As summer fades away and the crisp air of fall rolls in, your skin might be the first to notice the shift in the seasons. Gone are the days of beachy humidity that kept everything soft and dewy (even if that humidity wasn’t always our best friend). Now comes the cooler, drier air—along with the need to rethink your skincare routine. Fall is a transitional time not just for your wardrobe but also for your skin, which means it needs a little extra TLC to stay healthy, glowing, and hydrated. Here’s why your skin might be begging for a little more attention in the fall—and how to give it just what it needs.
Why Fall Affects Your Skin
Fall weather, while cozy and nostalgic, isn’t always kind to your skin. The drop in temperature, the rise of wind chills, and the increased indoor heating all play a role in stripping moisture from your skin, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and even flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
As the humidity decreases, your skin’s natural moisture barrier can weaken. This barrier helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollutants and bacteria––shielding and locking in moisture. A compromised barrier leads to skin dryness, dullness, and the potential for fine lines and irritation to become more noticeable.
How to Give Your Skin the TLC It Deserves This Fall
1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Fall is not the time for harsh cleansers that strip your skin of natural oils. If you’ve been using a gel or foaming cleanser throughout the summer, now is a great time to swap it for a more hydrating formula. Cream or oil-based cleansers work wonders in maintaining your skin’s moisture while still effectively removing impurities. Hydrating cleansers, especially those with ingredients like glycerin or ceramides, help to protect the skin’s barrier while ensuring thorough skin cleansing. Look for options that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin––fall can make even the most resilient skin more temperamental.
2. Exfoliate with Care
Exfoliation is still necessary during the fall, but it needs to be done with extra care! Skin tends to be more sensitive in cooler weather, so opt for a gentle exfoliant and limit it to 1-2 times per week. Chemical exfoliants, such as those with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), can be more forgiving than physical scrubs, which may irritate dry or sensitive skin. Exfoliating regularly but gently helps to slough away dead skin cells that can build up due to dryness, leaving you with a brighter, more radiant complexion.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Hydration is the cornerstone of fall skincare. As the air gets drier, your skin will lose moisture faster, so doubling down on hydration to combat dryness is key. Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine to attract moisture from the environment into your skin. This lightweight yet powerful ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an essential part of any fall routine.
Follow your serum with a rich, nourishing moisturizer to lock in that hydration. Look for moisturizers with rich ingredients––think shea butter, ceramides, and fatty acids, which help to strengthen your skin’s barrier and keep moisture from escaping.
4. Don’t Forget Your SPF
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can toss your sunscreen. While the intensity of the sun may feel less harsh, UV rays are still present and can cause skin damage year-round. Make sure to add an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your daily skincare collection, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Opt for a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients to prevent it from feeling drying or chalky under makeup or on bare skin.
5. Adjust Your Diet for Skin Health
Fall brings hearty, comforting foods, but don’t forget that what you eat affects your skin as well. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in healthy skin foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Incorporate more seasonal produce rich in antioxidants, such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. These not only nourish your body but also help fight inflammation and improve your skin’s radiance.
Hydration from within is also crucial, so even though the temperatures may drop––keep sipping water throughout the day! Herbal teas are another great option for staying hydrated while adding some cozy fall vibes to your routine.
Keep Your Skin Radiant, No Matter the Weather
As we bundle up in cozy sweaters and sip on warm lattes, it’s important not to neglect our skin. Fall can be a tricky time for maintaining a glowing complexion, but with a few thoughtful adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season long. By switching to gentle cleansers, staying on top of hydration, and protecting your skin from the elements (yes, including UV rays), you’ll help your skin transition seamlessly into the cooler months. Give your skin the TLC it deserves this fall, and it’ll reward you with a luminous, soft glow, no matter how chilly it gets outside.