Autumn is here and it’s time to make a few easy tweaks to transition your skincare routine from summer to fall. Read to find out the 6 things you need to do to set your skin up for success all season long.
1. Start a gentle exfoliating routine. We get it, during the summer you’re busy with vacation or the kids or a million other things, and it’s all too easy to let your skincare routine fall to the bottom of your list. But now that autumn is here, it’s time to turn over a new leaf…and by that, we mean it’s time to sweep away the built-up dead skin cells that cause your skin to look dull and lifeless. Exfoliation helps boost cellular turnover (the natural process where old skin cells are replaced by news ones) and keeps your skin looking healthier and more radiant. LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning is an easy way to exfoliate that only requires 10 minutes of your time every week. As a bonus, it also removes the peach fuzz that can cause your makeup to cake up or apply unevenly.
2. Swap your cleanser. Gel cleansers feel refreshing in the summer, but when the weather starts to turn cooler, they can strip away too much moisture from your skin—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin to begin with. Consider switching to a creamy cleanser that preserves your skin’s natural moisture barrier. And if you’re worried a cream cleanser won’t remove your makeup fully, don’t stress. Remove your makeup with a cleansing oil or balm first, then use your creamy cleanser to fully remove any trace of pollution or impurities.
3. Prevent moisture loss. In cooler weather, your goal is to prevent what’s known as “transepidermal water loss” (TEWL for short), which is when water evaporates off your skin’s surface, leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. First, set up a humidifier in your bedroom. Apply your favorite serum, then layer on a rich moisturizer or balm that locks in hydration by forming a barrier over your skin. Some people use Vaseline or Aquaphor, but we find that tends to be too heavy and sticky. Natural ingredients like squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil are great options for keeping moisture where it belongs, without leaving your skin greasy.
4. Don’t skip your SPF. Nope, just because summer is over doesn’t mean you get to skip your daily sun protection. While UVB rays (which cause your skin to burn) do weaken in the fall and winter, UVA rays (the sneaky ones, which penetrate deeper into your skin and cause aging and cellular damage) don’t weaken. Apply your sunscreen each morning and make sure to reapply if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
5. Target dark spots + uneven skin tone. In the summer, both the sun’s rays and hot temperatures can trigger the formation of dark spots, discoloration or melasma. Fall/ winter is the perfect season to work on treating discoloration, because the cooler temperatures make heat-induced discoloration flare-ups less likely to occur. There are several different approaches you can take, from in-office treatments like laser and IPL to Rx retinoid creams. At home, look for ingredients including retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide, which are all proven to help fade the look of dark spots. (If you have sensitive skin, we recommend niacinamide, because it’s less likely to cause irritation vs. retinol or vitamin C.)
6. Upgrade your lip balm. Fun fact: Your lips don’t produce any moisture naturally, so they can get super dry and cracked in fall and winter. If you’re still swiping on a waxy stick you carried in your beach bag, it’s time for an upgrade. New lip balms from Rhode and Alchimie contain more effective hydrators and anti-aging ingredients like peptides, to help your lips look plumper and healthier.
