The Skin Care You Need This Fall
Fall is a time of change. The weather is changing, the temperature is dropping, leaves are changing, and much like our skin, the leaves start to dry up and fall.
You might think that the hotter months are when are skin becomes most dry. In reality, though, the colder months are the ones that wreak havoc on the skin, we try so hard to maintain. Between the cold, dry air, wind, hot showers, thick fabrics, and constant change of chill outside to warm inside, our skin takes the biggest hit.
So while your skin might be flourishing now, the routine you currently have might not make the cut for those colder months. Fall is the season of change, and that includes skincare! This fall, try out some of these products that will take your skin from dull to glowing all season long!
1. Cleansers
The most significant and most crucial step to any skincare routine is the cleanser. If you can only do one step, do this one.
When temperatures drop, we tend to wear heavier makeup whereas in summer it’s common to only wear sunscreen and minimal makeup. So what may have worked for you in the summertime might not have the same effects in the fall and winter months!
This fall, opt for a gentle and hydrating facial cleanser. Facial cleaners are ideal for fall because they aren’t as drying and don’t strip the skin thoroughly. Whether or not you should also use a facial wash depends on your skin type and how much makeup you wear but either way a facial cleanser is a must.
For especially dry skin, consider using cleansing balm before using a face wash or cleanser. Cleansing balms are like a pre-wash mask that will take away a majority of your makeup and remove any pollution on the skin. This will help with cleansing the skin afterward because you will have removed most of the grime, thus making your cleanser penetrate the skin more effectively.
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2. Exfoliants
You might have heard that the sun can help with scarring, but that is actually a total myth! Exposing scarring to the sun can actually darken scarring and make it worse in the long run. But don’t worry, even if you thought this you can still turn it around!
After those sunny summer months, it’s time to do some exfoliating. Fall is a great time to get your skin back on track because you aren’t always in the sun, and you are most likely paying better attention to your skin. One of the best ways to help improve skin texture and get glowing skin is to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.
Again, fall is a very drying time, so it is important to exfoliate to remove any dead skin cells and helps moisturizers to penetrate deeper. There are the classic exfoliating scrubs that you can use in the shower, but there are also serums you can use!
If you want to stick with the classic exfoliant scrubs, make sure you don’t pick one that is too harsh as it can leave micro-tears and actually hurt your skin in the long run. Think of exfoliants like sandpaper, if you use an exfoliant that is too abrasive, you will be damaging your skin!
If you want to try out chemical exfoliants, look for glycolic acid! Glycolic acid is found in a lot of chemical exfoliants and is usually seen as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). But don’t let the word “acid” scare you! Glycolic acid can actually do wonders for your skin by breaking up dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of blackheads, hyperpigmentation, and improves cell regeneration.
Just be sure to read the instructions and if you’re not sure about a product, consult with your dermatologist!
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3. Toners
A lot of people think that toners are a hoax, but they can actually be very effective! Simply put, toners remove excess pollution on your skin. Toners remove all the dirt and excess makeup that a cleanser or face wash might not be able to.
So even if you think you’ve removed every ounce of pollution from your skin, think again! Cleansers can only do so much, and you will be shocked to see what comes off your skin when you use a toner! Use a toner as the last step to your cleansing routine as a precaution… better safe than sorry!
Fun fact: when you go to sleep, your pores will actually open up, which is why you will sometimes wake up with a new zit that wasn’t there the night before! So would you instead do a cautionary wipe with toner after cleansing? Or take the risk that not everything was washed off and wake up with a new friend?
Along with cleansing, a toner will also rebalance your skin, correct your skin’s pH, helps to control acne, and can be moisturizing.
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4. Serums
For many, serums seem like an unnecessary step in their skincare routine and can seem like a waste of money. While serums can be pricey, they can also be more effective than lotions and can be seen as an investment!
Serums are similar to lotions in that they are a form of moisturizer, but instead of sitting on top of the skin, they penetrate it, thus delivering active ingredients into your skin deeper. And because they are so lightweight, they are less likely to break you out than heavy creams.
This fall, try out a facial serum that has hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5. Pair it with a great lotion and your skin will be glowing all autumn long!
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5. Lotions
As it was said above, a moisturizer is an absolute must for healthy skin! Lotion is the #1 way to avoid dry patches and skin, so it’s vital to get a great one!
During the fall it’s recommended that you use something a little thicker than what you might wear during the summer. The cold autumn will suck the moisture from your skin if you let it, so opt for a more hydrating formula that is non-comedogenic.
Comedogenic ingredients are ones that have a high likelihood of breaking you out by clogging your pores. Everyone’s skin is different, but common comedogenic ingredients include algae extract, Acetylated Lanolin, coconut oil and butter, Isocetyl Stearate, Laureth 4, Octyl Stearate, and Sodium Chloride to name just a few. Always check ingredient labels, and if you spot a comedogenic ingredient within the first 6 to 7 ingredients, it might be a good idea to skip that product!
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6. Face Masks
For those days, when your skin needs a little more TLC, a face mask is a way to go!
Depending on your skin needs, face masks can help refine pores, hydrate the skin, help with fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, and help with your skin’s overall appearance. This fall, treat your skin to a face mask at least once a week.
Try to avoid clay-based masks as they tend to draw moisture out and can actually have adverse effects during the cold, dry fall months. Instead, opt for a more hydrating mask or sheet mask that contains serums instead of powders.
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