Fall has arrived, which means it’s time to break out the layers. I don’t just mean cardigans and scarves. You’ll also need to make sure your skin is adequately layered with products that will protect you from the elements. Transitioning to a fall skincare routine can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a skincare newbie. Below are five recommendations for easing your skin into a new season.
Fall Skincare Tip 1: Cleanse gently
When you wash your face, how does your skin feel afterwards? If it’s tight and a little too squeaky-clean, that’s a bad thing. As temperatures begin to drop, your skin is already at risk for dryness, so the last thing you want your face to be is taut. If you strip your skin of too much of its natural oils, it’ll lead to a host of problems, including flakiness and breakouts.
Personally, I do a double-cleanse. First, I reach for an oil-based cleanser, balm, or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen. Currently, I use the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm to remove my war paint and SPF for the day. It’s not greasy and is even effective on the most indelible of lip tints and mascaras.
For my second cleanse, I’ve been using the water-based Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Daily Facial Cleanser to take care of the residue from step one and provide a deep clean without stripping too much natural oil from my skin. It’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and formulated with 90% naturally derived ingredients. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and never dried out.
Fall Skincare Tip 2: Make friends with moisturizer
During brisk fall days, your skin will need moisture more than ever. Cold, dry air can lead to flaking and dullness. As summer fades away for another year, you’ll want to swap your lightweight moisturizer for a heavier formula that’ll strengthen your moisture barrier and protect you from fall’s nastiest elements.
Even if your skin is more on the oily side (like me!) you can’t pass on this step. Contrary to what you may believe, skimping on moisturizer will prompt your skin to create more oil to compensate for the deficit in moisture, potentially leading to breakouts. Of course, it’s important to opt for a moisturizer that best suits your skin type.
Lately, I’ve been reaching for the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly. It’s thicker than my watery go-to summer moisturizer but it doesn’t weigh my skin down. Its sticky texture (it is a jelly) may be off-putting at first, but it dries nicely without leaving any residue behind. Plus, it offers pollution protection, which is especially ideal for anyone who lives in a major metropolitan area. No matter your skin type, this is an excellent fall skincare option.
Fall Skincare Tip 3: Put a sheet mask on it
In October, masks are for more than just Halloween. Sheet masking is a relatively inexpensive way to pamper yourself while treating your skin to extra nutrients and hydration. They’re infused with essence, which are specially formulated treatments that target specific skin needs. For fall, you’ll want to look for sheet masks that specialize in (surprise) moisture and brightening.
For moisturizing, one of my favorite sheet masks is the Lululun 7 Days Blue Moisture Rich Sheet Mask. Formulated with ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and royal jelly, this mask is so nourishing that you often won’t have to follow up with a separate moisturizer. All it takes is 10 minutes, which is perfect if you need a quick mask session before work or want to expedite your routine before bedtime.
Meanwhile, in terms of brightening masks, I’ve had luck with the MediHeal Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask EX. It contains vitamin C, tocopheryl acetate, and γ-oryzanol to brighten your complexion while evening out skin tone. For best results, use this mask several times per week.
Fall Skincare Tip 4: Don’t forget your sunscreen
As Baz Luhrmann’s 1999 hit says, Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen). Just because you’ll be seeing less of the sun than you did over the summer doesn’t mean you should totally ditch this step for fall. Wearing sunscreen daily will prevent the onset of fine lines and dark spots. Most importantly, it’ll reduce your risk of melanoma.
One of my favorite sunscreens is the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++. The SPF means it’ll shield you from UVB rays (the ones that make you burn) while the PA will protect you from UVA rays (which cause premature aging).
Despite being a thicker formula, it doesn’t leave a white cast. Plus, it’s moisturizing enough on its own that depending on your skin type, you may not need to add a separate moisturizer to your daytime routine.
Fall Skincare Tip 5: Embrace the pumpkin
Honestly, I’d be remiss to not mention pumpkin in a fall skincare piece. This orange squash is meant for more than carving and trendy lattes. Pumpkin is also a beneficial skincare ingredient, with brightening and exfoliating properties, among other qualities.
I’m a fan of the Crème Shop’s Fusion sheet masks. Their Pumpkin Spice Fusion Sheet Mask combines pumpkin and cinnamon to create a mask that will even out and brighten skin tone while sopping up excess sebum.
It also contains hyaluronic acid, which is best known for being able to hold 100 times its weight in water. In other words: this mask will surely quench your skin’s thirst.
If you prefer to mask in your sleep, then consider Too Cool For School’s Pumpkin Sleeping Pack. Just slather this on before you get your eight hours and you’ll wake up to a more moisturized and brighter complexion. Best of all, it’s not sticky, so you don’t have to worry about messing up your pillows or sheets while you sleep.
The most important thing to remember…
The above product recommendations are what have worked best for me. Ultimately, you have to listen to your skin. Before trying any new product, make sure to patch test. It would also help to keep a log of your routine and take note of any adverse reactions your skin may have to a product or ingredient.
As the seasons change, what worked well for you over the summer may not cut it now. It will take some time to get it just right, but with patience and research, you’ll find the right combination of products that’ll suit your skin for autumn.
For further reading, check out The Little Book of Skin Care by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam. Whether you’re totally new to skincare or could use a refresher, this is a prime resource for all things beauty.
Now over to you!
Have any fall skincare advice of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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