5 Common Sense Fall Skincare Tips to Help You Transition to Autumn

The transition from summer to fall (and into winter) can wreak havoc on your skin. During this time, it’s important to take really good care of your skin and that usually means making a few product switches in your skincare routine. The colder temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating strip the skin barrier, making it more difficult to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking bright and hydrated. This can lead to dry flaky skin and dullness. So today, we’re sharing a few effective skincare tips to help you transition from summer to fall and into winter.

In addition to switching up your skincare routine, if you’re looking for new fall makeup finds, be sure to read this post for some fresh ideas!

5 Common Sense Fall Skincare Tips to Help You Transition to Autumn

Fall Skincare Tips

As summer’s steamy and humid temps slowly turn into earlier sunsets and cooler, drier air, the change in weather has a larger impact on our skin than you might think. When the seasons change, your skin is one of the first organs to feel the effects. Skin becomes drier, flakier, and itchier. It’s a subtle dance between summer and fall. One day it’s toasty enough for a tank top and the next day you’re reaching for a moto jacket. So, if you think about it, it really is important to change up your skincare routine. It can mean the difference in maintaining healthy, happy skin year-round. Here are 5 common sense skincare tips to help you transition to fall.

Use A Gentle Cleanser

One of the most important things you can do for your skin as you transition from summer to fall is to reevaluate your skincare products. Undoubtedly, most of them work great for your skin type, skin tone, and skin health during the summer, but they might not be ideal for fall and winter skincare. Case in point, your skin cleanser. Consider making a more gentle cleanser part of your fall skincare routine. Erin’s favorite is the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm. A team favorite is this Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser from Tatcha.

Consider Thicker Moisturizer

Most summertime moisturizers are super lightweight, which works well for the hot and humid weather. But as you transition to fall and cooler weather, you’ll want to switch to a richer, thicker moisturizer. A more emollient formula will keep your skin hydrated, create a protective skin barrier, lock in moisture, and help prevent dry skin. Of course, you’ll want to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but using the right moisturizer will also keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. We linked a few options below.

Exfoliate

It sounds gross, but our skin tends to accumulate a lot of dead skin cells over time. Add to that your everyday dirt and grime, and it’s no wonder exfoliation makes such a big difference for your skin’s health and appearance. However, because the harsh cooler air of fall and winter can do a number on your skin, you might consider exfoliating no more than once per week.

Don’t Forget About Your Lips

Your lips can take quite a beating in the fall as the temperatures drop and the air becomes dry. Take care of them by using products that will protect your skin barrier and prevent damage, like the LANEIGE Lip Mask or APTO Skincare Lip Balm.

Protect Your Skin

Although the dreary, overcast days of fall and winter often feel completely devoid of sunshine, the sun’s rays are still powerful enough to damage your skin. Protect your skin with SPF and nourishing products. A team favorite is the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen!

Fall Skincare Routine

1: Cleanse

Start by using a gentle cleanser and warm water (avoid hot water) to cleanse your skin.

2. Exfoliate (but not every day)

No more than once per week, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and other debris.

3. Apply hydrating serum

Next, apply a hydrating serum to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and nourish skin during the fall.

4. Moisturize

Hydrate your skin and lock in moisture with a thick, rich moisturizer.

5. Protect

Finally, protect your skin, including your lips, with SPF and nourishing skin products.

Do you have any favorite fall skincare tips? Please share in the comments below!

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#1) Cut Back on Exfoliants

As the weather gets colder, it’s best to cut back on harsher ingredients, like retinoids and glycolic acid. Exfoliation, in general, is a tricky subject because it’s very easy to overdo it, even in warmer weather. Over-exfoliation can create tiny cracks in the skin barrier that lead to even more loss of hydration and inflammation. You’ll know if you’re going too hard on exfoliation if your skin is irritated, itchy, and red. To avoid that, use gentle exfoliants or masks no more than once a week. Cut back your topical retinoid use to three or four times per week. I’m loving the Kjaer Weis The Beautiful Night Potion right now, but here are some additional gentle recommendations to try.

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#2) Amp Up Your Moisturizer

During the dog days of summer, a light lotion or tinted cream may be enough to keep skin supple. But as soon as the temperature begins to drop, all bets are off. Keeping skin hydrated in the cooler months is the golden rule of wintertime skincare. To build a defense against dry skin, choose a rich, creamy moisturizer with humectants to draw water into the skin and seal hydration. One of my favorite splurges this year is the La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Cream… it feels like heaven! Other favorites on my vanity are Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and Clinique. To really amp up the skin’s absorption, use a technique that dermatologists call the “soak and smear.” Apply your serum or moisturizer after cleansing your face and patting dry, but while the skin is still damp.

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#3) Switch Sunscreens

During cooler months, it’s important to choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” since the SPF rating refers only to protection against UVB and not UVA light. Unless you’re outside all day long on a bright autumn day, there’s not much need for a sunscreen that’s SPF 50 or higher, since UVB rays are at a minimum. On the flip side, UVA rays—the long wavelengths of sunlight that break down collagen and elastin, and contribute to sun spots and wrinkling—dominate the winter months. What’s trickier is that because of the cooler temps, it’s harder to feel the sun’s effects on your skin. That can lead to serious sun damage without even noticing. Women of color and Hispanics should be aware of hyperpigmentation and must apply SPF throughout the winter months. So bottom line—don’t skip out on sunscreen! These are tried-and-true faves I use year-round.

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#4) Protect Your Lips

If you think a swipe of your favorite lip gloss or tinted lip balm will save your lips from getting chapped or cracked, think again. To maintain hydrated lips this fall (and into winter) look for a balm with healing ointments, essential oils or glycerin, like APTO’s Orange Blossom Lip Balm. Stay away from lip balms containing camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. These ingredients initially feel soothing, but actually dry out your lips and make the problem worse. As a self-proclaimed lip balm junkie, these are all in my collection!

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#5) Don’t Forget Your Body

When summer humidity ends, your face is not the only skin you have to take care of. Your body may start to feel dry and itchy, much the way mine did in my story above. The easiest way to stop the itch? Loading up on hydration from head to toe. I’ve recommended Kopari’s Body Butter in previous blog posts, and that’s because it’s that good! For drier skin types, heavier creams like Nécessaire The Body Lotion and Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream really quench and heal the skin.

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