Key Takeaways:
Hydration is Essential: As fall brings lower humidity, keeping your skin hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water and switch to a richer moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture and protect against dry, dull skin.
Exfoliation and SPF are Must-Haves: Regular, gentle exfoliation (once or twice a week) helps remove dead skin cells and reveals fresh skin.
Adapt your Skincare Routine and Diet: Introduce nourishing serums and heavier night creams for extra hydration. Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants to support healthy skin during the colder months.
While the fall season brings beautiful scenery and cozy sweaters, it can also be a challenging time for our skin. The shift in temperature and humidity can leave our skin feeling dry and dull. So, how to take care of your skin in the fall?
Let’s explore some essential tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during this transitional season.
Remember That Hydration is Key
With the change in seasons, the first thing we need to focus on is hydration. Fall often brings lower humidity levels, which can lead to moisture loss in our skin. This is especially true if you’re spending more time indoors with the heat put on high. So, how do we combat this? Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated from the inside is essential for maintaining that lovely glow on the outside.
But hydration doesn’t stop with water. It’s also important to switch up your skincare products. A richer moisturizer can work wonders this time of year. Look for those containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides—they’re great at locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier on your skin. If your skin leans towards the oily side, you might want to opt for a lightweight gel-based moisturizer. For those with drier skin, a creamier formula can be your best friend as we move into fall.
Exfoliate Your Skin
As the temperature drops, it’s common for dead skin cells to build up on the surface, which can leave us with that dull, tired look. This is where regular exfoliation comes into play. You might be asking yourself, how to take care of your skin in the fall with exfoliation? Well, a gentle exfoliation routine can help remove those dead cells and reveal fresh, vibrant skin underneath.
Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. For exfoliation, we highly recommend Alastin’s ReSURFACE Skin Polish, which has glycolic acid as a key exfoliant, it helps to dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, leading to a smoother texture and diminished fine lines and wrinkles, with Perlite, a volcanic mineral that lifts away impurities without irritating, providing a balanced scrubbing action. Its moisturizing properties also contribute to healthier skin.
And here’s a pro tip: when you exfoliate, follow it up with a hydrating mask and a brightening serum. This is a fantastic way to give your skin an extra boost of moisture and nourishment. We also recommend A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum by Alastin Skincare.
Don’t Forget Your SPF
Just because the sun isn’t shining as brightly doesn’t mean your skin is off the hook. Fall sun can still pack a punch, so wearing sunscreen daily is a must. You might wonder how to take care of your skin in the fall without sunscreen. Spoiler alert: it’s not possible!
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of skin, even if it’s cloudy outside. If you plan to be outdoors for a while, remember to reapply every two hours. Our all-time favorite is Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 by ZO Skin Health.
Modify Your Skincare Routine
As we transition into fall, it’s essential to reassess our skincare routine, as the products that worked well during summer may not be as effective now. To care for your skin this season, consider introducing nourishing serums. We recommend incorporating SkinMedica’s TNS® Advanced+ Serum. This powerhouse formula features French flax seed to support repair functions, marine extract for skin renewal, and green microalgae to enhance collagen and elastin levels.
Also, consider switching to a heavier night cream or facial oil for your evening routine to provide deep hydration while you sleep, ensuring you wake up with soft, supple skin.
Consider Your Diet
Did you know that your diet has a huge impact on how your skin appears and feels? It’s natural to seek comfort foods when the days grow shorter and colder, but eating a well-balanced diet is mandatory. You may be curious about how to take care of your skin in the fall through your diet.
To maintain the health of your skin, eat omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon and walnuts. Don’t forget the bright fruits and vegetables! Seasonal veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, turnips, and leafy greens are high in antioxidants, which can help your skin withstand changing weather.
Keep an Eye on Indoor Heating
As we mentioned sweater weather means cranking up the heat, it’s a fact that we all love to crank up the indoor heating to stay cozy. However, indoor heating can lead to dry air, which isn’t great for your skin. To counteract this, consider investing in a humidifier for your home. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, creating a more comfortable environment for both you and your skin.
Also, be mindful of how hot you set your heating. Keeping your home at a moderate temperature helps maintain a comfortable level of humidity, protecting your skin from excessive dryness.
Don’t Forget to Stay Active
Staying active during the fall months can have fantastic benefits for your skin, too! Exercise increases blood circulation, helping to nourish your skin and promote that healthy glow we all desire. As the weather cools down and the vibrant colors of autumn emerge, it’s the perfect time to incorporate outdoor activities into your routine. Not only does the fresh, crisp air feel invigorating, but being outdoors also allows you to soak up some sunlight, which can boost your vitamin D levels—a vital nutrient for skin health.
So, how can you take care of your skin in the fall while staying active? It’s simple: make outdoor activities a regular part of your day. Whether you choose to hike through scenic trails, jog along tree-lined paths, or take a brisk walk to appreciate the beautiful fall foliage, being active can boost your mood.
Fall into Radiant Skin at The Skin Center by Charlotte Plastic Surgery
Swing by The Skin Center by CPS, where our friendly team is ready to chat about how to keep your skin looking great during seasonal changes. Whether you want to boost your glow or tackle any fall skin concerns, we’re here to help.