ESSENTIAL SKINCARE TIPS FOR FALL

When the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. These fall skincare tips will help your skin transition from summer to autumn.

As the season changes from summer to fall, you may notice your skin changing as well. Consider these fall skincare tips to help make the transition from summer to autumn as smooth as your skin.

The environment has a lot to do with how our skin feels and looks. When it’s hot and humid, the skin may feel greasy from the excess moisture. When it’s cold and dry, the skin may feel parched for some hydration. Not to mention other environmental stressors like air pollution, sun exposure, air-conditioning, and more.

When the seasons change, so does the environment around us. Skin must adapt to the new set of climate conditions, but you can make its job a little easier by implementing a fall skincare routine outlined by these fall skincare tips.

Why Should I Transition Skincare From Summer to Fall?

To put it simply, you should change your skincare routine when your skin needs change.

There are many reasons you may feel inclined to swap in some new skincare products: breakouts due to hormonal changes, dryness due to aging, sensitivity due to developing new skin conditions, etc.

A common reason for updating your skincare regimen is a change of climate or season. Look at the general climate conditions in summer: sky-high temperatures, humid air, excess sun exposure, and plenty of indoor air-conditioning. Then, compare to the general climate conditions in fall: chilly temperatures, some rain, shorter days, more wind, falling humidity levels, and more indoor heating.

When the temperature and humidity drops, suddenly skin is faced with a whole new set of climate conditions to protect you from. A friendly reminder that skin is the body’s largest organ and the body’s first line of defense when it comes to fighting off invaders.

To keep the skin barrier healthy, you need to care for it year-round. As the environment around you changes, so should your skincare routine.

When Should I Update My Skincare Routine to Make It Fall-Friendly?

The transition between summer and fall happens gradually. You may notice that it gets darker earlier in the day as the autumn season approaches. You may also notice cooler weather, so you reach for more layers to keep you warm. These are some preliminary signs that it’s time to update your skincare routine to prepare your skin for the fall weather.

Like the changing seasons, you can gradually adjust your skincare routine. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, you may need to update your skincare routine even sooner. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, the changing seasons may shock your skin. You can lessen the shock by taking extra care of skin before the first sign of fall.

How Does Fall Weather Affect Skin Health?

Fall weather is different depending on where you live. For those who live in desert climates, fall is essentially a slightly cooler version of summer. For those who live in polar climates, fall is a slightly warmer version of winter. No matter where you live, autumn months are generally cooler and drier than summer. They’re also one step closer to the rigid winter months, so it’s the perfect time to give the skin some extra care.

Here are some ways that fall weather affects skin:

Cooler temperatures increase the skin’s proneness to dryness and dehydration.

Weather conditions like wind and rain exacerbate sensitive and reactive skin. Skin may experience more irritation, redness, and inflammation.

The myth that you don’t need sunscreen in cooler months may increase the risk of sunburn and other harmful effects of sun exposure.

Low humidity levels can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.

Dry weather means skin will produce more sebum, leading to more breakouts.

10 Essential Skincare Tips for Fall

Transition your fall skincare routine with these skincare tips for autumn.

1. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Fall weather can be unpredictable. Is it going to rain? Is the sun shining? Is it windy? One thing is certain — your skin needs as much moisture as it can get as summer fades into fall.

As the temperature and humidity levels gradually decrease, so does your skin’s moisture content. This can lead to uncomfortable dryness. As your skin gets drier and drier, it creates excess sebum to compensate. This then leads to breakouts.

Avoid dryness and breakouts by hydrating your skin from the inside out. This means drinking more water, consuming foods that are hydrating, investing in a humidifier, and using hydrating serums and moisturizers. Look for humectant ingredients that attract water like a magnet, according to Verywell Health. Some humectants include Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin.

Recommendations: AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum, AlumierMD A.G.E

2. Use a Hydrating Cleanser

A good cleanser should wash away the buildup of dirt, excess oil, and even dead skin cells. During the cooler months in the fall, you don’t want to get rid of all your skin’s natural oils. Those help keep skin moisturized.

If your cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight, dry, and itchy, it may work too well. Look for a cleanser that’s gentle yet hydrating. Avoid foaming cleansers as they tend to be drying. Instead, opt for a cream cleanser or an oil-based cleanser for a boost of hydration at the start of your fall skincare routine.

