As the vibrant days of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, it is essential to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate the changing weather. Cooler temperatures and drier air can have a significant impact on your skin, making it necessary to adopt a skincare regimen that hydrates and protects. Here are some tips and product recommendations to help your skin transition smoothly from summer to fall.

•   Switch to a Creamy Cleanser: During the summer, gel-based cleansers can help control oil and sweat. However, as the weather cools, a creamy or hydrating cleanser will help maintain your skin's moisture barrier. Look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

•   Moisturize More: Replace your lightweight summer moisturizer with a richer, more emollient cream. Ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter, and squalane can provide the necessary hydration without clogging pores.[1]

•   Hydrating Serums: Incorporate hydrating serums into your routine, particularly those containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. These ingredients can attract moisture to the skin and keep it plump and smooth.

•   Exfoliate Gently: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your skincare products to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, which is particularly problematic in drier weather, so it could behoove you to reduce the frequency with which you exfoliate. If you exfoliate frequently during the summer, consider reducing it to once or twice a week in the fall to prevent over-drying and irritation.

•   Choose Gentle Exfoliants: Opt for gentler exfoliants such as lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliants, which are less likely to cause irritation compared to stronger acids.[2]

•   Do Not Forget Sunscreen: Even though the sun may not feel as intense in the fall, UV rays can still cause damage. Continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful rays. Additionally, use a moisturizer with SPF or a dedicated sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine. You should also reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are spending extended periods outdoors, even in cooler weather.

•   Protect Your Lips: Chapped lips are a common problem in the fall due to the dry air. Opt for a lip balm with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin. Avoid those with synthetic fragrances or flavors, which can be drying. You can also use a gentle lip scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells and allow your lip balm to penetrate more effectively.[3]

Adjusting your skincare routine to align with the changing seasons is vital for maintaining healthy skin, and your primary care physician or a dermatologist can provide you with additional guidance. By focusing on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and consistent protection, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy and glowing throughout the fall.

[1] Mayo Clinic. “Dry Skin.” Mayo Clinic, 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885.

[2] American Academy of Dermatology. “Exfoliation: Tips on How To Do It Right.” American Academy of Dermatology, 2023, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/exfoliation.

[3] WebMD. “Chapped Lips.” WebMD, 2022, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cold-weather-skin-care.