Fall skin care tips

young woman with flowers in her hair

Fall calls for cozy knits, colorful foliage and a change-up of your beauty routine. You might not know that your skin transitions from season to season, just as your wardrobe does, so as you swap your lightweight summer sundresses for bulky fall scarves, it’s important to alter the way you care for your skin, too. Here are some tips that will help you look and feel your best, all pumpkin season long.

Lather on the SPF
Don’t pack away your sunscreen just yet. One major mistake many people make as cooler temps arrive is foregoing the SPF protection they regularly applied during summer. Even though the sun may feel less strong, harmful UV rays exist in fall, and they can still cause burns, dark spots and even cancer. Use a daily facial moisturizer with a SPF of 15 or higher. And while you might be showing off less of your body in bulky sweaters and jeans, UV light can penetrate clothing, so it’s important to apply sunscreen to your torso, arms and legs if you plan to spend time outdoors.

Use an oil-based facial moisturizer
Brisk air can zap the skin’s moisture, so you should part ways with your summer products in favor of those that combat dryness. Lightweight moisturizers that are ideal for steamy, hot weather won’t provide you with the hydration you need in fall. Instead, select a rich, oil-based moisturizer and slather it on your face, neck and hands to protect them from the elements. You might also benefit from a serum that’s packed with vitamin C and magnesium, both of which have properties that can help your skin appear (almost) as dewy and glowing as it did during summer.

Swap out your body wash
If you’ve relied on the same old body wash – or (eek!) bar of soap – for longer than you can remember, fall is the perfect time to switch things up. After all, your face, neck and hands aren’t the only parts that suffer from cold weather dryness; pay attention to the rest of your body as well. Choose a moisturizing, gentle cleanser that won’t be harsh on your skin.

Limit exfoliation
For the most part, exfoliation is a good thing – it can help reveal smooth skin by removing dead skin cells. However, your face and body is more sensitive in fall, so it’s wise to limit exfoliation to just once per week in order to give your skin a breather. In doing so, its lipid barrier improves and is able to build collagen, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles and help you look more youthful – from head to toe.

Try an alcohol-free toner
When you think of astringent toners, you might equate them with dryness – and, unless you have oily, acne-prone skin, that’s the last thing you want when it comes to your fall complexion. However, alcohol-free toners are designed to seal in moisture and are ideal for dehydrated skin. After cleansing your face, apply toner with a cotton ball or pad, and finish with a moisturizing lotion or serum.

Banish blotches
Sun damage takes many forms – a common one is dark spots, or “sun spots.” If you have this hyperpigmentation problem, reach for a retinoid. Retinoids – also known as vitamin A – speed up collagen production and give skin an all-over awesome boost. Your brownish blotches will diminish, and you’ll also see a smoothing out of wrinkles if used regularly.

Rest your head on silk
Not only is a silk pillowcase the epitome of luxury, it also helps to improve your skin quality. As silk is a natural material, there are no harsh synthetics to irritate your already sensitive fall skin. Some experts even say that slumbering on silk can reduce redness, dryness and breakouts. The holiday season will be here before we know it, so be sure to add a few of these magic pillowcases to your wish list!

Get photo-ready with a facial
Erase all signs of summer skin damage with a BBL™ BroadBand Light facial. This intense pulsed light phototherapy will shave years off your appearance by stimulating collagen production, revealing firmer, smoother, more youthful skin. Other benefits include less redness and a reduction of unwanted dark pigmentation. Book your free consultation today and be on your way to a more radiant you, this fall and beyond!