natural balance. A good example of this is the Cera Ve hydrating cleaner. It doesn’t suds like other cleansers, but it does the most important thing – remove dirt while maintaining skin hydration.
Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure about the best products for your skin type during the transition, consider consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional. Building the perfect routine for you can take time, but with a little upfront effort you can make a skincare routine that you can rotate through for years to come.
As you gracefully transition your skincare routine from summer to fall, remember that your skin is unique. Pay attention to its cues and adjust your routine accordingly. With a little extra care, your skin will maintain its radiant glow, embracing the beauty of the changing seasons.
