Despite it marking the end of summer, we live for fall. Out come the hoodies and the comforting blankets. We’re suddenly sporting slipper socks and sipping lattes by the fire. The leaves are turning brilliant colors, and everything is available in pumpkin spice. What is not to love about fall?
Well, there is one thing. Autumn is, of course, the time of year when we turn our heat back on. Suddenly, our skin is subject to circulating warm air again. We’re indoors more, getting less Vitamin D, and sometimes it can be brutal on our skin.
The fact is, the skin needs different attention in the summer than it does in the fall or winter. In the summer, we’re washing more, applying more moisturizing sunscreen, and absorbing the good vitamins that sunlight provides. In the fall and winter, we’re indoors more, and when we do go outside, bitter cold can cause chapping, dryness, and more.
Skin is a part of wellness, so in this piece, we’re going to talk to you about how you can change your skincare routine for the fall months to make up for the changing seasons. We’ll look at best practices and fall skincare tips that are great for the autumn months and explore solutions to some of the most common skin complaints as the weather gets cooler. You’ll learn tips and tricks for how to improve skin texture, moisture, and overall look. So, read on and learn how to better take care of your skin in the fall.
Why Does Your Skin Need Different Care in the Fall?
When we’re young, it’s easy to feel like the seasons make no difference when it comes to our skin. That’s because young skin is resilient. Healing processes function faster, and elasticity and collagen levels are peaking. As we get older, however, we will begin to notice that new weather makes our skin behave differently.
Colder months, in particular, can really do a number on our skin if we’re not careful. The lack of sunshine and the sudden influx of drier, circulated air from central heating can dry it out, triggering conditions like eczema and cold sores. You may find that your skin becomes flaky and itchy as the months get colder. You may notice redness, splotches, and irritation. Your skin might feel raw in some spots, or it may begin to crack in more sensitive places like your lips or eyelids.
Fall and winter can really be very harsh on our skin’s wellness, so we need to tackle the problem head-on before it causes discomfort.
Primary Skin Concerns in the Fall
In the colder months of the year, your skin needs moisture and lots of it. Most skin seasonal skin complaints can come down to hydration. However, it is a lot easier to say this than to practice it in the real world. Often, when we live in cooler climates, and the weather starts dipping, our normal hydration routines won’t cut it anymore. You can experience an increase in skin conditions that are exacerbated by dryness. These can include:
- Eczema
- Xerosis or dry skin
- Telangiectasia or red splotches
- Spider angioma or purple marks.
The cooler months can be brutal on our skin, especially as we age. Autumn skincare is the answer.
How to Make a Fall Skincare Routine
The solution to our skin’s changing seasonal wellness needs is to adapt our fall skincare routine. We’ve put together a list of easy changes you can make to your daily skincare regimen, which include methods for increasing your skin’s hydration and soothing irritated skin, as well as fall skincare essentials.
1. Try Out a Gentler Cleanser
When we switch to a gentler cleanser, it’s less stripping. That means the cleanser leaves behind more of your natural oils and won’t dry out your skin. There are countless products on the market these days that boast a gentler formula. When you try a new cleanser, though, remember to give it at least a month before making your verdict.
2. Use a Thicker Moisturizer
Thin, airy moisturizers are great in the summer because they feel less heavy in the heat of the sun. In the winter, however, it’s a good idea to switch over to a thicker moisturizer, so your skin receives more hydration as well as protection from the harshness of coming in and out of the cold.
Believe it or not, those prone to acne with oily skin need a good moisturizer the most, according to any dermatologist. Providing moisture to the skin prevents the overproduction of oil, helps protect the skin barrier, and thereby prevents breakouts. If you can find a thicker moisturizer with antioxidants like Vitamin C in it, you’ll give your skin the boost it gets from sunlight in the summer.
3. Look For Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid seems to be the new buzzword in skin care, but there is a good reason for that. Hyaluronic acid is among the fall skincare trends that attract moisture which means it can draw moisture to your skin throughout the day. Skin care products with this ingredient are especially great for those with dry skin. You can find hyaluronic acid in makeup, moisturizer, setting sprays, sunscreens, and serums. Choose a product that fits into your routine, so you’re more likely to use it daily.
4. Add in Retinoids
Retinoids are kind of like a turbo boost for all your other skincare. Adding retinoids to your daily skin regimen will clear your pores and prime your skin to better be able to absorb all of the other products in your routine.
Because retinoids clear your pores, this is the perfect skin care step for people who struggle with acne breakouts and oily skin. Try not to use your retinoids with any BHA or AHA products on the same day to avoid redness or irritation.
