If there’s one thing we’ll allow ourselves to be a basic over, it’s fall. How can you not? Between the gorgeous fall scents to the upcoming time with your family it’s maybe the best season of the year.
And fall fashion? We’re here for it.
One thing we’re NOT so pumped for though, is seasonal skin changes.
It’s that time of year where the air outside gets cooler and drier, and our skincare routines need some modification to keep up with the environment. Because drier air = drier, duller skin.
So how best to keep your skin bouncy and beautiful year-round?
As always, we’ve looked into it for you. We’ve got all the info you need to keep your skin glowing and healthy all year long.
6 Créme de la Créme Fall Skin Care Tips
To get the most out of your fall skincare routine, you’ve got to know how the changes in weather actually affect your skin. You don’t want to overdo it, after all—if you’re moving all the way from light skincare to slugging, but your face is only slightly more dry than in the summer, you might end up with a completely different problem. That’s not the move.
Everyone’s skin is different, and many of us are dealing with different types of weather changes. So, before we get into what to do about your seasonal skin change, let’s talk about what that change actually looks like for you.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Skin?
The biggest thing affecting your skin as the seasons change is the humidity. As the weather gets cooler, humidity levels tend to drop as well.
While this can be amazing for those of us whose hair tends to change styles in the humidity, it can also dry out our skin, leaving our summer skincare struggling to keep up. Dry, cold air can also make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
But, it’s not just the air outside that’s stealing all your hydration—it’s the air inside, too. When you turn on the heat or kindle an indoor fire, the indoor moisture is sucked out of the air as well. So even when you get inside, your skin may still be suffering.
Don’t sweat it. We’ve got the ideas you need to stay hydrated and baby soft this fall and winter.
Here’s Exactly How To Take Care Of Your Skin In The Fall
Get a humidifier.
The first thing you can do to combat the dry air for your skin is to LITERALLY combat the dry air. Put some humidity back into your life. Your skin will thank you.
Lauryn’s so obsessed with this humidifier, she actually designed her own. It was limited edition but you can still get the bedside humidifier AND a TSC aroma diffuser from the Canopy, and they really work.
Adjust your skincare routine: products.
As the air gets drier both inside and out, we need to boost our skincare products to add and lock in moisture.
Let’s start at the beginning: You’ll need a fragrance-free cleanser, like this one Lauryn loves, that gently removes makeup and environmental residue from your face.
It’s a good idea to get fragrance-free body wash as well. Even if your skin type isn’t sensitive, you’ll have more sensitive skin in the fall/winter. Fragrances and sensitive skin do NOT get along.
After cleansing, follow your normal skin care routine, but consider swapping out your products for more hydrating versions. You’ll want to look for products with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream has both.
Reducing the frequency of treatments that dry your skin can help prevent weather-related irritation, as well as swapping light lotions for heavier creams.
As ALWAYS, you’ll need to protect your skin from sun damage by using a product with at least SPF 30.
HOT TIP: The best sunscreen on the block is the Caffeinated Sunscreen from TSC. It’s SPF 40, caffeinated, and super nourishing.
For a super moisturizing skin care routine, check out Lauryn’s Korean skincare routine or her go-to routine that she always updates.
Adjust your skincare routine: timing.
Remember, our goal is to lock in moisture. To do that, we’ve got to have some moisture to begin with—you can’t just slap an occlusive on dry skin and expect your skin to be hydrated. It’s simply not going to work.
Utilize the moisture from your shower if you’re not already—begin your skincare routine when your skin is still a little bit damp. Humectants (typically used in the earlier steps in your routine) will be more effective at drawing water to your skin when it’s right there to draw it in, and occlusives (potentially your final step) will have something to actually lock in.
Shower in warm water, not hot water.
We know, we know—as the weather gets cooler, the last thing you want to do is give up your steaming hot shower. But, trust us, it’s worth it.
Hot water is more likely to dry out your skin and leave you feeling like a sponge left out in the sun. So far from sexy. Turn the dial a bit and go for warm water, rather than hot.
Or you can take it a step further and go for a cold shower. We know that may sound like the LEAST appealing thing as the weather gets colder, but stick with it. Combine it with dry brushing beforehand and you’ll start the day with the most insane energy.
Stepping into a cold shower is a tradition in Kundalini yoga because it helps you override your ego’s desire to avoid discomfort.
So, when you take a cold shower, you already begin the day more powerful and more brave than you were before. You’ve told your body and subconscious that YOU are in charge today, and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
Plus, a cold shower can wake you up in the morning and give you benefits similar to a cold plunge.
Stay hydrated.
You may not be spending all day in the heat anymore, but you still need to be drinking plenty of water. Your body only has so much water it can give to your skin if you’re not replenishing those levels consistently. But don’t drown yourself in gallons of water every day, because it’ll flush your body of important minerals.
If you’re struggling to stay hydrated, there are a few things you can try to boost your water levels. Our bodies hold on to hydration best when paired with electrolytes. You can try this TSC morning spa water or this keep it simple like Lauryn and only add your favorite salt and some lemon.
Use a silk pillowcase.
Silk pillowcases are the GOAT for a lot of reasons, and your skin is definitely something that benefits from using one.
Silk pillowcases don’t retain moisture. Why is that important? If you’re going to bed with all your skincare on your face, and your pillow is absorbent, it’s bye-bye skincare & hellooooooo dry, rough skin.
Silk pillowcases, on the other hand, leave all the moisture and hydration right on your skin, where it’s supposed to be.
Plus, they are naturally hypoallergenic, meaning they are resistant to the types of things that might irritate sensitive skin, like bacteria, dirt, and mold.
The best way to beat dry skin is to prevent it.
As the weather gets cooler, make sure you’re paying attention to the subtle cues in your skin’s microbiome. If you notice it getting even just a bit drier, irritated, or more sensitive, it might be time to switch up your routine.
Can’t get enough of those autumn vibes? Here are some delicious recipes that’ll keep those fall feelings alive!
x, The Skinny Confidential
+ Learn more about fermented skincare here.
++ Looking for Fall recipes? Check out our favorites.
DEWY, FALL SKIN:
