Hey guys! September is upon us with the last day of summer being September 22nd. After enjoying an amazing summer full of outdoor activities, travel and general shenanigans in the city, its time to start transitioning into the colder months (unfortunately). A change of season can mean a change in the way our skin behaves. This can mean an increase in dryness, more breakouts or your skin may appear dull. Did you know that breakouts can actually increase during the fall? This is because oil is still flowin but the cooler air creates layers of dead skin buildup. This ends up trapping oil and bacteria below the skin’s surface and leads to increased breakouts. But have no fear, I have a couple of tips and tricks below to help you out! I gotchu!
*This is just a minor thing to note, I don’t think its necessary to change your entire routine, but it is worth it to make a few tweaks to ensure that your skin stays as flawless as possible.
TIP #1: Change Up Your Cleansers:
In the summer, gel and foaming cleansers are great for deep cleaning morning and night, to wash away the sweat and dirt of the hot humid days. However, for the colder months, these may be a bit drying. A good rule of thumb is to use a non-drying gel cleanser in the morning and a lightweight, lotion-based cleanser at night. The gel will offer a deep pore cleansing, while a milder cleansing lotion will more effectively dissolve makeup.
TIP #2: You Need To UP Your Hydration Game!!
As always, make sure a toner is a staple in your skincare routine. Alcohol-free toners are a great way to give your skin the water and hydration it so desperately needs in the fall. Also there are a ton of mists out there too that help with keeping your makeup set and your skin hydrated throughout the day. Personally love the Makeup Forever Setting spray.
TIP #3: Look At Purchasing A Heavier Moisturizer
A lightweight moisturizer is enough for most skin types in the summer, but when the weather begins to cool down, it is important to apply something a little heavier to prevent moisture loss. If you’re using a gel moisturizer, considering switching to a lotion like Drunk Elephants Lala Retro Whipped Cream.
Another idea is to simply add an oil to your existing moisturizer for that added hydration. I like Biossance Squalane Oil. You can just mix it in on colder days.
TIP #4: Protect with SPF.
This may come as surprise, but fall (similar to spring) is a season during which a tremendous amount of UV damage is incurred. We often think that when the temperatures are cooler outside, the sun isn’t as harmful. Not true! While UVB rays (the ones responsible for suntans or sunburns) are not as strong in autumn, UVA rays (the ones that cause skin cancer and premature wrinkles) are just as strong as they are in July and August. Protection is a year-round job, so be sure to continue to apply sunscreen!
TIP #5: Exfoliate
In the fall, exfoliation is imperative to repair and brighten your complexion. Exfoliating is also essential for reducing breakouts, as it removes the dead skin cells that trap oil. Regular exfoliation will help lift skin discolouration (such as sun spots and acne scars), remove dull, tired, dry skin and encourage fresher, plumper cells to form. As per usual, my go to exfoliator is the St.Ives Apricot Scrub. I use this about once or twice a week, but I also have a scrubby brush (think of a Clarisonic with no batteries) that works just as well!
TIP #6: Change the type of mask you use.
Anyone that knows me knows I am a mask aficionado (or try to be) so you better believe I have a lineup change of masks for the colder months. In addition to my clay masks I use year round because my skin is very oily, I incorporate a few gel masks to help keep my skin from looking dull. I love the Rose Face Mask by Fresh, it has little bits of rose in it and it smells amazing. It leaves my skin with a cool refreshing and hydrating feeling. Cream masks are also added into my routine as I they tend to be thicker and help when my skin starts to flake (around my chin and mouth usually). Doing an Aloe Vera mask also really helps!!
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