Wondering how to change your skincare with the seasons? Let’s find out!
Posted on October 13, 2023 Written by: 100% PURE®
Fall is here, and you might have noticed the changes it’s brought: depending on where you live, you might see leaves change outside, a drop in temperature, and a tad more darkness as the days grow shorter.
Additionally, you may have noticed changes in your skin, as well.
If you experience a change in season during this time of year, you might notice your skin start to behave differently, as well. This is your sign to transition into fall skincare.
You might be wondering: why should I change my skincare for fall?
Our surrounding environments play a big role in the way our skin looks and feels; if you live in a warm, humid climate, your skin may feel oily from that excess moisture in the air. Likewise, cool and dry areas might leave your skin on the dry side.
If you live in a part of the world with changing seasons, it’s a good idea to have a skincare routine that reflects that. Generally, fall is accompanied by cool, dry air, which can dehydrate the skin. On top of that, your skin might undergo a bit of stress from the sudden change in its environment, which can lead to breakouts, so it helps to have products that will support it.
When you search on the internet: “How do I switch to a fall skincare routine?” or “How to prepare my skin for fall,” the main piece of advice you’ll find is that you should use a heavier moisturizer, as the cooler weather often means drier skin.
And while this is certainly helpful for many individuals, this has its flaws. For starters, it might not apply to all individuals, as plenty of us have oily skin all year round. On top of that, it’s certainly not the only way to protect your skin from the elements. Case in point: the sun is still out, and it can still cause damage to your skin just as it would’ve during the summer, so we certainly can’t forget about sunscreen (more on this later).
Make sure to protect your skin from both the cold wind and the sun, and start expanding the perspective of your skincare.
What do we mean by this?
In the summer, we tend to focus more on facial skincare, but not so much on our body care–unless we get sunburned. With the extra moisture in the air, we might not need to worry about moisturizing as much. Then, the cold season comes around, and suddenly our legs are dehydrated and our knees and elbows are rough and itchy.
With fall skincare, the name of the game is to emphasize moisturizing and prevent drying. When you’re in the bath or shower, limit your soak time to about 10 minutes to prevent drying out your skin, and avoid scalding hot water. It’s also beneficial to sleep with a humidifier at night.
When transitioning into your fall skincare, it’s important to remember that the change in seasons is gradual; as the weather gets cooler, the days grow shorter. And as you’re steadily reaching for more cozy layers, you can gradually upgrade your skincare routine for the fall season. And if your skin is on the sensitive side, you may want to start the skincare transition as soon as possible.
As the fall season begins, the summer season fades further away. That means tans are fading and the extra layers are coming out. And there’s a good chance you have some dead skin cells that need to be sloughed away.
During the summer, keratinocytes form on the surface of your skin at a quicker rate, since they’re more exposed to the sun during that time. And with sun exposure at its peak, you might have skipped exfoliating altogether.
Skipping out on the scrubs during the summer isn’t a bad idea, since they can leave your skin more sensitive to the sun. But now that fall is here, it’s time to buff away those layers.
Upgrade your skincare routine with a high-quality body scrub, which can help polish and smooth your skin seasonally. Just make sure to keep your exfoliation to 2-3 days a week, and choose a scrub that’s both gentle and effective.
Crystalline sea salt scrubs are a great choice because they smooth out the skin while increasing circulation. We especially love our own Body Scrubs because they’re suspended in a base of rich sunflower and apricot oils, which helps it buff away bumps and flakes.
You can also exfoliate your face with a scrub, but we recommend avoiding products containing sea salt or apricot husks; while these are great for exfoliating the body, they can be too harsh for the skin. Our Acai Pulp Facial Scrub is made with acai seed powder, which gently polishes the skin’s surface to reveal a fresh complexion.
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Retinoids have been the gold standard in skincare for over twenty years–not only for preventing fine lines and wrinkles but also for clearing acne and brightening the skin.
Retinoids work by gently exfoliating the skin and stimulating the production of collagen, which is a key protein for keeping skin elastic and firm.
