The Seasonal Swap- Summer to Fall Skincare
As summer's warm, sunny days turn into the cooler, crisper days of fall, your skin faces new challenges. The air gets drier, indoor heating kicks in, and suddenly, your skin can feel tight, flaky, and in need of extra moisture. If your goal is to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the fall season, adjusting your skincare routine to tackle these new conditions is crucial.
Why You Need to Adjust Your Routine
Summer's humidity often does a lot of the work when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, but as fall approaches, that moisture starts to disappear. The cooler air and lower humidity levelscan dry out your skin, leading to dehydration, flakiness, and tightness. Plus, indoor heating can worsen things by pulling even more moisture from the air. The key to your fall skincare routine is to repair any summer damage, maintain hydration, and combat the dryness caused by cooler weather.
Indoor Heating vs Your Skin
Indoor heating is amazing, but it can dry out your skin. To help with this, try using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This simple change can make a big difference, keeping your skin from getting too dry and uncomfortable throughout the day. You may find that sleeping with a humidifier in your room at night will make a huge difference. Just make sure you are cleaning it regularly.
Key Skincare Changes to Make
Switch to a Richer Moisturizer
As the temperature drops, your skin will need more moisture. Swap out your lightweight summer moisturizers for a more decadent, more nourishing cream, at least as part of your nighttime routine. Thicker moisturizers may not always get along with your makeup during the day, so having one for both AM and PM could be your best option. When searching for your cool-to-cold weather moisturizer, look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which help lock in hydration and protect your skin's barrier. Here's a tip: try applying moisturizer after cleansing, bathing, or toner when your skin is slightly damp. Your skin is more welcoming to products when somewhat moist, soapply your moisturizersat this time to get the full effects of ingredients.
Add a Hydrating Serum
Fall is the perfect time to introduce a hydrating serum. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan provide deep hydration and can be layered under your moisturizer to keep your skin feeling plump and soft.
Go for a Gentle Cleanser
If you've been using a super foamy or harsh cleanser, now's the time to switch to something gentler. The dry, cool air can strip your skin of its natural oils, so opt for a cleanser that cleans without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
Toners Are a Must
If you're not using a toner, fall is the perfect time to start. Toners help balance your skin's pH, deliver instant hydration, and support your skin's natural barrier. A good toner preps your skin to absorb all the moisture and nutrients from the serums and moisturizers in your routine.
Exfoliate—But Gently
Exfoliating is vital to keeping your complexion bright, but as the weather cools, be gentle. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, especially if it's already more sensitive. Physical exfoliants (scrubs) specifically for your face are generally very harsh, and you could feel that more as the seasons change. Try switching to gentler exfoliants like lactic acid or fruit enzymes if you feel the change in weather affects your skin's tolerance.
Reintroduce Retinol
If you took a break from retinol during the summer, fall is a great time to bring it back. Retinol encourages cell turnover and boosts collagen production. Still, it can also increase skin sensitivity, so ease back into it slowly and pair it with hydrating products to minimize irritation. If you have stayed loyal to your Vitamin A during summer, keep up the good work and-
Don't Skip Sunscreen
Even though the weather is cooler, the sun's rays are still intense. Use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even when it's cloudy. A mineral-based broad-spectrum PF is always a good choice.
Essential Ingredients for Fall Skincare
Fall calls for ingredients that focus on hydration, barrier support, and soothing properties. Here are a few key ones to look for as well as some of our products which contain them:
- Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, & Hyaluronic Acid: These humectants pull moisture into the skin to keep it looking plump and feeling hydrated.
- Niacinamide: This powerhouse ingredient reduces inflammation, strengthens your skin's barrier, and improves texture.
- Ceramides: These help replenish the lipids in your skin barrier, which is essential as the weather dries out.
Bio Peptide Revitalizing Serum
- Jojoba Oil: Full of nourishing fatty acids, this oil locks in moisture without clogging your pores.
Invigorate Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Vitamin C: Perfect for fall, it helps brighten your skin and protects it from environmental damage.
Don't Neglect Body Care
Your body's skin needs extra attention, too! As the air gets drier, moisturizing your body becomes even more important. Look for body lotions or creams with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin. Finding products that include gentle exfoliants can also be an added bonus when combating dry skin.
Restore Exfoliating Lotion: Uplifting
Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out
Your skin's health is also closely tied to what you eat and drink. As fall arrives, focus on consuming foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats-like berries, nuts, and fish. These nutrients help keep your skin glowing from the inside out. And even though the cooler weather might make you feel less thirsty, it's essential to continue drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is just as important in the fall as it is in summer.
Pay Attention to Your Skin
As the seasons change, your skin can react in different ways. Some people may notice their typically oily skin becoming drier, while others might experience breakouts, redness, or dullness. The best thing you can do is listen to what your skin needs. Tightness, dryness, and increased breakouts indicate that your current routine may need a tweak. Be open to adjusting your routine based on how your skin responds to the changing weather.
Final Thoughts
Fall is a time of transition, and your skincare routine should evolve with it. By making these simple adjustments—like switching to a richer moisturizer, using a humidifier, and incorporating more hydrating ingredients—you can keep your skin hydrated, glowing, and comfortable all season long. Always pay attention to what your skin is telling you, and with a bit of extra care, you'll be able to tackle whatever the cooler, drier months bring.
Here's to facing every day (& season) with confidence!
Xo, Christy Hall - PAC, MPAS
Leave a comment (all fields required)