As you transition into the new season and the weather changes, the way skin reacts to the new temperatures also changes, so, you should change up your skincare routine for fall. During summer, there’s usually more humidity that allows moisture to stay in the skin and protect its barrier.
In the cooler months, however, the air not only gets drier outside but also inside with the operation of heaters. When the skin starts to lose moisture, the barrier can get disrupted, which can lead to increased dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.
While you obviously cannot control the weather, you can definitely take some steps to ensure that your skincare routine helps combat dry skin during the cold months. Here are 7 dermatologist-approved ways to change up your skincare routine for fall:
1. Hydrate from Within
The dry, blustery fall weather is dehydrating the skin. You should not forget to hydrate your skin from within by taking plenty of water throughout the day.
Fall is also the ideal time to use a portable humidifier in the rooms where you will be spending much of your time. Moisturizing the air around you can be an effective way to further prevent your skin from drying out.
2. Protect Your Skin
Wearing sunscreen daily is just as important during the colder months as it is during the warmer months. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen on any exposed areas to protect against damage from harmful UV rays from the sun.
Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays for any exposed skin.
3. Use Thicker Moisturizer
One of the most effective ways to change up your skincare routine for fall is to start using thicker moisturizers. Thicker creams or moisturizers, which are made with ceramides are key to replenishing skin during the colder months.
The ceramides are absolutely important since they serve as a support system for the skin barrier. If the skin is lacking in ceramides, the barrier becomes compromised, which results in irritation and dryness.
4. Use Lip Moisturizer and Eye Creams
If lip moisturizer and eye creams were not already part of your skincare regimen, they definitely need to be during the colder months.
Just as you should start using thicker moisturizers, using these products helps to moisturize your lips as well as the skin around the eyes. Your skin is not very fond of sudden transitions, and adding lip moisturizer and eye creams helps with this transition.
5. Supplement with Vitamin C to Master your Skincare Routine for Fall
Vitamin C essentially works double duty during the colder months and helps in combating SPF rays not fully blocked by sunscreen. It also helps even skin pigmentation, which helps boost the production of collagen resulting in a brighter complexion.
The addition of vitamin C – rich formula helps treat fine lines, wrinkles, and the appearance of sun-stressed skin, and helps protect skin from radical environmental damage.
6. Switch to a More Moisturizing Cleanser
Temperatures will plummet in fall and so will the humidity levels, resulting in skin losing moisture to the dry air around you. Outsmart the loss of moisture by switching from a light cleanser to a more moisturizing cleanser.
A more moisturizing cleanser will help hydrate parched skin and support your skin’s barrier to help protect you from the damaging effects of the cold weather. A rinse-off cleanser will leave your skin clean without feeling tight or dry.
7. Avoid Skin-Stripping Ingredients in your Skincare Routine for Fall
The last thing you want to do to your skin during fall is to apply skin-stripping ingredients. Unfortunately, these will strip your skin of any moisture that remains, increasing susceptibility to dehydration and dryness.
So, avoid ingredients that strip the skin, such as alcohol and fragrance. A good way to avoid skin-stripping ingredients would be to look for products suitable for sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts on Skincare Routine for Fall
The cooler weather in fall does not always have to mean dull, dry skin for you. Fortunately, the 7 dermatologist-approved ways to change up your skincare routine for fall will help your skin successfully make the transition from summer to fall.
Just remember to be gentle with your skin, protect it from the elements, hydrate regularly, avoid skin-stripping ingredients, and moisturize it regularly. A few changes to your skincare routine can make all the difference in keeping your skin looking and feeling great throughout fall.
Still, you should keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different. So, whether you have naturally oily, dry, or combination skin, you should consult an experienced dermatologist to help you create a treatment and damage prevention plan that works best for you.
With all the tips, information, and advice provided here, you are now free to go out there and enjoy all the fall activities you love to engage in with your family and friends without worry!
