Summer may be over, but the effects on your skin can linger long into the fall. From sunspots to dehydration, your skin deserves a little TLC to bounce back after those long beach days.
Fall is the perfect time to reset your skincare routine. It’s all about restoring your skin’s balance, rebuilding its natural defenses, and getting your glow back. Follow these expert tips to help your skin recover and look radiant all season long.
1. FIGHT SUN DAMAGE WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Sun exposure triggers the formation of free radicals. These free radicals are highly damaging to your skin. They attack skin cells, reducing elasticity and firmness. You can learn more about this process in our earlier post: What is Oxidative Stress and How to Fight It.
Your skin naturally combats free radicals with antioxidants, but after summer, adding more antioxidants to your skincare routine can help your skin recover. Look for products containing vitamin C, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, or Glutathione, which are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help restore your skin’s natural radiance.
2. EVEN YOUR COMPLEXION
Too many hours outdoors inevitably lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure stimulates melanin overproduction, which can cause skin discoloration. From using a brightening serum to scheduling an appointment for a depigmenting treatment, there are many options available to even out your skin tone effectively. Look for serums containing niacinamide or vitamin C for brightening results.
3. UNCLOG PORES
If you have oily skin, post-summer breakouts or clogged pores may be a concern. To counteract the oil overproduction caused by the heat, use a purifying serum or sebum-regulating products. Ingredients like salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and clay masks can help clear pores, reduce oiliness, and restore balance to your skin.
4. RESTORE YOUR SKIN BARRIER
The combination of sun exposure, pool chemicals, and environmental stressors can weaken your skin barrier. A compromised barrier leads to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. To restore it, play especial attention in keeping your skin moisturized and avoid the use of strong soaps. Peptides and hyaluronic acid among many other ingredients enhance skin health and help strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier.
5. APPLY A SERUM BEFORE YOUR DAY/NIGHT CREAM
Serums are highly concentrated formulas that target specific skin concerns, and they penetrate the skin more deeply than creams. Applying a serum before your day or night cream can enhance the benefits of your moisturizer. For fall, use serums rich in antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, or peptides to boost hydration and repair damaged skin.
6. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
This may seem obvious, but a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and stress management are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. A balanced lifestyle keeps your skin glowing and reduces the appearance of dullness, fine lines, and breakouts. Remember, your skin is an organ, and it reflects your overall health.
7. MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a popular treatment in fall, as it helps with post-summer skin rejuvenation. This minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of fine lines, scars, and uneven texture. It’s an excellent option for restoring your skin’s vitality after the damage caused by summer stressors.
8. CHEMICAL PEEL
A chemical peel can be a game-changer for fall skincare. Peels remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. They can help with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne scars. For fall, opt for a gentle or medium-strength peel to help your skin renew itself without causing irritation.
9. PRIORITIZE MOISTURIZING
As the weather cools down, your skin tends to lose more moisture due to lower humidity levels. This is why it’s important to switch to a more hydrating moisturizer that locks in moisture and repairs your skin’s barrier. Consider using products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin which boost hydration and keep your skin plump and healthy throughout fall.
10. KEEP WEARING SUNSCREEN
Even though summer is over, UV rays are still present year-round. It’s essential to continue wearing sunscreen daily to protect your skin from premature aging and UV damage. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply throughout the day if you’re outdoors.
