Essential Skin Care Routines for the Approaching Autumn Season
Autumn is upon us, and with it comes a change in skincare routines. As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, it's essential to adapt our skincare regimen to maintain healthy, hydrated, and youthful-looking skin. Here's a guide to embracing autumn skincare, focusing on rejuvenative skin care.
Rejuvenative skin care is all about keeping the skin well-hydrated, plumped, and functioning optimally. This involves strengthening the skin barrier to protect against cold, wind, and dry air while preserving moisture and preventing premature aging. Rich, oil-based products are often used to regenerate and nourish the skin after the summer months.
As the weather gets colder, a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of moisture is recommended. Switching to oil-based or balm cleansers is a good idea, as they are gentler and more hydrating. Physical exfoliation should be avoided in fall, instead opt for gentle acidic exfoliation to maintain skin health.
Salt water, chlorinated pool water, and air conditioning can contribute to dehydrated skin. To combat this, products containing humectants like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and hyaluronic acid are recommended for added hydration. These ingredients attract moisture and help maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Central heating can cause skin to lose moisture, so a richer moisturizer or adding a facial oil is recommended for autumn to target moisture loss. Thicker moisturizers have a higher oil content and act as emollients, keeping skin soft and supple.
Autumn is a good time to begin adding or increasing active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). However, it's important to introduce these active ingredients one by one as drier skin can sometimes be more sensitive. Overburdening the skin with too much layering should be avoided.
Sunscreen is still necessary in fall to protect from UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. Adding an extra hydration step, such as a hydrating spritz, right after cleansing is advised.
The sun can cause skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dehydration, dullness, skin congestion, and loss of plumpness. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial in maintaining a healthy, youthful complexion.
Lastly, don't forget to check products for expiration dates as fall comes around. Using expired products can do more harm than good, so it's always best to start the season with fresh, effective skincare products.
By following these guidelines, you can embrace autumn skincare and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion throughout the colder months. Happy autumn!
