It’s fall, which means that those hot, humid, sticky days are turning less so, and a blissful cool breeze is starting to circulate. This gorgeous season also means your skin requires a different approach to keep it supple and healthy. Read on to learn all you need to know about perfecting your fall skincare routine and protecting your skin as we move into the colder months.
Exfoliate
If you’ve been taking great care of your skin, you’ve been applying SPF daily throughout the summer. Don’t ditch the SPF just yet as it is a must-have year-round but do give your skin a restart with a good exfoliation.
The most effective method is to have a facial with a microdermabrasion treatment as it removes buildup deep in the pores. But if you can’t make it into the spa, try to exfoliate more often with a gentle exfoliator like Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant.
Exfoliation not only rids the skin of impurities caused by SPF buildup and excess oil; it also clears the pores of the dry skin that comes with the colder air.
Simply put, a more intense or frequent exfoliation will prep your skin for the added moisture it will need come the colder days.
Cleansers
While heavier face washes that lather away excess oil, sunscreen and sweat work well in the heat, gentle face cleansers are ideal for the winter months because the skin is already prone to dryness.
Depending on your skin type, there are many options from soothing cleansing milk to face oils and balms. The one common denominator to note: the pH levels.
NY-based Dermatologist Whitney Bowe says, “I cannot stress enough how important it is to maintain the health of your skin’s barrier by using gentle, pH-balanced products. Your skin should feel hydrated, smooth, and nourished after cleansing, not tight and dry.”
If you have normal to dry skin, you can opt for a balm as it is an oil-based product that attracts impurities away from the skin. It gently dissolves and removes built-up residue and make-up. Balms and oils such as Dermalogica’s Precleanse products smooth, calm and nourish skin without clogging pores. You then follow up with a cleanser of your choice.
Cream-based or milky cleansers work well for sensitive skin, and foaming cleansers are suitable for skin prone to acne and breakouts. Look for a cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid, because it stimulates natural exfoliation to help clear clogged cells and smooth away dullness.
While washing the skin, avoid using hot water as it further depletes moisture. Gently press your towel into your face or let the water seep into the skin and gently pat dry after cleansing.
Moisturizer
Gel-based and light-weight creams provide ample moisture in the hotter months but come fall and winter, you need to up your hydration quotient.
Assess your product to ensure it’s meeting your needs. Dry patches, itching, redness, or tightness will signal that your skin needs more moisture. You can switch to a richer formulation and add a hydrating mask and/or serum to your regimen.
Mature skin also benefits from a more intense night cream in general. Thicker creams are better used at night as they penetrate the skin while in recovery mode – a time of intense repair and regeneration. We’re also tucked away in our beds safe from the pollutants and other external factors, allowing the skin to rest.
If the cream is too rich for you, you’ll notice melee or white heads appearing on your skin, at which point you need to try a different product.
Eye Cream
Never sleep on eye cream (wink, wink)! The delicate skin around our eyes is especially susceptible to dryness, which only speeds up signs of ageing.
The skin around the eye is crying out for moisture in the winter, so apply under eye cream during the day as well, if you aren’t already.
Perfect Your Fall Skincare Routine by Focusing on Moisture
The colder months demand that we perfect our fall skincare routine by focussing on hydration at every step.
Aim to add an additional layer of moisture in the form of a serum and mask to your routine if your skin can’t handle the rich lotions.
It never hurts to drink more water and use a humidifier to add some moisture in the air while you sleep.
Got questions? Drop us an email, and we’ll address your unique skincare concerns.