How To Transition Your Skincare Regime From Summer To Fall
As we say goodbye to the summer’s stifling heat and head into the fall season, there are lots of things to get excited about. Whether you’re a PSL mama, a chunky-knit enthusiast, or have a penchant for boots (don’t we all?), there are plenty of reasons to love autumn. Along with cooler weather, fall also brings the perfect opportunity to reassess your skincare needs and overhaul your beauty routine.
To help you maintain a clear, bright, and a gorgeously hydrated complexion, we’ve created this list of must-know tips to ensure your fall skincare routine is as effective as possible.
Fall Skincare - Why Our Skin Needs Change
Naturally, the transition into autumn and the accompanying weather changes affect the way our skin reacts. During summer, the air is often more humid, helping the skin retain moisture and protect its barrier. As we move into the colder months and spend more time inside with heaters, many people find that their skin starts to dry out. When our skin’s barrier is disrupted and loses moisture, we can experience dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. "Adjusting to the new swinging temperatures and humidity levels creates a confusion period for the skin," says licensed Aesthetician and Avari Beauty's founder Kari Tribble. "Hydration is key, so making sure you’re drinking enough water is essential, as skin tends to dry out in the colder months." As well as staying hydrated, Kari also recommends using the Bella Aura skincare range, "I love the entire Bella Aura skincare line - all of their products have water within them to help the skin absorb more of its nutrients while addressing hydration."
Maintaining a healthy and happy complexion all year long can be challenging — but not impossible. It’s essential to tailor your skincare routine to the seasonal changes and your individual needs. For some, this means swapping out light moisturizers for sumptuous products that offer long-lasting hydration, and for others, simply opting for a more gentle exfoliation routine. Regardless of how you plan to enjoy this fall weather, here are some important skincare tips you can adapt to help your skin transition through the cooler temps and drier air.
Continue Using Sunscreen
During the warmer months, the bright sunshine acts as a helpful reminder to apply your SPF. But the lack of intense rays in fall and winter lull many people into a false sense of security — causing them to forgo their sun protection and open themselves up to skin damage.
No matter how grey and overcast the sky looks, the sun’s rays can still penetrate the clouds. In fact, UVA rays can penetrate glass, so even if you spend most of your day indoors, you should still apply a protective SPF. Not only do UVA rays damage deeper layers of skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, but they also cause premature aging and dry your skin out. Put simply; sunscreen should be a mainstay in your beauty routine no matter what time of year it is.
Opt For a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansers that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be a savior for acne-prone skin, but they also strip your skin of its natural oils — which can make them a little too harsh during the colder months.
To avoid exacerbating already dry skin, opt for gentle, creamy cleanser formulations that replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. In addition, you should aim to avoid skincare products that include harsh fragrances and additives.
Bella Aura Skincare | Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Introduce an Eye Cream
If you don’t already use an eye cream as part of your skincare regimen, now is the time to start. Sudden weather transitions, such as a drop in temperature and brisk winds, can cause the skin to become irritated and dry. In particular, the skin around the eyes is especially delicate and prone to flakiness and fine lines.
We recommend eye creams that contain ingredients to help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier during the colder months. To keep your pretty peepers protected during the fall, opt for a hydrating under-eye cream that helps keep dark circles and puffiness at bay.
Bella Aura Skincare | Instant Lifting Eye Contour
Ease Up On Your Exfoliants and Retinoids
Retinoids are renowned for stimulating collagen production — helping to plump out the skin and lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They achieve this by increasing cell turnover and exfoliating the outer layer of dull skin, revealing the fresher cells hiding underneath.
During the summer, humidity and warm temperatures help buffer the irritating effects of exfoliants and topical retinoids. Unfortunately, the cold weather of fall can dry skin out, making it even more susceptible to the irritation caused by exfoliating and retinoids. One way to counteract this is to limit your exfoliation and use of retinoids to twice a week during the fall and winter.
Layer Moisturizers and Serums
The most important aspect of your fall skincare regime is the moisturizer you choose. During the colder months, your skin barrier is more easily damaged, leading to cracks and flaking. A rich and creamy moisturizer can help preserve the skin’s moisture and stop it from drying out.
For the ultimate hydration boost, after cleansing, layer an antioxidant serum underneath your moisturizer. Be sure to give the serum time to sink into your skin before applying a hydrating moisturizer on top — this will help to lock in all of the goodness.
Bella Aura Skincare | Hydra Revive Treatment
Personalize Your Fall Skincare
Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all deal. When trying to work out the ideal fall skincare routine, it’s essential to consider your skin type and what factors affect it. For instance, if you have mature, dry skin and live in the midwest, you’ll likely benefit from a richer, more penetrating moisturizing cream during the cooler months. On the other hand, someone with acne-prone skin who lives in a temperate climate will probably find a lighter serum is more suited to their complexion.
The best way to keep your skin happy through fall is to pay attention to how it reacts during the changing seasons — and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. It’s also important to remember that you should give your skin time to adapt whenever you add a new product or adjust your skincare routine. It can take a few weeks to see the benefit of a new skincare routine, so be sure to use any new products consistently before deciding whether or not they’re working for you.
If you’re unsure exactly what products to use, or would like to develop a strategic skincare regime, consult with a professional. An experienced licensed aesthetician can discuss your concerns and accurately assess your skin’s needs, to provide you with personalized recommendations that get results!
