As we transition from summer to fall, it might be time for a skin reset.
No matter where you live, autumn months are typically cooler and drier than summer. As humidity levels drop, your skin starts to lose precious moisture and gets drier, too.
These 6 essential fall skin care tips will give skin a gentle reset and help you prepare for the colder months ahead.
1. Do: Protect Your Lips
Fall and winter can be brutal on our lips. Cold, dry air combined with indoor heating and frequent licking are just some of the reasons why lips feel dry and chapped.
A good lip balm provides protection against environmental stressors (such as cold, wind and low humidity) while helping restore the natural barrier function. Use a nourishing lip serum at night to target dehydration while you sleep.
Try a Lip Whip Color Balm during the day to give lips the level of color you want without sacrificing the moisture boost they need. A gentle scrub can help remove dry skin and keep lips soft and smooth.
The skin on our lips is very thin and only 3 to 5 layers thick (compared to 15-16 layers on the rest of our face). Because lip skin does not have sebaceous glands or hair follicles, they are far more prone to drying out. This is why restoring natural barrier function and sealing in moisture is so important.
2. Do: Moisturize Often (and correctly)
No matter your skin type, chances are you’ll start to experience some dehydration and dryness as the colder, drier air moves in.
Most of us will need a heavier moisturizer —especially those whose skin is persistently dry, tight, and uncomfortable. The type of formula depends on the nature and severity of your dryness. Oil like this one from Le Prunier is great for just about every skin type —or try a nourishing face cream if skin tends to be extra dry and sensitive.
Dry and dehydrated skin might feel the same, but their causes are different.
Dry skin types do not produce enough sebum (or oil). Skin tends to feel dry, tight and flaky all year long. Look for products packed with fatty oils and butters (like shea) to help make up for the lack of natural sebum.
In contrast, dehydrated skin tends to come and go—even among those with naturally oily skin. Skin lacks water which leaves it feeling dry and tight. Too much sun, wind or cold, stripping or irritating skin care products, diet and lifestyle choices can all contribute to dehydrated skin. Drink plenty of water and look for a moisturizer that contains humectants (like glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid) and emollients (e.g. plant oils, shea butter and cocoa butter) to replenish lost water and prevent further moisture loss.
3. Do: Exfoliate Gently
Fall and winter is often when many of us start to notice dry, dull, or flaky skin. However, strong exfoliants can leave skin more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Choose a mild scrub that gently removes dead skin cells without drying or harming the healthy skin beneath.
Prefer to use AHAs? Try a natural formula like this one and limit use to once a week.
Our skin cells naturally replace themselves throughout our lifetime, but as we grow older this process slows. What once took 14 days as a child increases to about 28 days in our 20s and slows to 45 to 60 days (give or take) in our 50s. Exfoliating can help speed up the process. Avoid exfoliating too often or using harsh exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and even breakouts.
4. Do: Use A Nourishing Face Oil
When skin feels dry, irritated, and tight, sometimes your moisturizer alone won’t cut it. Those with super dry skin will benefit from layering a nourishing face oil under (or over) your moisturizer. Your skin will feel softer, smoother and more resilient with a natural looking glow.
5. Do: Continue Using SPF
Don’t stop using sunscreen just because you’ve traded in your sandals for boots. UV rays can affect skin during any season of the year. Even in the cooler months, the sun's rays can cause skin damage.
If you wear sunscreen under your moisturizer, opt for a lighter formula like Hynt Beauty Sun Prep which shields skin from harmful UV rays without feeling greasy or heavy.
6. Do: Hydrate Well And Limit Alcohol, Coffee, Salty, Sugary Foods And Drinks
Hydrated skin starts on the inside. Salty foods like chips and fast food along with diuretics like coffee and alcohol can increase water loss and lead to dehydration. They also deplete your body of essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for skin health. Try replacing salty snacks with more hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
7. Don't: Wash Your Skin in Hot Water
Long hot showers can strip natural oils further drying your skin. Try turning down the heat and apply a body oil or lotion while your skin is still damp.
8: Don't: Forget Your Hands & Body
People often don't notice their hands and legs are dry until its too late. Be proactive and start applying hand cream or moisturizer before you notice your skin getting dry.
9. Don't: Be Rough With Irritated Skin
Severely dry or chapped skin often has a compromised skin barrier. Keep applying your moisturizer and give skin time to heal. If you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, don't hesitate to contact your dermatologist.
We hope these skin care tips help you transition seamlessly into fall.
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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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