Recommendations: AlumierMD HydraBoost, AlumierMD SensiCalm

3. Swap Light Moisturizers for Thick Creams

In the summer, less is more when it comes to your moisturizer. This is because it’s the most humid season, so the air has more moisture to keep skin dewy and glowy. As the fall months approach, it’s time to upgrade to a thick facial cream that offers hydration but also acts as a barrier between skin and the surrounding environment.

Recommendations: AlumierMD HydraRich Moisturizer

4. Add an Eye Cream

If you are not using one already, an eye cream is a must in the cooler months. The delicate thin skin around your eyes is often the first area to show fine lines and wrinkles. Eye creams are designed to compliment this sensitive area.

Recommendations: AlumierMD AluminEye, AlumierMD Retinol Eye Gel, AlumierMD Eye Rescue Pads

5. Stay on Top of SPF

Wear sunscreen every day! You should apply SPF products any time you will be outside. Even when it is windy, snowy, and rainy, you still need SPF since the sunlight penetrates through the cloudy sky and reflects off water. Yes, you need sunscreen in the fall. This will prevent sunburns and free radical damage that accelerates skin aging.

Recommendations: AlumierMD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 (Versatile Tint)

6. Cool It on the Exfoliators

Exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs can be harsh on the skin. Though they have many benefits, they can also increase sensitivity, irritation, and redness. During the fall months when the skin is already experiencing a lot of changes, it might be time to reduce your usage of chemical exfoliators and other strong active ingredients.

This is the time to give your skin a break from intense treatments and focus on moisturizing and protecting. You can continue using a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times per week but avoid over-exfoliating.

Recommendations: AlumierMD Lotus Scrub, AlumierMD MicroDerm Polish

7. Lips Need Love, Too

One of the first skin-related symptoms many people experience when the seasons change is chapped lips. Prevent dry, cracked lips by taking care of your lips sooner rather than later. Always keep a lip balm in your purse or pocket and apply throughout the day. Not only will this hydrate your lips, but many lip balms contain protective ingredients that form a seal on the lips. This will come in handy on cool, dry, and windy fall days.

Pro tip? Look for a lip balm with SPF since lips need sun protection, too.

Recommendations: Lip Service Gloss-to-Balm Treatment, FlashPatch® Hydrating Lip Gels, Kiss Kiss Kit

8. Body Lotion is a Must

Skincare routines often revolve around the face, but don’t forget about body care. When the warm summer days turn into chilly fall days, it’s probably time to grab a body lotion. The best time to apply body moisturizer is right when you get out of the shower. Even when your skin is still damp, apply a generous amount of body lotion on your skin. This will help seal in that water, so you won’t suffer from dry hands, elbows, knees, and feet in the fall.

Recommendations: Perfect Ten Self-Warming Hand and Cuticle Mask, Best Foot Forward Softening Heel and Foot Mask

9. Avoid Skin-Stripping Ingredients

The last thing you want to do to your skin during fall is to apply skin-stripping ingredients. These will strip your skin of any remaining moisture, increasing susceptibility to dryness and dehydration. Avoid ingredients that strip the skin, such as fragrance and alcohol. Looking for products that are suitable for sensitive skin is a good way to avoid skin-stripping ingredients.

10. Tread Lightly With Irritating Ingredients

People with sensitive skin, reactive skin, and skin conditions like eczema often complain of irritation and flare-ups as summer transitions into fall. One way to reduce skin irritation during the fall is to avoid irritating ingredients. This may vary from person to person depending on the degree of sensitivity, but some irritating ingredients include fragrance, alcohol, strong acids, sulfates, and essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test with new products and introduce them slowly to minimize irritation.

Updating Your Fall Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine shouldn’t be a source of stress. You can keep it simple with just a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen or adopt a lengthy skincare routine with more steps. For many, skincare is a form of self-care. For others, it’s a preventative measure to keep the signs of aging and breakouts at bay.

Whatever your skincare goals are, don’t let the colder seasons deter you. The foundation of your skincare routine should be hydration, nourishment, prevention, and protection. If you follow these fall skin care tips, you should be golden.