But because they’re exfoliating, retinoids tend to increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. As a result, many women choose to forego retinoids during the summer months.
But as the air grows cooler and the days get shorter, it may be the perfect time to start reintroducing retinoids to your skincare routine. If your skin is sensitive, eczema-prone, or simply on the drier side, make sure to incorporate your retinoid slowly and, if possible, do so with the advice of a dermatologist.
Fall is the perfect time to try an especially nourishing retinoid product, like our Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm.
While it’s true that the days aren’t as sunny as they were in the summer months, this does not mean that it’s time to ditch your SPF.
Even with the shorter days and cooler weather, your skin is still susceptible to damage from the sun–especially if you’re using retinoids or scrubs. And while you might not be out in the sun as much as you were before, it’ll certainly build up as the season goes.
No matter the season, always finish off your daily skincare routine with sunscreen–preferably one with an SPF of at least 15, like our Green Tea SPF 30, which comes with a boost of antioxidants.
Whether your skin type is dry, oily, normal, or combination, regular moisturizing is key for fall skincare.
If your skin is on the oily side, it’s normal to worry about a moisturizer making it worse. However, drying out your skin may only make it oilier! Instead, use a moisturizer that’s lightweight and absorbs easily into your skin, like our Watermelon Cucumber Water Locking Moisturizer.
If your skin is dry, opt for a thicker moisturizer, like our Hydra Drench Cream, since they’re usually more hydrating, which helps protect your skin against cold weather.
While this isn’t necessarily a skincare tip, drinking plenty of water is still a fantastic way to upgrade your fall skincare routine.
In the hot summer months, it’s easier to notice when you’re dehydrated. When we’re having fun in the sun, we get hot and sweaty, and we become noticeably thirsty.
Meanwhile, it’s more difficult to notice how much water our bodies lose in the cooler months. In addition to the cold air, those extra layers of clothing can leave our bodies dehydrated without us ever noticing. Hydrating throughout the day keeps our skin plump, while also protecting our immune system, lubricating our joints, promoting circulation, and much more.
Why is it important to change my skincare routine during the fall season?
Changing your skincare routine for the fall is essential because as the seasons shift, so do the external factors that impact your skin. The transition from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels, which can affect your skin's needs. Adapting your skincare routine helps ensure your skin remains nourished, balanced, and protected, regardless of the environmental changes.
What are the common skin issues faced during the fall season?
During the fall, many people experience:
- Dryness and dehydration: Due to the drop in humidity and cooler winds.
- Dullness: As a result of accumulated dead skin cells that weren’t properly exfoliated during the summer.
- Sensitivity: The changing weather can make skin more prone to redness or irritation.
- Chapped lips: Due to cooler temperatures and wind exposure.
How do cooler temperatures and lower humidity in the fall affect the skin?
Cooler temperatures and reduced humidity can strip the skin of its natural moisture. As the air becomes drier, it can sap moisture from the skin, leading to increased dryness and dehydration. This can compromise the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to external irritants, leading to increased sensitivity or even breakouts. Moreover, indoor heating, commonly used during the fall and winter months, can further reduce humidity levels indoors, exacerbating skin dryness.
What types of skincare products should I incorporate into my fall skincare routine?
For the fall season, consider incorporating the following types of products:
- Richer moisturizers: To help combat dryness and provide a protective barrier.
- Hydrating serums: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can help retain skin's moisture.
- Gentle exfoliants: To remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal.
- Lip balms or treatments: To prevent or heal chapped lips.
- Sunscreen: Even in cooler months, UV rays can still cause damage, so continue using SPF daily.
- Antioxidants: Products containing vitamins C and E can help defend the skin against environmental damage and maintain a radiant complexion.
How often should I exfoliate my skin during the fall?
During the fall, it's generally recommended to exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you're using. Those with sensitive skin might prefer to exfoliate once a week, while those with oilier complexions might benefit from 3 times a week. Remember, the key is to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover without over-stripping or irritating the skin. Always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to maintain skin's balance.
- Tags: October-2023, Skin Care, skincare
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The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.