5. Give Vitamin C a Go
In recent years, an increasing number of serums and facial moisturizers are including vitamin C in their formulas. Vitamin C is great for boosting your skin’s hydration and wellness while also brightening its finish. If you’re missing that sunny summer glow, you can achieve an autumn brightness in your skin tone with vitamin C. It’s always best to begin with, a lower concentration of Vitamin C product to see how your skin responds. You can always increase the concentration later.
6. Try Facial Oils
Facial oils are not just another level of moisture. These products also stimulate collagen production while protecting the skin from harsh weather and temperatures. This is a great way to maintain your skin’s natural moisture while also providing more. As an added bonus, the stimulated collagen production will fight the signs of aging. Try to find facial oils that contain jojoba or argan oil, as they are lighter and won’t clog the pores. Read the ingredients, and, if the first ingredient is water, skip that product. Also, look for a product that comes in a dark bottle to protect it from sunlight.
7. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an all-year-round, even on cloudy-day necessity for so many reasons. First, protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, even when it’s overcast and cold, helps prolong the signs of aging. Sunscreen also provides a protective barrier on the skin to help stave off harsh temperatures and maintain your skin’s natural moisture. Sun spots and sun damage is also caused by sunlight in the fall and winter months, so keep that SPF 30+ in your daily routine. Go with a product higher than SPF 30. You may be able to find a moisturizer you love that has SPF in it, as well, which can roll both steps into one!
8. Book a Facial or Laser Treatment
A great facial is going to remove the top layer of skin, clear out your pores and leave you looking rejuvenated and glowing. Fall is the perfect time of year to get that facial booked because it’ll get rid of all the clogged pores from summer fun. Dirt, sunscreen buildup, dead skin, and sweat will all be flushed from your pores, and you’ll be heading into the holiday season looking fresh and renewed.
The fall and winter are also the best time to do a more intense treatment to the skin to help boost collagen production, promote cellular turn over and help diminish the look of sunspots, fine lines, and pores. Most moderate to more intense treatments require 2-4 days of no sun exposure, makeup or sweating so the fall is an optimal time to do these types of treatments 1-3 times a year.
At Refine Aesthetics in Austin, TX, we offer a number of different facial options, including Diamond Glow Facial, Thermafacial, microneedling as well as chemical peels Austin. We recommend Diamond Glow for a good fall facial. This facial will exfoliate and deep clean your skin while infusing it with nutrient-rich and moisturizing serums, counteracting the effects of the changing seasons. We also offer light and resurfacing lasers like Sciton Halo, Sciton BBL, Opuls Plasma, and Morpheus 8 to help boost that holiday glow.
9. Double Down On Eye Cream
Your eyes have the most delicate skin on your face, and they can dry out quite easily. You may have noticed that during the colder months, your eyes may become flaky and itchy. Applying your eye cream as normal may not be enough, so don’t be afraid to take your favorite product for the eyes and double your usage.
10. Don’t Forget Lip Balm
Lips are important, too! We all get chapped lips in the cooler months no matter what skin type we have, so pocket your favorite lip balm and make sure you’re applying it multiple times per day. Great ingredients to look for include eucalyptus, lanolin, and shea butter.
11. Invest in Body Lotion
If you’re not already doing it, using a body lotion every day in the cooler months will help to keep the skin on the rest of your body soft and hydrated (and less itchy). There are so many great options that provide powerful moisturizing action and help to stave off winter itchiness and flaky skin.
Look for more mild soaps and follow up with products that contain hyaluronic acid to ensure you’re getting moisture to your skin, all day. People who suffer from drier, itchy skin or eczema will benefit the most from this step in their daily skin regimen.
12. Consider a Humidifier
A humidifier is a fantastic machine that keeps the air in your home moist. It’s an effective way to counteract the drying effects of central heating. It’s not just great for your skin but also your eyes and your health. It will keep your throat moist while providing much-needed moisture for the rest of your body. A humidifier is an affordable tool to help your skin that will last a long time.
Premium Skincare Support in the Fall at Refine Aesthetics
The best way to kick off your autumn skincare is to visit your dermatologist and get an expert’s advice. Refine Aesthetics Med Spa in Austin, TX has experienced and skilled dermatologists who can help to pinpoint the best route for your skin. From laser therapy and microneedling, to facials and injectables, we have everything you need to get that fall rejuvenation you’re looking for. Get in touch today to speak with our professionals and take that first step to winter-proof skin.
