It’s not just your clothes that change from summer to fall. Your skincare routine does too. After a long, hot season of outdoor activities, our skin is left parched and dry. That’s why we need to focus on revamping our skincare routines in the cooler months so that they are prepared for another year of sunshine and holiday get-togethers. Fall is one of the most important seasons for your skin as it receives its first layer of natural protection against the elements: a layer of earthy, protective oils known as Natural Moisturizers or Humectants. Think sap from poplar trees, walnut husks, and olive oil. These rich oils soften and condition our outer layers leaving them primed for more moisturizing action come winter time.
## Change is good – but not all change is good
Although it may feel great to switch up your skincare routine for the cooler season, there are some times when the opposite is true. In the spring and summer months, you want to focus on keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized because it’s more open to the elements. But when the winter months arrive, your skin’s needs are very different. The weather is less humid, so it’s important to focus on keeping your skin hydrated and your pores unclogged so that you don’t get overly dry. If you’re looking for an update in your skincare routine, you’re in luck! Here are a few ways to update your routine during the transition from summer to fall.
## Focus on the fundamentals
Despite what you may have seen, you don’t need to break out your blender and start mixing potions to create the next big skincare trend. You should keep it SIMPLE! But that doesn’t mean that you need to ditch your routine completely. Instead, focus on the fundamentals of your skincare routine, keeping what works and tweaking what doesn’t. Every year, dermatologists and makeup artists weigh in on the best skincare products. They’re the experts who know what works best for most people. So if you get recommendations from friends or follow the beauty gurus on Instagram, trust them!
## Add skin care essentials
As the weather cools off, your skin needs to be prepared with a more nourishing moisturizer than the Humectants we used to protect it in the summer months. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a few herbal and citrus ingredients during this time of year. There’s no better time to try rose and neroli scented oils, winter citrus extracts, or minty herbals such as eucalyptus and rosemary.
## Pump up the power of your routine
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous this fall, try adding an extra pump to your skincare routine. You might not need it, but why not see what happens? Vitamin C serums, retinoids, and AHAs are great for both the skin and the eyes so why not amp up their power? The same goes for your cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Why stick to the same old products when you can try something new?
## Know your KSHOs
There are a few key skincare issues that will change as the seasons change. For example, you’ll need to keep your pores unclogged in the winter months. This can be done with a heavier, richer moisturizer such as a hydrating cream. In the spring, you’ll want to focus more on keeping your skin hydrated and also reviving your skin with some gentle scrubbing action. That’s where KSHOs come in. They’re a great way to gently exfoliate your skin while also boosting its turnover.
## Slip in some sparkle
There’s nothing like a little extra sparkle to brighten your day. In the fall, you want to make sure that you’re adding some minerals and antioxidants to your routine. You can do this by mixing in a few mini-MRCs, mixing in a few mini-VITs, or adding some turmeric and rosewater scented oils.
A few mini-MRCs include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Look for ingredients like these in serums, oils, and moisturizers.
## Slip in some scented slip and scented oils
Throughout the year, you’re going to be adding a few scented oils to your skincare routine. In the fall, you can choose from a selection of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger scented oils.
You can also choose from a selection of orange, apple, and pear scented oils for a more seasonal twist on your favorite scent.
You can also choose from lemon, grapefruit, and lime scented oils.
These citrus scents are great for boosting your immune system and preventing against colds.
You can also try rose, frankincense, and myrrh scented oils. These oils have been used in healing rituals for centuries and have been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also great for reducing stress and improving mood.
## Slip in SLS-free alternatives
There are a few skincare ingredients that are great to have in your routine, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you’re putting on your face. SLS-free cleansers and toners are great, but you shouldn’t rely on them as the only cleanser and toner in your routine. You should also have a SLS-free moisturizer and a SLS-free serum in your routine at all times. SLS has been proven to strip our skin of its natural oils, so it’s important to always have a non-SLS alternative in your routine.
## Bottom line
The changes that happen in your skincare routine from summer to fall are just another way to show the people in your life how much you care about them. Fall is all about bringing the family together for holiday get-togethers and sharing the moments with loved ones and friends. So let your skin be the bridge between you and the people you care about most.
