5 Fall Skincare Tips for Keeping that Summer Glow

Written by ELLA i SKiN on September 17, 2022.

Cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets and the arrival of pumpkin lattes are sure signs that fall is around the corner. This means it’s time to talk skincare: fall skincare, that is. As the colder season moves in, skin’s natural moisture barrier can become weakened, upsetting it in many ways – hello dehydration and inflammation. Our 5 fall skincare tips are simple and easy ways to modify your current skincare routine, helping combat worsening skin conditions and keeping that summer glow during dropping temperatures.

The onset of colder weather is not only a time to swap out the summer wardrobe but also a time to transition into a fall skincare routine. With season changes comes new climate conditions like cold air, wind, decreased humidity and the use of heaters, which can exacerbate skin issues, making skin prone to dryness, irritation and excessive oiliness.

Fall Skincare Tips Made Easy

No need to stress over cold-weather dry skin because with these simple, natural tips, you can revitalize a dull, lacklustre complexion and keep skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Cue the glowing supple, summer skin now.

Tip 1: Get ahead of the Dry Skin Challenge

With indoor heating and lower humidity levels, moisture more easily escapes from the natural barrier, which can lead to dry, cracked and sometimes bleeding skin. Fall is a good time to switch up your moisturizer for something richer and thicker, as well as adding a nourishing facial mask a few times a week.

Some of the best ingredients for fall skincare products: butters (shea, avocado), glycerin, squalene, beeswax, fatty acids, evening primrose, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Tip 2: Multi-Purpose Serums

Adding a multi-purpose serum to your skincare regimen for an extra layer of protection will keep skin looking youthful and radiant, providing benefits like hydration, plumping, collagen production and nourishment. Using a serum that is designed to address multiple skin concerns is the perfect tweak to your current regimen without having to add extra steps.

Tip: Pairing ingredients like Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is a great way to draw moisture to skin while feeding it with antioxidants. May we suggest: HA Ferula – Hyaluronic E Dew Complex.

Tip 3: Sensitive Skin Needs Extra L-o-v-e

Fall’s brisk weather can be a shock to all skin types but can be especially tough on sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can be more susceptible to redness, inflammation, which can trigger conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Tips for preventing over-sensitivity and irritation:

Avoid products that contain fragrance or alcohols.
Use a gentle cleanser.
Try to avoid hot showers, which cause additional skin dryness.
Avoid toxic or harsh ingredients.
Moisturize daily. Applying moisturizer to damp skin to amp up hydration.
Use serums that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Products with natural oils are best, which help prevent water loss in skin.
Use a humidifier indoors.

Treat sensitive skin with effective ingredients like essential oils, marshmallow, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and evening primrose.

Tip 4: Phase in Retinol

Depending on the climate where you live, using retinol can be tricky in the summer months as it makes skin super-sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, increasing risk of burns, hyperpigmentation and damage. Fall is the perfect time, especially for retinol newbies, to work this powerful anti-aging ingredient into your skincare routine.

Anyone serious about youthful, glowing skin might want to consider using retinol. This multi-functioning, gold-standard ingredient has many benefits:

Speeds up cell turnover
Increases the amount of collagen produced
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces acne scarring and dark pigment
Unclogs pores
Smooths skin texture
Exfoliates skin
Stimulates blood vessel production

Although retinol is very effective at improving skin over time, it also comes with some nasty side effects. It can be very irritating to skin, causing flakiness, dryness, tightness, peeling and redness. Although the side effects tend to be temporary, improving as skin builds a tolerance, retinol is not a match-made-in-heaven for everyone. Always check with your dermatologist before incorporating a new product, especially retinol, into your skincare regimen.

Retinol products are not recommended for:

Sensitive skin
Skin conditions
Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding

If you’re new to retinol, don’t reach for with the highest percentage. It is recommended to start with a lower strength, such as 0.3%, and use 1-2 nights a week until skin builds a tolerance to it. It is important to always wear SPF and to not overuse. Listen to your skin.

Tip 5: Sunscreen. All. Year. Round.

Wearing sunscreen every day of the year is crucial to skin health. The sun’s UV rays, mainly UVA, are not blocked by clouds and can still damage skin. As winter approaches, sunburns can still occur at high altitudes (ahem… skiers!) and can also reflect off snow and ice.

“UVA rays remain constant throughout the year and can penetrate through clouds and fog. UVA rays can also penetrate glass, so it’s still possible to damage your skin while spending a bright winter day indoors.” – Skin Cancer Foundation.