Once you’ve found a skincare routine that works well, it can be hard to part ways with it.
After all the time and effort it took to nail it down, why would you want to change it………?
I completely hear you…….
But as the seasons change throughout the year, so must our daily beauty regimen because the needs of our skin change with the change of the weather.
In fact, the way you approach skincare and stock your bathroom cabinets should be somewhat similar to how you adjust your wardrobe and nail polish color from season to season.
………..I personally switch from light, pastel colors to warm and rich colors for the fall and winter – for both my nails and clothes.
I am not saying that you need to toss all your beauty products or start from scratch.
Just a few simple tweaks and swaps here and there can make a world of difference as your skin attempts to adapt to the shifts in weather.
With fall, the cooler, dry air often steals moisture from our skin……
…..Add indoor heating and hotter showers and baths (often taken in attempts to warm up), and you’ll probably notice your skin feeling itchier and more easily irritated!
For these reasons, as you transition from summer to fall it’s important to focus on adding in extra hydrating products and making sure the skin’s barrier is supported.
So, how can you do that?
Change up your cleansing routine
When it comes to washing your face, some cleansers can strip the skin of its natural moisture. You’ll want to be especially mindful of this during the colder months when less oil is being produced. Switch from a foaming cleanser to something light, natural and non-drying and avoid any cleansers with alcohol listed as one of the ingredients.
The Papillon Facial Oil Cleanser is my go to cleanser, especially in the winter. I love it because it works like magic to remove makeup and cleanse the skin but still leaving it hydrated and glowing. It is loaded with organic oils like Camellia, Rose and Argan, for additional nourishment. Simply apply 3-4 drops on palms and massage into dry skin in a circular motion. Rinse with water or remove residue with a damp washcloth.
Dial down exfoliation.
Exfoliating too often can also strip the healthy oils from your skin and therefore remove its defensive layer. Many of the exfoliating products out there can also be quite harsh, especially to those with sensitive skin. Dry skin (aka fall and winter skin) is more prone to irritation, so if you do exfoliate, it’s a good idea to consider scaling back a bit.
In general, you should avoid harsh scrubs (they are not only bad for your skin, but some are actually also bad for the environment! I am looking at you microbeads……) and opt for chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or something gentle, like a konjac sponge, to slough away dead skin.
Another option is to use a natural soap with exfoliants in it, like our rose body bar. The poppy seeds offers light exfoliation while the rich oils and butters in the soap leave your skin feeling smooth, silky and moisturized.
Boost hydration
Your skin needs all the hydration it can get in the colder weather, and fall is a good time to switch to a richer face cream with shea butter or something with hyaluronic acid to lock moisture in.
Also, if you don’t already use face oils, I highly recommend that you add them to your skincare routine during this time of the year. Oils create a barrier on the skin surface to lock in moisture and, actually some are rich enough to hydrate your skin on their own.
I personally only use face oils to hydrate and moisture my skin year-round.
Face oils are packed with powerful vitamins and antioxidants that mimic your skin’s natural oils and not only work to hydrate your skin but some do wonder to your skin tone, texture and fine lines. Always opt for high quality and certified organic face oils.
Read this blog to learn more about face oils and their benefits for the skin. The blog can also help you figure out which oil is best for your skin type.
My go to oil is Papillon Camellia Oil because it is light, non-greasy and is quickly absorbed into the skin, and it works for all skin types, even acne prone skin. I apply 2-3 drops in my hands and press it into my cleansed face. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant and glowing. You can even add few drops to your other favorite skin care products or body lotion as well!
Face mists can also be your new BFFs during this time of the year when your skin is in a much more fragile state. A nourishing face mist like the Rosewater Facial Mist is a natural hydrator that tightens pores, evens skin tone, soothes irritation to give an overall youthful appearance. Simply spritz yourself throughout the day or when your skin starts to feel a bit tight.
Protect with SPF
Did you know that major UV damage can occur during the fall season?
We often think that when the temperatures drop the sun isn’t as harmful, but that’s far from the truth.
While UVB rays may not as strong, UVA rays (the really bad ones) are just as strong as they are during the hot, summer months.
You’ve heard me say it before year-round sunscreen application is super important! Sunscreen is the one beauty product that I can’t leave the house without! My skin feels naked without it.
Find a good mineral sunscreen (not chemical) and use it every day of the year; even on cloudy days. Read this blog to learn about the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen.
Let’s not forget about antioxidants! They should be a staple in your skincare routine both in the summer and winter. Antioxidants not only help protect your skin from the sun and the environment but they also help repair and reverse skin damage caused by the sun.
A great way to add antioxidants to your skincare routine is with Pomegranate Oil. Pomegranate Oil is full of antioxidant and is super hydrating. I highly recommend it for people with very dry skin. I love to mix in a few drops of Pomegranate Oil with my sunscreen in for an extra boost of protection.
Don’t fret if your skin acts up
Transition is hard. So, if your skin starts to act up in the beginning, as it acclimates to the changes in weather and your new routine, be patient. It may take some time to adapt. This is normal.
If you’re worried about freak outs (especially if you have any big events coming up), take small baby steps instead of going “all in” at once. For example, change up one element of your routine every few days.
Stay hydrated
One of the most important (and easiest) things you can do for your skin, no matter the season, is to stay hydrated from within. When you’re getting enough water, everything just works better, skin included.
If you find this to be a challenge, consider investing in a reusable water bottle to carry around as a reminder, or look into apps that send notifications nudging you to drink your H20.
You can also infuse your water with fruits to make it more palpable. I personally can’t drink my water without adding few drops of orange blossom. Orange blossom adds a nice flavor without adding sugar or calories!
Wear lip balm
Our lips also take a beating when the temperature drops. Like the rest of our skin, they’re much more likely to be dry, chapped and sore during the fall and winter.
Carry around a natural lip balm made with argan or coconut oil (avoid ones with mineral oil as they tend to make your lips even drier!) with SPF to lock in moisture and protect them from sun damage!
Use a cool mist humidifier at night!
Indoor heating is very drying. Humidifiers can help to add a little bit of moisture back into the environment and are therefore especially beneficial during the colder months of the year.
For best results, keep a humidifier in your bedroom and turn it on when you sleep at night, as this is when the skin rejuvenates itself!
Feed your skin
Finally, we can’t talk about skin without talking about the foods we eat. Healthy, hydrated skin starts from the inside. Foods full of omega-3 fatty acids are great for your skin health and should be part of your diet all year but they are even more important in the winter. Foods like wild caught salmon, walnuts, avocados are your skin’s best friend for hydration from the inside.
Also, experiment with all the yummy winter vegetables and fruits that are full of vitamins and minerals that are super beneficial for your skin and overall health.
What kind of changes do you make during the fall to help your skin stay hydrated and healthy? Share your tips with us in the comments!