As the leaves change colour and the days get cooler, we inevitably start to notice that our skin changes too. It is not as dewy and hydrated as it was when the humidity of summer was still in the air.
With temperatures dropping outside and the heat turning on inside, moisture is being removed from the air and our skin is beginning to feel dry and lackluster. Add to the mix that COVID has us wearing masks (some of us all day) and washing and sanitizing our hands non-stop!
The good news is, if you already have a skincare regime that has been working for you, you may only need to add or change one product to see a difference in your skin. Below is a list of products and ingredients that you can try adding to your skincare regime for fall.
Cream Cleanser
Who doesn’t love the feel of squeaky-clean skin? When the cooler weather sets in, it’s time to switch to a cream-based cleanser. Cream cleansers not only remove impurities, makeup and oil but they are much more hydrating and gentler than foaming gels. People with normal to dry skin types will really benefit from adding a cream cleanser to their daily skincare routine!
Hyaluronic Acid
I recommend hyaluronic acid to all my clients – whether their skin is oily, combination, dry or normal. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our body and the largest amounts are found in our skin. HA can hold 1,000 times its weight in water – seeking out and binding to water molecules in the air. This, in turn, keeps skin plump and hydrated! Adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your regime will also enhance the protective barrier (hydrolipid barrier) on the surface of your skin.
Face Oil
Face oil is an excellent addition to your skincare routine, especially in the fall and winter months. Face oil is an emollient that lubricates the skin’s surface and guards the barrier function. Emollients lie on top of the skin’s surface and prevent dehydration by trapping water and decreasing transepidermal water loss.
When looking for a face oil it is important to know your skin type and what oils will work best for you. Some oils will be too heavy and can cause or worsen the development of comedones (black heads) on the skin. If you already have oily or acne-prone skin then you will want to look for a face oil that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) with ingredients like squalane and jojoba oil. Those with dryer skin can go with a heavier face oil that will help prevent dehydration.
When applying at night, face oil is the last step in your regime. In the morning, face oil is second last – sunscreen is always the last step!
Night Moisturizer
I am a big fan of using a heavier moisturizer at night – especially for those who have normal, dry or dehydrated skin. It doesn’t have to be a thick cream, but it should be one that contains hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil) that will help repair your skin from the environmental aggressors of the day. During the night our skin goes into repair mode. It is more permeable than in the daytime, therefore more receptive to the skincare products we apply. The downside to being more permeable is that skin is more susceptible to water loss. We need to make sure we are adding enough moisture to our skin so that we are maximizing its renewal process.
Lip Scrub and Lip Conditioner
I always feel like the lips get left behind in the cold months, but they are always the first part of the face to get flaky and chapped. Getting your lips to feel soft and hydrated is not a lost cause but it does take some consistent effort. I recommend starting with either a lip scrub or a damp washcloth to remove any dead, flaky skin. This will allow the lip conditioner to penetrate the skin better. Apply the scrub (or washcloth) and gently rub in small circular motions on the lips for about 1 minute. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and then apply a lip conditioner. Tip: The border of our lips (and just outside the lip line) tend be the driest. At night, apply lip conditioner outside the border of the lip line to help this area stay hydrated and smooth.
