Welcome Fall With a New Routine: Changes to Your Skincare
Welcoming a new season can also symbolize a new beginning. As the seasons change there's an opportunity to take inventory of your life: what's working for you? what isn't? what do you want more of? what are your goals for the next three months?
And this includes your skincare routines.
Fall is probably my favorite season. I love the colors, the smells, the comfortable coziness that it brings as the weather cools down. But this drop in temperature can have an impact on our skin.
It's not quite the winter yet when the cold may really take a toll on your skin, but as the weather begins to change it can be a good idea to start thinking about some modifications to your routine. As the weather becomes colder and humidity drops (depending on where you are, of course), the skin barrier may be compromised as it gets drier and more irritated. And we know that a compromised skin barrier means unhealthy skin, and the results are usually not ideal.
Of course, this will depend on where you live and how the climate varies. But what was working during the summer might not be what works for the fall.
Now, the basics don't drastically change. You still need to cleanse, moisturize, and protect with SPF. However, the types of products you choose and the additional treatments to target specific skin concerns might need some alterations:
Maybe you found yourself washing your face more often during the summer? Being outside more and sweating caused by high temperatures can lead us to cleanse excessively. And this might have worked fine due to the circumstances of the environment and your specific skin needs. But consider dialing down on the cleansing a bit as we transition. Focus on properly cleansing at night only, and/or switch to a very gentle and hydrating cleanser
If you've been dealing with acne and using a specific acne cleanser with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, remember that these tend to be harsher and dry out your skin. You might benefit more from a more hydrating cleanser or even an appropriate oil cleanser to maintain the health of your skin while still targeting your acne
If you do have dry skin, sensitive, or a compromised barrier, definitely see if your cleanser should be changed. Milky, creamy, gentle cleansers are also effective and will not strip your skin from its natural oils
You might have been benefitting from a light moisturizer or might have skipped it all completely during summer as your skin was doing fine with its natural oils. Look for richer products with ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, making sure they're appropriate for your skin.
If also dealing with acne, look for products with niacinamide as well, which will help regulate oil production, act as an anti-inflammatory, and also support the skin barrier for a healthy complexion
Hydrating masks might also make a weekly appearance for an additional layer of nourishment if needed. I also personally like to incorporate these weekly to give myself some time for myself to relax and turn inwards
Take an inventory of how your skin is doing after the summer. We tend to be outside more and pigmentation might have crept up on us as we were having fun (no big deal, I hope you enjoyed your time!)
Find the right product to address your concerns: think about antioxidants, AHAs, kojic acid, niacinamide, or retinoids. For a more in-depth overview of how to target dark spots and other specific skin concerns, check out this post.
Exfoliation might have been better tolerated during the summer when we're sweating more and producing more oil. You might benefit from reducing the frequency of your exfoliation as well as the strength (lower acid %s or milder ones)
If a glycolic acid is too much at this time, consider switching to gentler ones like malic acid or tartaric acid
Enzyme exfoliants can also be gentle, yet effective
And don't skip the SPF. It may be tempting as we're not outside as much or the cold makes it harder to feel the effects of the sun on our skin, but damage will still occur if we don't protect.
Other things you might have not thought of yet
The skin in your body is also important to pay attention to. With colder temperatures outside, we tend to enjoy even more long and hot showers, which are not good for our skin at all
And please avoid that hot tempered water in your face
Limit the amount of time you spend in the shower (I know, this is easier said than done. But you'll be doing your skin and the environment a favor). And moisturize as soon as you step out of the shower and while your skin is still damp
Don't forget your lips: similarly to the skin in our body, we tend to really suffer the consequences of the cold weather on our lips. Stock up on your lip balms and keep them in your purses, bathroom, and next to your bed
As the heaters are dusted off and turned back on, dust off and turn on your humidifier at home as well. This can really make a difference to avoid dry skin as much as possible.
Even oily skin will be impacted so make sure to also include this regardless of your skin type
Take inventory of your skincare products as well
Changing seasons are a great opportunity to evaluate what has been working and what hasn't. I'm not an advocate for wasteful practices, but if a product doesn't provide you with what your skin needs, find another loving and beautiful face that may want to give it a try and take it from you. The fact that it didn't work for you doesn't mean that it won't work for someone else. Just be cautious about who you exchange products with (you want to make sure they're not exposed to bacteria and that it's not expired).
You don't necessarily need to change everything today (although if you've already started noticing the effects on your skin, go ahead) but make sure you do start paying attention to your skin so that you're ready to bring out the support it needs when it's time
And you may find that your current routine works fine even going to the colder months. That's fine as well. Listen to your skin and do what feels best for you. These are general guidelines based on what most people might experience as we transition, but skin is unique! And you know yours best.
It’s not easy for everyone
Although I personally love the Fall, I understand that this can also be a challenging time for many. With the coziness of fall also comes the shorter and darker days. Depression risk can be heightened as we spend less time outdoors and less time with friends. Compounded by the current ongoing stressful climate, the risk is even higher. If this transition is weighing on you, reach out: to me, a loved one, or find the best resource for you here.
Plus, here are some additional tips that can help you best approach this transition:
Make the most of sunlight. I know this is harder for some, but if you are able, go outside during your lunch break for a quick walk
Modify your favorite rituals from summer to adapt to the current season: did you build a new exercise habit? Did you learn to enjoy cooking more? Change your menu to incorporate more fall foods. Continue exercising but maybe find some time midday to do it when there's still sunlight
Monitor your stress levels and unplug whenever possible from potential stressors. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or my favorite: journaling
Take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Check out this post for three FREE self-care activities (and a free facial guide).
I've never personally tried this, but you can look into light therapy boxes, which mimic outdoor light and can lift your mood
P.S. Listen to your skin
Overall, the biggest tweaks that may be necessary during this time: gentler cleanser, more nourishment, protecting your skin barrier, correcting the damage from the summer
Take an inventory of your life at the moment: what's working and what isn't? What do you want to feel more of during the next three months?
Continue to protect by using SPF
Change doesn't come easy for everyone. Reach out if you need additional support during this transition phase
What do you think about season changes? What are you looking forward to in the next few months? I'd love to know, so feel free to reach out by e-mail or DM me on Instagram ♡