Skincare Transition from Summer to Fall
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine.
As humidity, high temperatures, and long sunny days turn to drier, cooler temperatures, and longer nights – you should consider a transition in skincare to accommodate these changes.
Fall brings a drop in ambient humidity, which makes for dry, stale air and even drier skin. The transition should include switching from lightweight products to formulas that are richer, more hydrating, and thus better satisfy the drop in moisture.
A few of these changes should include:
Heavier Moisturizers in Cooler Months
When summer humidity ends, skin may start to feel dry and itchy, as there is much less moisture in the air to help hydrate.
A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer will work well for most skin types over the summer. But when the weather begins to cool down, it’s important to apply something a little heavier to prevent incidental moisture loss.
If you’re using a gel moisturizer in the warmer months, consider switching to a lotion for cooler months. If you’re already using an oil-free lotion, consider switching to a slightly more hydrating lotion. And if you’re already using a cream, consider switching to a moisturizer with a thicker consistency with lipid-rich oils or ceramides. We would also suggest selecting a moisturizing cream with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid.
You may also consider using a treatment oil. The benefit of oil is that you can simply add a few drops to the palm of your hand and distribute over your moisturizer as needed. This allows you to customize your moisturization. On days where you may feel your skin is drier, use a few drops and when you feel your skin feels hydrated, you don’t need to use anything in addition to your daily moisturizer.
Cut Back on Exfoliating
For cooler months, it’s recommended to cut back on exfoliating and harsher ingredients including retinoids and glycolic acids, as the skin becomes more sensitive.
Instead look for glycolic treatment pads or face masks to help reduce dark discoloration that was brought on by the summer sun. If you have sensitive skin, be careful to only use these kinds of products and exfoliation no more than once a week to make sure you aren’t overbearing your skin.
Boost Hydration
If you weren’t using a toner during the summer months, consider starting to use an alcohol-free toner in the fall to winter. Alcohol-free toners offer great hydrating benefits as a great way to infuse water into your skin. Apply a toner aIf you weren’t using a toner during the summer months, consider starting to use an alcohol-free toner in the fall to winter. Alcohol-free toners offer great hydrating benefits as a great way to infuse water into your skin. Apply a toner after cleansing, and then immediately follow with a serum or moisturizer while damp to seal in the active ingredients and hydration.
Add Extra Moisture to Your Home
A great way to add additional moisture to your environment for your skin is by purchasing a humidifier for your home. Whether you place it in your bedroom for overnight benefits or in your home office for daytime benefits, adding moisture to the air will always benefit your skin in the drier, cooler months.
Change Your Cleansing Product
Gel and foaming cleansers are great during the summer for deep cleaning, but may be a little too harsh for cooler temperatures where less oil is being produced. For the cooler months it’s better to use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that doesn’t lather when used (produces the least amount of bubbles as you wash). Another great option is to use a cleansing lotion which is cream-based and hydrates as you cleanse.
Don’t forget SPF!
As the sunny days become shorter and the heat dissipates, it’s easy to forget how important SPF is no matter what the weather is like. Fall is a season where a great amount of UV damage occurs because one is less likely to remember to apply sunscreen as the temperatures dip.
UVA rays, which cause premature wrinkles and skin cancer, are just as strong in the fall as they are in the summer. It is extremely important to protect your skin against these harmful rays year-round, so be sure to apply sunscreen to your skin daily!
If you have more specific questions about your skin, your skincare routine, or recommended products to help ease If you have more specific questions about your skin, your skincare routine, or recommended products to help ease the transition of seasons, give us a call or book an appointment. We’re happy to help assist you in taking the best care of your skin!
