Change up your skin care routine for fall

Finding a good skin care routine can be difficult, so once you find great products that work great together, it can be tempting to stick with them for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are many reasons to reevaluate and modify your skin care routine – and a season change is one of those times when a skin care overhaul may be in order.

Remember that revisiting and modifying your skin care regimen doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start from scratch with all new products.

You don’t need to change everything at once

Remember that revisiting and modifying your skin care regimen doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start from scratch with all new products. In the case of transitioning your skin care from summer to fall, it may simply mean tweaking a few products to get you through the drier, colder months.

Start with your cleanser

You may have been using a foaming cleanser during the summer to ensure you were removing excess oil and pollutants from your skin. During the fall, those pollutants are less likely to be a factor, and the cooler, drier air means a gentle gel cleanser, or even a lotion-based cleanser will be less drying for your skin. You can even use different cleansers for morning and night based on your needs. You might opt for a mild cleansing gel in the morning, and a gentle cleansing milk in the evening to help dissolve the dirt and makeup accumulated on your skin during the day.

Don’t skip the toner

You may think of a facial toner as simply a refresher for your skin, but it’s so much more than that. An alcohol-free toner can actually help boost hydration – a much-needed benefit when the air is drier.

Remember to exfoliate

A great exfoliant is a must-have all year round, but some people avoid them once the colder months come around, thinking they can be irritating. But choosing the proper exfoliant – for both face and body – can help remove dead, dull skin cells. This not only helps skin look more refreshed, but can also help your other products penetrate the skin to work better.

You may need a richer moisturizer – but you might not

Personalization is always important when it comes to your skin care; in other words, use what works for you. Many people find that their skin requires a heavier moisturizer to combat the drier weather. But for some, a light hydrating lotion is still more than sufficient to keep the skin properly moisturized. Again, you may choose to continue to use a lighter moisturizer during the day, with a richer night cream.

Drinking water is still important

It’s much easier to remember to hydrate during the summer, when it’s hot and you get thirsty. It’s a bit more difficult to remember to drink enough water when the temperature falls. Just remember that proper hydration is not just important for healthy skin; staying hydrated can help you remain more alert and engaged, and helps pretty much your entire body to function better.

SPF – also still important

We can’t repeat it enough; SPF protection is important all year round. It may not be “sunny,” but the sun’s rays are still shining, and those rays can damage your skin. You don’t have to use the same sunscreen you used all summer, but you should use a sunscreen on your face, neck, hands – any part of your body that is exposed when you go outside.

Don’t forget your body

In the summer, you want to keep your skin looking great so you can wear shorts, tank tops, and skirts. Even though your body will be mostly covered during the colder months, you still need to take care of the skin on your body. In fact, due to the drier air, body care becomes even more important. You can exfoliate and moisturize just as you would during the summer, keeping in mind you may want to use a gentle exfoliant, and possibly a richer body lotion as well to combat excess dryness.

Pay attention to changes in your skin

While there are changes that seem like no-brainers when the weather shifts, the more important thing is to know your own skin. If a heavier moisturizer isn’t working for you, go back to a lighter one. If you suddenly break out with blemishes, maybe you need a different cleanser – perhaps a lotion-based cleanser won’t do the job.

Remember that you can almost always get product samples, and many companies have money-back guarantees. You don’t need to spend a fortune every few months to give your skin care routine a reboot. Just pay attention to your skin and your skin care needs, and do your research.