Beauty expert Cora Gold wrote today’s post detailing how to transition your skincare routine from summer to fall. You’ll find that Honey has added her picks based on what she uses in real life, and also Cora’s expert advice. Enjoy, darlings!

Here’s How to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine in the Fall

Your skincare routine should change with the seasons. If you cherish a radiant and healthy complexion, adapting your beauty regimen is vital for keeping your skin glowing even as the air grows crisper. Here are some tips to smoothly transition from summer to fall. These minor adjustments will ensure your skin remains well-nourished and resilient as you embrace the beauty of autumn.

The World Health Organization highlights self care as a vital aspect of maintaining health, and skincare is an important part of this process. An individual’s ability to perform self care activities, such as monitoring skin changes and making informed choices about products and routines, is crucial for effective skincare and overall well-being.

Education and learning about your skin type and its needs are essential steps in building a routine that works for you. Knowledge about your skin’s unique characteristics and how it responds to different conditions is central to making good decisions and practicing effective self care.

Investing in a skincare routine is an investment in your health and confidence. Individuals engage in some form of self care daily, and self care can take many forms depending on personal needs and preferences.

If you’re looking to dive deep on how to care for your skin, read How to Care for Your Aging Skin Without Covering it Up, and How to Care for Menopausal Skin, and 7 Surprising Factors That May Be Irritating Your Skin

Understanding Your Skin Type for a Personalized Fall Routine

Understanding your skin type is the first step to creating a fall skincare routine that truly supports your overall health and well-being. The World Health Organization highlights self care as a vital aspect of maintaining health, and skincare is an important part of this process. By taking the time to identify whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, you can address specific concerns like acne, irritation, or seasonal dryness more effectively.

Education is key—learning about your skin’s unique needs empowers you to make informed choices and avoid products that may not be suitable for your skin type. Consulting a dermatologist can provide helpful advice and guidance tailored to your individual concerns, ensuring your routine is both safe and effective. Remember, taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good; it’s about supporting the health and integrity of your body’s largest organ, which can greatly affect your overall health and well-being. By understanding your skin type and seeking expert advice when needed, you’re investing in a skincare routine that promotes both beauty and health.

A Fall Skincare Routine Starts With Gentle Cleansing

Fall brings a drop in humidity, and your skin may feel drier. Combat this by switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Look for sulfate-free products with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They will help remove impurities while retaining your skin’s natural moisture.

Honey’s Pick: Cleanse + Restore with Manuka Honey (I love honey products!) Soothing Face Wash has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews. User Rolinda said, “It’s soft on my skin and eyes also just the right amount of soapiness to remove makeup. I have been on a mission to find non-toxic skin and hair products!”

Gentle Exfoliation

Summer can leave your skin with a buildup of dead skin cells from sun exposure. Transitioning to fall is an excellent time to step up your exfoliation game. Opt for a mild exfoliant that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to promote cell turnover. Exfoliating once or twice a week will keep your complexion fresh and radiant without overdoing it.

Honey’s Pick: VASANTI Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator Exfoliating Face Wash Enriched with Papaya has over 2,000 5-star reviews. One user Jessica said, “I used to pay a lot of money for a high-end exfoliate that I LOVED but it got to be too expensive to maintain. That one also smelled terrible. This one smells just fine and works very well. My skin feels great and a little goes a long way. So glad I found a more affordable but effective product.”

Proper Moisturization

Your skin may lose moisture more quickly as the temperatures drop. Swap out your lightweight summer moisturizer for a richer, creamier one. Ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and squalane can help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Honey’s Pick: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba, + Squalane has nearly 5,000 5-star ratings and users rave how truly moisturizing it is without feeling greasy. Reviewer Kara said, “This may actually be the best face cream of all time. Especially for the price point and the fact that it’s CLEAN. Incredible moisture. Was blown away by how my face looked the next morning after using it at night, and it’s not greasy at all during the day. Will definitely keep ordering!!”

Chemical Peel

Summer can be a rough season for your skin, so you may be looking for a deeper way to rejuvenate. Chemical peels are a popular skincare treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin. It usually includes glycolic, salicylic or trichloroacetic acid and works by exfoliating the top layer of skin, causing it to peel off.

The process reveals smoother, rejuvenated skin underneath, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and sun damage, making fall the perfect time of year to try it. Chemical peels have various strengths, from mild to deep, allowing customization to address specific skin concerns. While they can deliver impressive results, it’s essential to consult a professional to determine the most suitable peel for your skin type and desired outcome.

Keep Sunscreen In Your Fall Skincare Routine

Don’t pack away your sunscreen just yet. While the sun may be less intense in the fall, UV rays are still present and can damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days. This crucial step will protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.

Honey’s Pick: I’ve been using Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for years! (Read about my journey with skin cancer here.) It is an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-greasy mineral sunscreen.

Targeted Treatments

Fall is an excellent time to introduce targeted treatments into your skincare routine. Consider adding retinol or vitamin C products to address specific concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and uneven skin tone. These powerhouse ingredients can help you achieve a smoother complexion, especially if sun exposure over the summer left you with dark spots or scars.

Embrace Hydrating Masks

Treat your skin to a hydrating mask weekly to boost moisture levels and obtain a healthy glow. Look for products containing honey, aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. This pampering step is a great excuse to indulge in much-needed self-care and can help combat dryness and revitalize your skin. It’s also important to regularly assess your self care needs and adjust your routine to ensure your skin gets the right level of hydration and care during the fall.

