Many of us don’t think twice about our skin when the seasons change, but we should. Some seasonal changes that influence our skin include shifts in temperature and humidity levels. This in-between period during the beginning of fall is the perfect time to adapt your skin care routine for the colder air. Here are some tips and tricks to add into your everyday routine, if they aren’t already!
Don’t Forget about suncreen
Sunscreen is easily overlooked in the months following summer, but it is important to continue applying sunscreen. While the UV rays are less prominent in the fall than the summer, the sunrays are still present in the fall and winter months. UV rays remain constant throughout the months and can still lead to premature aging and risk of skin cancer.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and try to look for a mineral and chemical sun protection offering SPF 50+ for the best protection.
focus on Hydration
Since the drop in temperature and humidity, we rely on radiators and heat to warm our houses, and while these seem nice and cozy, they strip our skin’s natural moisture causing dryness and dehydration. Additionally, the cold fall and winter air negatively impacts our skin barrier, leading to issues of redness and irritation.
When considering skincare for these months have a focus on hydration. Look for hyaluronic acid in formulas because it has moisturizing ingredients that can effectively rehydrate the skin. Another idea is adding a face mist to dampen the skin after cleansing or spraying it throughout the day to restore moisture levels when the skin feels dry. Lastly, try to find a moisturizer with a higher oil content to truly seal in moisture and reduce water loss.
Exfoliate less
During the summer months it may be an essential step in your skincare routine to exfoliate, but in the fall and winter months, over-exfoliating can leave your skin raw and damaged. As the air gets colder and drier, the skin responds by producing less oil, so there isn’t a need to exfoliate as frequently as in the summer months.
There is, however, a balance between exfoliating too much and not exfoliating enough. Try to exfoliate only once or twice a week, or maybe even switch to a gentler chemical exfoliant.
Try Adding Antioxidants
During these transitional months, the dramatic temperature changes (especially in the northeast) can lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation of the skin. Antioxidants can help to protect and calm the skin from environmental stressors. Antioxidants also have plenty of other benefits including: the ability to rejuvenate the skin, support the skin’s barrier, and prevent aging.
To incorporate antioxidants into your daily routine, look for ingredients like vitamin C and E. Some other ingredients packed with antioxidants include green tea extract because it helps keep inflammation down.
Hope these help you keep your skin glowing this winter!