Updating Your Skin Care Routine for Fall
Trends and updates in line with the season are not just for clothing.
As you know, a change in season also introduces changes to your makeup and skincare routines. Now that autumn has arrived, it’s time to bring out not just your sweaters and hats, but also your thicker moisturizers.
The cooler weather, coupled with constant exposure to radiators, can cause dry, flaky skin. Fall is the season of skin tightness, dryness and seasonal breakouts, and we need to upgrade our skincare routine to be ready for that.
Rise up to the challenge of the changing seasons. Here are 6 essential tips for keeping your skincare routine optimized for the autumn season.
6 Skin Care Updates for Fall
Bring out richer moisturizer
The lightweight, oil-free moisturizer you’ve been using all summer will not be enough for your skin’s hydration needs in the fall. You can still use your light lotion, of course, but you should use a rich moisturizer for nighttime. Think of it as a way to prepare for winter, when the air gets even drier.
Switch from gel-based to cream-based moisturizers to lock in more moisture on your skin. Cream moisturizers have more oil than water, so they’re better at sealing moisture in the dry season. But if cream is too heavy for you, you can switch to a serum first. Just don’t stick to last summer’s moisturizing gel. Don’t forget to take care of your lips, too! Put a moisturizer and barrier balm on your lips to prevent them from getting chapped and flaky.
Treat and prevent skin damage and breakouts
Shifts in temperature and humidity are likely to trigger acne breakouts. But don’t panic! A mask with aloe and multivitamins can soothe and hydrate your skin instantly. Using a mask at least once a week is recommended. If you can’t decide which mask to use, you can always get multiple masks to target different areas of concern about your skin.
Adding vitamin C to your fall regimen is also a good idea. Vitamin C helps repair damaged skin. The intense heat of summer usually causes skin damage, such as uneven skin tone and dark skin. Fine lines and wrinkles can also be treated with this vitamin. Last but not least, applying sunscreen is a no-brainer, whatever the season.
Choose cleansers and toners that moisturize
Among the best beauty buys for fall are cleansers, toners, and masks that have moisturizing properties. There is no way to overestimate the importance of hydration during cooler, dryer days. Micellar cleansing water can give a moisture boost for parched, sun-kissed skin coming out of the summer months. This is also a good way to prop up your skin's barrier properties to keep you protected from the harsh fall, and eventually winter, weather.
Remember to exfoliate— but not too much
You might think that scrubbing will just make your skin drier, but a skin-sloughing agent actually treats parched, flaky skin. Exfoliating also stimulates natural oil production. A face and/or body scrub once or twice a week will be a great addition to your routine. Follow-up with a gentle, soap-free cleanser for best results.
However, be wary of over-exfoliating because this can leave your skin vulnerable to inflammation and loss of hydration. If your skin is perpetually inflamed, irritated, itchy, or even painful, then you’ll know you’re exfoliating too much. In this case, you can switch to a mask or treatment pad.
Book a facial appointment
No time, no problem! If you can spare some time for at least a 30-minute facial, it can do wonders for your skin. Our skin naturally goes through a cycle of shredding and renewal, but this process is aggravated by seasonal changes. Getting a facial is not only an excellent way to get deep cleansing and a skin revitalization, but also a way to get expert help on specific skin issues related to the fall-related change in temperature and humidity.
Get a humidifier
Speaking of autumn weather, you will probably be exposed to a lot of artificial heat from radiators and heaters at work, in the mall, and even at home. But getting warm and cozy is not the only problem. You will need extra humidity, too. Heat and low humidity makes the skin prone to flaking, cracking, and peeling. Luckily, you can enjoy the extra heat indoors without sacrificing moisture.
Invest in a skin-friendly humidifier that you can put on your desk or a corner of your room. As soon as you turn up the heat, make sure you turn on the humidifier, too. That way, your skin will get the temperature and humidity it needs to stay healthy and soft.
Final tip: Transitioning your skincare for fall
If it’s not already clear by now, the key to great skin in the autumn months is moisture. To make the most out of your skincare regimen this fall, remember these six steps:
Use richer moisturizer.
Treat and prevent skin damage.
Choose moisturizing toners and cleansers.
Exfoliate thoroughly but not excessively.
Book a facial.
Buy a humidifier.
About the Contributor
Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can also easily kick ass with a thousand-word article about the latest marketing and business trends, finance-related topics, and can probably even whip up a nice heart-warming article about family life. She can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.
