As the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change, so should your skincare routine for fall.
The shift from humid summer days to crisp autumn air can affect your skin in various ways, and adjusting your routine is key to keeping your complexion glowing, hydrated, and healthy.
Let’s explore why and how you should transition your skincare routine for fall and discover some tips to keep your skin radiant throughout the autumn months.
Why Transition Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall?
The shift from summer to fall brings significant changes in temperature, humidity, and environmental factors:
- Decreased humidity can lead to drier skin.
- Cooler temperatures may cause skin to become sensitive.
- Indoor heating can further dehydrate your skin.
- Lingering sun damage from summer may become more apparent.
- Fall is a perfect time to strengthen your skin’s barrier before the harsh winter weather sets in.
How Fall Weather Affects Your Skin
Understanding how autumn conditions affect your skin can help you address its changing needs and tailor your routine effectively:
- Dryness: lower humidity can lead to increased water loss from the skin, causing dryness and dehydration.
- Sensitivity: cooler temperatures and wind can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it more sensitive and reactive.
- Dullness: as your skin becomes drier, dead cells may accumulate, leading to a dull complexion.
- Worsened Skin Conditions: those with eczema or rosacea may experience flare-ups due to weather changes.
- Chapped Lips: the lips are particularly prone to dryness and chapping during fall due to the combination of dry air and wind exposure.
Your Skincare Routine for Fall
To combat the effects of fall weather, it’s essential to switch to products and ingredients that focus on hydration, nourishment, and barrier protection. Here’s a breakdown of a fall-friendly skincare routine:
Morning Routine
1. Gentle Cleanser:
Use a creamy or oil-based cleanser to avoid stripping your natural oils. A cleanser with soothing ingredients like glycerin or ceramides can help maintain moisture while cleansing.
Recommended: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
2. Toner:
After cleansing, use a hydrating toner to replenish moisture and prepare your skin for the next steps. Opt for alcohol-free toners with hyaluronic acid, rose water or aloe vera to lock in hydration and calm the skin.
Recommended: Klairs Supple Protection Unscented Toner, CeraVe Hydrating Toner.
3. Serum:
Using a hyaluronic acid serum can deeply hydrate and plump your skin, while vitamin C helps brighten and protect against environmental damage. Consider a niacinamide serum to strengthen your skin barrier and reduce redness.
Recommended: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Timeless Skincare 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum.
4. Moisturiser:
Switch to a richer, more emollient moisturiser. Look for creams with ingredients like ceramides, squalene or shea butter that provide long-lasting moisture and protect your skin barrier.
Recommended: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
5. Sunscreen:
Continue using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
Recommended: eltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60.
Evening Routine
1. Double Cleanse:
If wearing makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
Recommended: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
2. Exfoliate:
Use a gentle chemical exfoliant 1 – 2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
Recommended: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Pixi Glow Tonic (with 5% glycolic acid).
3. Treatment:
Apply any targeted treatments for specific skin concerns.
Recommended: Naturium Retinol Complex Serum, Isispharma Teen Derm A.Z, Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Serum.
4. Night Cream:
Use a nourishing night cream to repair and hydrate your skin while you sleep.
Recommended: Derma.E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream.
Weekly:
1. Face Masks:
Incorporate a hydrating face mask once a week for an extra moisture boost.
Recommended: Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask, Avène Soothing Radiance Mask.
Fall Skincare Tips
- Don’t forget your lips: use a nourishing lip balm to prevent chapping. Try Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm or Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
- Pay attention to your hands: apply a hand cream regularly, especially after washing. Try Bioderma Hand and Nails Ultra-nourishing Cream or Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Hand Cream.
- Invest in a humidifier: combat dry indoor air by adding moisture to your environment.
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Adjust your diet: incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like mackerel, salmon, flaxseed, broccoli, spinach, carrots, to support skin health.
- Don’t neglect your body: use a rich body moisturiser after showering to lock in moisture. Try Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream.
- Be gentle with your skin: avoid hot showers and harsh scrubs that can further dry out your skin.
- Consider adding face oils: a few drops of facial oil can provide an extra layer of moisture. Try Biossance Squalene + Vitamin C Rose Oil or The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil.
- Listen to your skin: pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine as needed.
Conclusion on Updating Your Skincare Routine for Fall
What works for one person may not work for you, so it’s always a good idea to introduce new products gradually and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.
By taking the time to adjust your skincare routine for fall, you’re setting yourself up for healthy, glowing skin throughout the season.
Embrace the change in weather as an opportunity to give your skin some extra TLC.
