Sorry guys, but summer is officially over. Labor Day has passed us, the hottest days of the year are long gone (hopefully), and now it’s time to transition to pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, leaves, and cooler temperatures.
And, because so many things change between the summer and fall months, it’s only natural that your skincare routine changes as well. What worked for your skin when it was hot and humid outside probably won’t work when it’s cooler and drier.
So, as we all transition to a new season, here’s how you should be changing up your skincare routine for the autumn weather.
It’s Time to Go Thicker
If you’ve been using a lightweight moisturizer during the summer, it’s time to move on to something a little thicker. While an oil-free moisturizer is great when it’s hot and humid, it won’t do enough to keep your skin hydrated when it’s cold outside.
Find a heavy moisturizer (this CeraVe moisturizer is a solid option) that will work to keep your skin looking glowing and healthy. There’s no such thing as putting on too much moisturizer when it’s cold outside. Your skin will thank you later, I promise!
Less Exfoliation
Exfoliation is great when it’s sticky and warm, but it can cause problems in cold weather. It’s a good idea to cut back on products that can irritate the skin, such as retinols and peels.
In fact, if you exfoliate too much in the winter, it can cause cracks in the skin. So, if you exfoliate once a week during the summer, maybe consider doing it just once a month in the fall.
Keep Up the SPF
While you may think you can stop putting on sunscreen now that it won’t be 90+ degrees anymore, think again! You should continue putting on sunscreen every single day as part of your skincare routine, regardless of the season.
Find a great moisturizer that has SPF in it or simply put on sunscreen underneath your moisturizer. The sun can still affect you even if it’s cold outside!
Invest in a Humidifier
If you struggle with dry skin, it may be time to buy a humidifier for your bedroom. The moisture is sucked out of the air when it gets cold outside, which can cause the skin to crack or peel.
While you can’t really do anything about the moisture in the air when you’re outside, you can do something about it while you sleep. Using a humidifier can keep your skin looking hydrated and prevent irritation. Plus, you can find good humidifiers for less than $50 (this one from Amazon has great reviews).
Keep Your Lips Moisturized
If you don’t already have a lip balm habit, it may be a good idea to keep a lip moisturizer in your purse or car throughout the fall and winter. In fact, one of the first places your skin will start to crack when it’s cold outside is your lips, so it’s important to always keep them hydrated.
And no, you don’t have to go out and buy some fancy lip moisturizer — Aquaphor or Vaseline will work just fine!
