As the seasons change, so do your skin’s needs. The shift from the hot, humid days of summer to the crisp, cooler air of fall can take a toll on your skin if you don’t adjust your skincare routine accordingly. But why should you change your skincare routine from summer to fall?
In the summer, your skin is often exposed to heat, humidity, and increased sun exposure, making it prone to excess oil, sweat, and sun damage. In the fall, cooler air and lower humidity can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Additionally, as we spend more time indoors with artificial heating, the air inside can become dry, further stripping your skin of its natural moisture. To maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout this seasonal transition, it’s crucial to adapt your skincare routine to address the changing weather conditions.
Here are some key steps to effectively transition your skincare routine from summer to fall:
- Use a Moisturizing Cleanser: The type of cleanser you use plays a significant role in how your skin feels throughout the day. While a lightweight or foaming cleanser may have worked during the summer to control oil and sweat, fall requires something more hydrating. Opt for a moisturizing cleanser that cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. An oil-based cleanser is excellent for maintaining a healthy moisture barrier, leaving your skin soft and supple. Our favorite cleanser pick: Passion Fruit Cleansing Melt. This silky smooth, 3-in-1 multi-tasking makeup remover, exfoliator and moisturizer in one is perfect to be used as the first step in a double cleansing routine or in the evening to remove sunscreen, makeup and environmental pollutants.
- Exfoliate Less: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and keeps your complexion bright, but over-exfoliating during the cooler months can dry out and irritate your skin. As the air becomes drier, your skin’s moisture barrier weakens, making it more sensitive. To avoid over-drying, reduce the frequency of exfoliation to once or twice a week, and choose gentle exfoliants that won’t damage your skin. This helps maintain smooth skin while ensuring that your moisture barrier stays intact. Our exfoliating pick: Vitamin C Cleansing Grains. Combine this vitamin C rich powdered exfoliating cleanser with the Passion Fruit Cleansing Melt 1-2 times per week for smooth, glowing skin.
- Pamper Yourself with an At-Home Face Mask: As your skin adjusts to the cooler weather, it’s important to give it a little extra TLC. Treat yourself to an at-home facial once a week with a hydrating face mask. Look for masks with ingredients like honey, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera that soothe and replenish moisture. This is a great way to restore your skin’s hydration levels and relax after a long day. Our favorite face mask pick: Cacao Mousse Antioxidant Face Mask. This sensorial treat hydrates, soothes and replenishes the skin with antioxidants.
- Hydrate with a Face Mist: Fall can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, especially with the combination of cold air outside and heated, dry air indoors. A hydrating face mist can give your skin a quick moisture boost throughout the day. Choose mists with ingredients like rose water, hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to refresh and hydrate your skin whenever it feels dry. You can also use a face mist before applying your moisturizer to enhance hydration. Our favorite face mist pick: Rose Essence Hydrating Mist. To seal in hydration and maximize nutrient absorption, apply face mist before moisturizer/face balm.
- Use a Thicker Moisturizer or Face Balm: As the weather gets cooler, it’s important to switch to a heavier moisturizer or face balm that provides more hydration and an occlusive barrier. A richer formula helps lock in moisture and acts as a barrier against the drying effects of fall’s cooler air. Look for ingredients like cupuacu, kokum and shea butters, ceramides, or squalane, which nourish and protect your skin from moisture loss. Our picks: Bakuchiol Regenerative Balm or Blue Tansy Beauty Balm.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen: Even though the sun isn’t as strong in the fall as it is in the summer, UV rays are still present and can cause skin damage. Make sure you’re applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Sun protection is essential year-round to prevent premature aging and sun damage.
- Avoid Hot Showers: As tempting as it may be to take a hot shower on a chilly fall day, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers, which are gentler on your skin. This helps preserve your skin’s moisture barrier and prevents post-shower dryness.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important as the products you use. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, especially as the dry, cold air in fall can cause your skin to lose moisture.
- Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for your skin’s recovery and repair. During fall, when your skin may be more prone to dryness and irritation, getting enough sleep helps your skin regenerate and stay healthy. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your skin’s natural healing process.
- Eat a Nutritious, Balanced Diet: Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your skin. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats can help boost your skin’s natural defenses. Include foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish in your diet to nourish your skin from within and promote a radiant complexion.
- Invest in a Humidifier: Indoor heating during fall can dry out the air, which in turn can dry out your skin. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep. This can prevent dryness and irritation, leaving your skin soft and comfortable throughout the season.
By making these simple adjustments to your skincare routine, you’ll be able to protect your skin from the cooler, drier weather and keep it looking healthy and glowing all season long. Fall skincare is all about maintaining moisture, strengthening your skin barrier, and taking extra steps to nourish and hydrate your skin.
