Want Fierce Skin This Fall? Here’s Your How-To
The cozy feels of autumn surround us - a cool morning breeze, amber afternoon sun, and *record scratch* dry, discolored skin? After months of socially distanced summer cocktails and soaking up all the sun we couldn’t during quarantine, our skin is about to reach its breaking point, if it hasn’t already. Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, sensitive skin or acne-prone, it's prime time for breakouts, dark circles, and fine lines.
Fall is usually a season when our skin goes a little haywire due to changing temperatures and residual damage from the summer months, and this year is anything but an exception no matter your skin type. #ThanksAgain2020. So what can we do to prepare our skin for the seasonal change and subsequent challenges? We’ve got some serious skin care tips for fall below so read on to find out to have fierce skin, from your butt to nipples and beyond, come fall.
I have a skin care routine that works, do I really need to change it?
The short answer is no, you don’t have to drastically alter your skin care routine from what it is now. Phew! The trick, however, is fine-tuning the details - but we’ll get into that momentarily.
No matter the season, all skin care routines should include the basic skincare products of a face wash or cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer - and in that order, we might add. With that said, everyone is different so if you use additional eye creams, lotions, capsules, spot treatments, or ointments, don’t think you’re doing it wrong. As long as your skin care routine works for you (and your dermatologist), cheers!
OK, so how do I perfect my skin care routine for fall?
Stay cool: First and foremost, keep using temperate water when washing up. While indulging in a steamy shower on a brisk day might make you feel divine, it’s not doing your skin any favors. Hot water corrupts the keratin cells in your skin. In doing so, the cells aren’t able to lock in moisture, leaving you with dry, irritated skin.
Maximize moisture: We use different products in the morning versus evening, so why wouldn’t we think about tailoring our products for different seasons? Since our skin tends to be dryer in the colder months, you might need to swap your summer moisturizer for a richer one. Be sure to keep using SPF sun protection, though, as up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still reach exposed skin on cloudy days. There's no better anti-aging serum than a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Seriously, it's even better than retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C serum! Plus, sunscreen is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer.
Swap your serum: Similarly, the serum you use in warmer weather is probably a light, brightening or illuminating serum. For fall, try one that targets dry skin for a one-two moisturizing, hydrating punch.
Pack on protection: A refreshing fall breeze quickly turns to harsh winter winds and our skin doesn’t much like cold air in general. Brisk air tightens our pores and reduces circulation. This decreases the naturally occurring oil known as sebum, which acts not only as a protective layer for our skin barrier but also helps trap moisture, helping with skin hydration. As humidity in these cooler months drops, the cumulative effect on the skin results in drying and irritation. To combat this, protect your skin through moisturizing balms like those found in our Self Love Trio. Insider tip: our Nipple & Areola Stick works wonders on your lips as well!
Remove your makeup: This may seem like a no-brainer, but makeup remover is a necessity no matter the season. Replace your summer choice with a makeup remover that hydrates to combat the colder weather. Stay away from makeup-removing wipes. They can tear at your skin, leaving tiny lacerations similar to walnut exfoliants (which we all know are a no-no). Instead, find a liquid you can use with a cotton pad or a makeup-removing gentle cleanser. If you have acne-prone skin, be on the lookout for active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid—but be sure to ask a dermatology professional before making any major changes to your acne-fighting routine.
Add an exfoliator: To stay ahead of all the ways dryness can derail our skin, try adding an exfoliator to your routine. Chemical exfoliants can be way too harsh for our skin and end up causing more harm than good. Exfoliate with something gentle like our Clay Butt Mask, also found in our Butt Stick Duo. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells, helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells, and boost collagen production, making us look plumper, brighter, and younger. Yes, exfoliation!
The Bottom Line
Despite the season’s aesthetic, fall doesn’t have to be scary, especially when it comes to skin concerns. A little self-love goes a long way and, trust us, your skin will thank you!