The Best Fall Skincare Tips You Need to Try – How to Keep Skin Healthy
The start of fall usually means less sunshine, more humidity, and cooler temperature. For skincare, that translates to an impact on the skin barrier that needs to be accounted for. Worry not, here are the only tips for fall skincare you will ever need.
Climate changes will cause a difference in your skin needs, so your routine should be adjusted. Try out the tips below to keep that healthy summer skin fresh during the colder months of autumn and winter!
Fall Skincare Tips
Here are 3 essential fall skincare tips guaranteed to boost the health of your skin while also keeping it pretty and plump!
Every person has different skin, so start with one and incorporate the rest as needed. Pick and choose which works for you! Skincare is about progress, not perfection.
Exfoliate Less Frequently
Exfoliation is the process in which the dead skin cells clinging to the top layer of the skin are removed. It can also remove stubborn oils and product build-up. This can be with a physical exfoliator or chemical exfoliate, though the chemical ones are usually the preferred form, as it is less likely to irritate. Physical exfoliates may cause microtears in the skin, which can cause redness, irritation, and inflammation.
In the fall, it is generally advised to exfoliate less, as the changes in climate make the skin more sensitive. Sensitive skin, when exfoliated, is prone to irritation, inflammation, breakouts, and dark spots.
You should exfoliate less and less as the climate cools. In the winter, it is advised to use less exfoliating ingredients as well.
Besides this, you can reach for an exfoliating ingredient that is more gentle, like lactic acid. This will reduce the risk of irritation even if you use it frequently. Try to skin cycle, as this can give your skin time to rest and recover.
Use More Moisturizer
A moisturizer is an essential step in your skincare routine, as it supports a healthy skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier offers more protection from outside pathogens, reduces acne and breakouts, and helps balance oil production.
A good moisturizer will be one with hydrating, supportive ingredients like ceramides or glycerin. You can check out the effect of different active ingredients here.
In the fall, you may notice your skin feels more tight and dry. This is due to a drop in humidity in the air. It’s perfectly fine to have a heavier moisturizer in the fall, or even to apply it more times a day.
This decrease in humidity may also mean that you should reduce your use of hyaluronic acid, as this is a humectant ingredient that draws moisture from the air. If there is no moisture in the air, it may cause irritation.
Continue Using SPF
In the fall, there are usually fewer UV rays reaching us. This is especially true in the winter, which is known for shorter days and longer nights.
However, sun protection is just as important as ever, as the rays that do reach you can still cause damage to the cells of the skin.
Even through the clouds, there will be a certain percentage of UV rays that reach the surface. Many forgo the SPF and get sun damage through longer exposure under a cloud-filled sky.
If you want, you may be able to reduce your SPF from 50+ to 30, as this may have a more lightweight consistency.
Best Fall Skincare Routine
Finally, here is the best fall skincare routine you can try, incorporating the tips above to help protect the skin and keep that summer glow!
Morning Fall Skincare Routine
1. Cleanse
Use a mild, gentle cleanser to wash away any build-up, without stripping the skin of its natural protection or causing irritation. A morning cleanse is optional, I personally just use water, but everyone’s skin has different needs!
2. Treat
Use any treatment that is useful during the day to target areas of concern. Vitamin c or azelaic acid are good for dark spots, niacinamide may help with oil control, etc.
3. Moisturize
Use a moisturizer that is hydrating and moisturizing enough to get you through the day! You want to help with extra support during colder times.
4. SPF
Always use SPF.
Nighttime Fall Skincare Routine
1. Cleanse
Wash off the sweat, dirt, environmental impurities, or oil of the day with a nighttime cleansing. If you use makeup or waterproof sunscreen, it might be beneficial to do a double cleanse here.
2. Treat
This is any active ingredient that can target areas of concern. Exfoliation should happen at night to give the skin time to recover. Some chemical exfoliates can cause light sensitivity as well. You can also use a retinol-based product here, as retinoids are sensitive to light. Even hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be considered a treatment option.
3. Moisturize
Lock in all the serums and hydration with a good moisturizer before sleeping! Remember to do your skincare an hour or two before bed, as you don’t want your skincare to soak into your pillow. Give yourself some time before allowing all the products to soak in!
The Takeaway
Skincare needs may change with a change in the climate. Since fall is coming up, it’s important to alter your routine to suit your new weather.
Make sure you are moisturizing well, still using good SPF, and exfoliating less. Skin can be more sensitive in the fall and winter, so we need to take good care of it.
Skincare should never feel like a chore. If all this sounds like too much, or you feel like your current routine meets your needs, stick to it! Every skin type is different, so there is no one size fits all routine.
Remember to enjoy the journey, treat skincare as a ritual and a choice, not a burden, and have fun trying products! Always patch-test new products and listen to your skin. Sometimes the basics are best, so cleanse, SPF (in the day), and moisturize.
