As we make the shift to a new season, the temperatures aren’t the only thing you’ll notice a change in. The cooler weather that the fall and winter months bring can affect so many things, your skin included. Usually, colder weather means dryer skin — yuck! You’ll definitely want to make adjustments to your skincare products ahead of time to combat the changes. When the seasons change and you’re looking to change your skincare products accordingly, here are six tips to keep in mind.
1. Protect and Restore Your Skin
It’s a common misconception that you only need to wear SPF to protect your skin in the summer. The really hot days where you’ll be getting a lot of sun exposure is where you need it most. While it is true that the UV index is often higher in the summer, you shouldn’t neglect suncare during the cooler months. The truth is, sun protection is important year-round — rain or shine, hot or cold. So make sure you invest in a great moisturizer with SPF for fall and winter outdoor activities.
As you focus less on damage prevention in the cooler months, as you stay inside more often, you can switch your focus to restoration. Protecting against damaging sun rays can prevent signs of aging. The colder months are perfect for treating existing fine lines. Anti-aging treatments are often neglected in the cooler months because they’re forgotten, but it’s the perfect time to remember. When you stay inside watching movies in your fuzzy socks, put on a face mask or a few dabs of retinoid cream.
2. Stay Moisturized
As the temps begin to drop faster and faster, your skin is susceptible to dryness. This is why it’s crucial that you invest in a good moisturizer for the fall season. Many of the products you choose for your skincare routine should have hydrating ingredients. It really should be your top concern as the weather cools off.
When testing out new products, look for a thick cream that will provide a deep moisturization to the skin. Also, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They’re both great for locking in moisture to the skin.
3. Introduce Vitamin C
As mentioned previously, moisturizing your skin should be a top priority as it gets cooler (if not the top priority). The properties in vitamin C make it extremely nourishing for the skin. Using a vitamin C serum is one more way you can fight the dryness that fall and winter bring. It’s a great skincare product to have in your arsenal during the cold weather months.
Vitamin C is also great because it does more than just moisturize the skin. It’s also rich in antioxidants and boosts the production of collagen and elastin. Essentially, vitamin C can repair damaged skin cells and promote the healthy regeneration of new cells. The result? Reduced signs of premature aging on the skin.
4. Add a Hydrating Serum
As you can probably tell by now, moisturizing becomes so much more important as the weather cools. Between getting hot and cozy by the fireplace and cold wind on your face, the colder months are bound to dry you out. So, why not add a hydrating serum to your skincare routine as well? Serums have high concentrations of ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to take moisturization to a new level.
There are a variety of serums available on the market: anti-aging, brightening, acne-fighting, hydrating, and more. Although a heavy cream might feel like a drink of water for your face, serums are oftentimes more hydrating. Because the skin quickly absorbs them and they get deep into your skin, they’re extremely important. But in reality, the two products together make up a winning combo. The serum will only help your moisturizer work that much more effectively.
5. Use a Gentle Cleanser
In the summer, you may have been obsessed with a foaming cleanser or gel formula. As the weather cools off, you may want to swap this out for something more gentle. Foaming cleansers dig deep into the skin, removing debris and oil — something many people struggle with in the summer. In the colder months, some people tend to be less oily.
A very light formula or cream cleanser will be best for fall and winter. Typically, these cleansers also benefit the skin by providing moisture. You’re not only cleansing the skin in this case, but you’re also soothing, brightening, and hydrating it.
6. Invest in a Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has anti-aging benefits and can also help clear up acne. This powerful skincare product is a great investment; however, it does not interact well with the sun. Due to its photosensitivity, skincare experts will recommend using it at night. Otherwise, you might experience redness and irritation.
Fall and winter are a great time to introduce retinol since you aren’t seeing as much of the sun anyway. But remember — you should still always wear SPF! You won’t have to worry as much about your skin’s sensitivity if you introduce a retinol in the fall. Plus, it can be amazing for clearing up sun spots or any other imperfections you may have. If you’re disciplined about using retinol, it can give you the most glowy, fresh, plump look ever.
Pro tip: Since many people are sensitive to retinol, it’s best to start with a low concentration and work your way up. If your skin is reacting well, you can always increase the strength.
Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of a new season that you forget to modify your skincare routine. Fall is a beloved time of the year for so many and for a good reason. But if you’re not taking care of your skin, you might look in the mirror and be spooked one day. So, be proactive about making modifications, and you’ll be loving your skin all season long.