Honey’s Pick: I truly believe in the power of honey, and not just because of my name. It’s a magic potion! This deeply moisturizing Honey Mask is made with 38.7% real honey has a ton of great reviews. One user, Drea, said, “Best hydrating mask I love it! Leaves my skin soft and it’s very easy to take it off and smells just like honey!”

Don’t Skip Lip and Hand Care In Your Fall Skincare Routine

Remember to give your hands and lips some TLC, too. These areas are often neglected but can suffer from dryness as the weather cools down. Invest in a nourishing lip balm and rich hand cream to keep them soft and smooth throughout the fall and winter months.

Honey’s Pick: I’ve shared my favorite (and so inexpensive!) L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hand & Nail Cream many times over the years, you simply must try it!

And for my lips, I haven’t found anything that works like LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s nourishing and hydrating with vitamin C and antioxidants. Don’t just take my word for it! There are over 30,000 positive reviews! Ally said, “I love this product. My lips are always so dry and cracked. With winter approaching it only gets worse but with this stuff my lips feel nice and soft.”

More to Consider When Transitioning Your Skincare From Summer to Fall

Changes in the environment, such as lower humidity and colder temperatures, can influence your skin’s needs and the self care practices you adopt during fall and winter.

Diet and Hydration Are Important for Well Being in the Drier Fall and Winter Months

Your skincare routine isn’t just about products – it’s also about what you put into your body. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, to help protect your skin from environmental damage.

Include these foods in your diet:

• Cucumbers
• Fatty fish, like salmon
• Watermelon
• Avocados
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Sweet potatoes
• Nuts

Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking about 11.5 cups of water daily to maintain your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet helps support your body’s energy, which is essential for healthy skin and effective self care.

A Humidifier Is a Must Have!

Try using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. This adjustment can help you deal with the dry indoor conditions that often come with heating systems during the colder months.

Honey’s Pick: This Canopy Humidifier Plus Large Room Humidifier is pretty to look at and works seamlessly in the background. One review raved, “This Canopy humidifier drives moisture into the air without the annoying atomization. It works passively and you don’t know it’s there. We’ll made, love the color and shape. Very stylish.”

Lock in Your Skin’s Moisture With a Thick Body Lotion 

Like your face, your body can also benefit from a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer in the fall. Caring for our bodies is essential for supporting overall well-being, resilience, and confidence. Taking hot showers in the winter can be so relaxing, but they will cause your skin to dry out. Apply your favorite body lotion generously after your shower to lock in moisture quickly.

Honey’s Pick: Another favorite of mine that I’ve shared before, L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate: 48-Hour Hydration. Try it and thank me later!

Don’t Forget Wind Protection

Cooler fall weather typically brings gusty winds. Consider wearing a scarf or using a protective barrier cream on your face to shield your skin from windburn.

Honey’s Pick: I offer a whole host of scarves I love in this post, and there’s even a video where I demonstrate a new way that I like to wear them! And here’s a blue cashmere one I recently picked up. It’s SO soft!

It’s All About Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to looking after your skin. Set goals for your fall skincare routine, such as targeting hydration or reducing irritation, to help maintain consistency and measure your progress. Stick to your fall skin care routine, and be patient when waiting for results. It can take a few weeks to adjust to new products and habits.

Maintaining Mental Health through Skincare Rituals

Skincare isn’t just about the physical benefits—it can also be a powerful way to support your mental health. The World Health Organization and healthcare providers recognize that self care, including skincare rituals, plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health and preventing disease. Spending time on your skincare routine can become a mindful practice, helping you focus on the present moment and find relief from daily stress and anxiety.

Incorporating meditation or simple breathing exercises while applying your favorite products can create a sense of calm and control, which is especially helpful during uncertain times. The physical act of taking care of your skin can boost your mood, provide a sense of accomplishment, and help you manage worries about the future. By making skincare a regular part of your daily life, you’re not only caring for your skin but also nurturing your emotional well-being. Embrace these moments as an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and support your overall health—your mind and body will thank you.

Health Care Considerations for Your Fall Skincare Routine

As you update your skincare routine for fall, it’s important to consider your overall health and any medical conditions that may impact your skin. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of self care and working with healthcare providers to prevent disease and maintain well-being. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, can affect your skin’s appearance and function, so it’s essential to manage these with the support of your healthcare team.

Taking medication as prescribed, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity all play a role in supporting healthy skin. These habits help your body repair and renew itself, which is reflected in your skin’s texture and resilience. If you have specific concerns or notice changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist or healthcare provider for advice. By prioritizing your overall health and making informed choices, you can create a fall skincare routine that not only addresses your skin’s needs but also enhances your quality of life. Remember, true beauty starts with a healthy foundation—inside and out.

Develop a Seasonal Beauty Ritual for Fall Radiance

It’s vital to adapt to the changing weather and environmental conditions, and you can transition your skin care regimen from summer to fall with a few simple tweaks. Following these easy steps ensures your skin remains healthy, radiant and nourished throughout autumn. Embrace the beauty of this transitional period and enjoy the crisp air while confidently showing off your glowing complexion.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a skincare and beauty writer, as well as the editor at women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Have you found any special tips or tricks to care for your menopausal or post-menopausal skin? I’d love for you to share in the comments. 

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