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Fall is a time of colorful leaves and chilly days. However, it could also bring unique challenges to your skin, such as dryness and occasional flare-ups. Fortunately, there are ways to retain a glowing complexion. Discover fall skincare must-haves to maintain your radiant look.
How Does Autumn Affect Your Skin?
As leaves fall and temperatures drop, your skin may start feeling dry. The transition to cooler weather means lower humidity, which can cause skin dryness, leading to dry, itchy skin and cracked lips. The drop in humidity causes moisture to evaporate quickly. Aside from the weather, here are some other reasons why your skin is drying out:
- Using fireplaces, space heaters, stoves and central heating can cause humidity levels to drop.
- Long hot baths and showers can strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness.
- Harsh skin care products and soaps can remove natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
Dry skin can manifest in many ways. It’s often seasonal, meaning you may only get it in colder months. Keep an eye on the following symptoms of dry skin:
- Skin tightness
- Appearance of fine lines or cracks
- Itchiness
- Flaky skin
- Scaling or peeling
- Deep cracks
6 Smart Skin Care Upgrades for Chilly Days
Seasons change, and so should your skincare routine. Support your skin as it adapts to the colder weather with these suggestions.
1. Gentle Cleanser
Give your cleansing routine a makeover. Incorporate a balancing cleanser that hydrates without stripping away natural oils and moisture. Choose a water-based product that contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
Product suggestions:
- BANILA CO. Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm: BANILA CO.’s popular product helps remove oil, dirt, makeup, and grime without disrupting your skin’s natural moisture balance.
- REN CLEAN SKINCARE Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk: This light, nondrying cleansing milk can soothe and hydrate your skin. It contains antioxidants that help protect against free radicals.
2. Toner
A good toner can help maintain your skin’s moisture balance. Whether your skin is oily and needs help eliminating excess sebum or dry and need more moisture, the right toner can solve your concerns. This product helps prepare your skin for additional steps.
Product suggestions:
- CeraVe Hydrating Toner: If you have sensitive skin, use this hydrating product. Its skin-nourishing ingredients help restore the skin’s protective barrier and calm it.
- Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner: Green tea extract can help heal acne and atopic dermatitis. This product is helpful if you have acne-prone or oily skin, as it can help calm redness and breakouts.
3. Exfoliator
Avoid over-exfoliating if you’re experiencing dryness and dullness, as this can only exacerbate your condition. However, the right exfoliator can help remove dead skin cells, helping other products penetrate more effectively.
Instead of using harsh, physical exfoliants, opt for a chemical version to help smooth skin texture gently. If you have normal to oily skin, exfoliate two to four times weekly. Alternatively, if you have sensitive or dry skin, once a week should suffice.
Product suggestions:
- Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Exfoliating Tonic: This product is best for sensitive skin. It has 8% glycolic acid and natural ingredients that help boost radiance.
- Cocokind Turmeric Illuminating Solution: The turmeric-based product contains antioxidants that help decrease dark spots and marks.
4. Serum
Serums are potent skin care products that provide extra nourishment and help target specific concerns. Consider investing in a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid this fall. Opt for a vitamin C serum if you have hyperpigmentation issues. It can help reduce dark spots and protect your skin from sun damage.
Product suggestions:
- Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate: This water-gel serum contains ingredients that help lock in moisture and reduce visible signs of skin aging.
- La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: Consider investing in this serum if you have dry, mature skin. It has anti-aging properties that make the skin softer and more radiant.
5. Moisturizer
Swapping your lightweight moisturizer for a richer formula is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prepare your skin for colder weather. Dry skin requires emollients and humectants to draw and retain moisture. A good moisturizer should remain the last step of your nighttime routine.
Product suggestions:
- YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream: This moisturizer from Yensa contains antioxidants that help decrease puffiness, brighten complexion, and repair the skin’s natural barrier.
- InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream: InnBeauty’s moisturizer provides various benefits for mature skin — it hydrates, delivers glow, and visibly firms sagging skin for a youthful appearance.
6. Sunscreen
Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean you should skimp on SPF. Radiation is still present despite the temperature drops. Choose a sunscreen that’s environmentally friendly and moisturizing, and be sure to stay vigilant on false claims and ingredients. In 2016, the Endocrine Society revealed that eight of 13 chemicals in the U.S. could potentially reduce male fertility. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, wear physical sunscreen.
Product suggestions:
- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50: This tinted, water-resistant sunscreen is safe for all skin types and the environment, protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays.
- EltaMD Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41: If you’re looking for a lightweight sunscreen that does well as a primer, consider this product from EltaMD. It’s noncomedogenic — meaning it won’t clog pores — making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Other Ways to Protect Skin From the Weather
Changing your skincare routine is only one of the many things you can do to preserve your skin health. Here’s how to enjoy the finest weather while having a radiant complexion.
Limit Hot Baths and Showers
Hot baths and showers might be relaxing but could worsen dry skin. Research shows that long and continuous exposure to high-temperature water can damage the skin’s barrier function, which is essential for retaining moisture. To prevent this, avoid staying in hot baths or showers for long periods.
Eat Healthy Foods
Seasonal fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that help boost skin health. For instance, butternut squash contains vitamins A and C — powerful antioxidants that support cell turnover and wound healing. Nourish your skin from the inside out and feel more confident than ever.
Enjoy a Healthy, Radiant Glow This Fall
Say goodbye to dullness this fall. Follow these skin care strategies so you can enjoy the great weather without worrying about skin dryness, itchiness, and redness.
Cora Gold
Contributor
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