Fall is such a fun season- it's filled with falling leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, new primetime TV shows and it marks the start of the holiday season! However, the season also brings with it cooler weather and other factors that can have harsh effects on your skin. We can prevent these effects by making some simple tweaks to our skincare routines- here are a few tips that will help keep your skin looking great during upcoming autumn months!
Layer Serum With Your Moisturizer
If you don't already use a serum, adding one in is a great step to boost the hydration your skin receives overnight- your skin will have plenty of time to absorb it while you're sleeping! Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, glycerin and antioxidants to moisturize the skin and protect from free radicals.
Peel Weekly
Brown spots and freckles that were left over from the summer sun are common issues for many of us during the fall. They will fade on their own, but if you add a glycolic peel once or twice per week, your skin cells will turnover faster and your skin will look younger and more even.
Ditch Alcohol-Based Toners
Alcohol-based toners are very dehydrating and harsh on the skin. Heavier, lotion-like toners are more soothing and less abrasive- witch hazel toners are great for balancing the skin without over-drying.
Get a New Foundation
As your summer tan starts to fade, you'll need a shade that matches your lighter complexion. While golden bronzers may have complemented your sun-kissed glow perfectly, you'll probably ned something a bit more subtle now. Try a lighter matte bronzer and a pretty peach or pink blush to add some color back.
Switch Your Cleanser
If you're using a lightweight cleanser now, consider switching over to a denser, creamier formula. Creamy, moisturizing cleansers will help protect your skin from the wind and cool weather and make sure that your skin isn't dried out during the cleansing process.
Don't Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation is great when it's hot outside because it removes sweat, dirt and greasy sunscreen, but you'll need to be more careful with your skin when it cools off. Use a gentle scrub that's geared towards daily use, or use more intensive devices and products more sparingly- once or twice a week should be fine, depending on what you're using.
Don't Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation is great when it's hot outside because it removes sweat, dirt and greasy sunscreen, but you'll need to be more careful with your skin when it cools off. Use a gentle scrub that's geared towards daily use, or use more intensive devices and products more sparingly- once or twice a week should be fine, depending on what you're using.Keep Using Sunscreen
A lot of people don't keep up with UV protection as much during the cooler months, but skimping on sunscreen certainly isn't doing you any favors. Continue wearing a sunscreen with a lower SPF (between SPF 15 and SPF 30) on areas that are exposed, or try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with built-in sun protection.
Don't Forget The Lips
Cold weather causes your lips to dry up fast, so you'll need something extra rich to keep them moisturized as long as possible. Petroleum jelly is a great substitute for a heavy-duty balm, and many of us already have it at home, but if you're going for a store-bought balm you should look for ones with natural healing and protective ingredients like beeswax, shea butter and nut oils.