Here's Exactly How Your Skincare Routine Should Change As We Head Into Fall
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Fall is almost here! That means gathering the best info on fall boots you'll want to strut in, or hopping on board the biggest tattoo trends that beg you to go all out. Regardless of your goals for this new season, one thing's for sure: your skin deserves all the juicy, moisturizing products to stay hydrated throughout the cold seasons. While summer calls for SPF and lightweight moisturizer, fall has its very own checklist for skincare essentials. Rather than carrying the same products all year round, opt for a brand-new fall skincare routine.
Out of all the changes fall brings, the most obvious one is a lack of humidity. We're no longer basking in the sun or going to the pool, but trading them out for apple picking and wearing scarves to cover our ears. According to dermatologist Dr. S. Tyler Hollmig, "For this reason, we see more eczema and skin irritation in the fall and winter than any other time of year," he explained to Everyday Health.
That's why it's so important to introduce the most hydrating products to your skincare routine, to worry less about dry patches and irritated skin and focus instead on the color-changing leaves (and, y'know, everything else there is to love about fall). We've rounded up exactly how to tweak your skincare routine for fall, with tips on throwing out old products, replacing them with new ones, and making the most out of what you already have.
Throw out lightweight moisturizers for thick and hydrating ones
The summer heat can handle a lightweight moisturizer, but fall can't. If you've used what's left of your summer lotion, opt for a thick and hydrating moisturizer for the cooler months. More specifically, search for products that contain ingredients like elastin, collagen, and aloe. According to cosmetic chemist Ann Lee, these specific ingredients are great for sensitive skin and the dry patchiness it faces during colder seasons. "Nourish your skin with elastin and collagen to aid in the recovery process," she explained to Real Simple. "Coat your skin with cold-processed aloe and thicker creams as your skin builds and exfoliates."
If you don't suffer from hyper-sensitive skin, a thick moisturizer should suit you well. From low- to high-end, some great examples of hydrating moisturizers include Pond's Dry Skin Cream Facial Moisturizer ($7), Versed's Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream ($18), and First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream ($29). For body lotion (because yes, your arms and legs matter too!), try out some options like Nivea's Moisturizing Cream ($14), Aveeno's Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Body Cream ($16), and EltaMD's Moisture-Rich Body Creme ($33). Once you find a moisturizer and lotion that work well for you, you'll likely stick to them through the cold seasons.
Incorporate a serum into the mix
After finding the perfect moisturizer, it's time to find her perfect match: serum. Serums deliver unique and effective ingredients to the skin, those of which are essential for the fall. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, "Serums are skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin," he explained to Today. "There are many different types of serums on the market that perform different jobs, ranging from hydration to skin brightening." Depending on what skin concerns you're interested in targeting, a hydrating serum can tackle a laundry list of issues while keeping skin moisturized during the cold months.
With serums in mind, it's best to look for products that contain a number of antioxidants, botanicals, and water. From anti-aging to thirst-quenching, some of the best serums include FAB Skin Lab's Retinol Serum ($58), Clinique's Pore Refining Correcting Serum ($56), and Neutrogena's Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($22.49). Depending on what your concerns and price point are, any of these serums can protect you from dry and itchy skin while giving you a luminescent glow. For optimal results, incorporate serums into your moisturizer mixture and apply twice a day.
Hydrate lips and under eyes
It's not fall without cracked lips and dry under eyes. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia Tzu, the transition from hot to cold will be easier with eye and lip creams on hand. "Our skin does not like sudden transitions, and by adding lip and eye creams, it helps with this transition," she explained to Real Simple. Any protection for the eyes and lips can help, like Aquaphor's Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment ($13). If you're willing to go even more glamorous, Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask ($24) can be worn overnight for intense hydration and reparative healing.
For eye creams, the list of effective products is endless. From low- to high-end, some of the most popular eye creams include CeraVe's Eye Repair Cream ($14), Glow Recipe's Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream ($38), and Chanel's Revitalizing Eye Cream ($80). Regardless of which products you choose, make sure you're consistent with your routine, committing to it twice a day, and prepping your skin effectively before makeup application. We can't wait to see you glow this fall!