As the leaves change and temperatures drop, your skincare routine should change too.
Just like you swap out your summer wardrobe for cozy sweaters and boots, your skin needs a seasonal upgrade to stay healthy, hydrated, and glowing throughout the fall.
Here’s what beauty experts and estheticians recommend when transitioning your skincare for autumn.
1. Switch to a Creamier Cleanser
Gel and foaming cleansers can be great for warm, humid weather, but fall air tends to be drier, and so is your skin.
If your cleanser leaves your face feeling tight or squeaky, it may be stripping too much natural oil.
Try this instead: Use a cream or milk cleanser that gently removes dirt and makeup without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.
2. Add a Hydrating Toner or Essence
Many people skip toners altogether, but a hydrating toner or essence can help replenish moisture after cleansing and prep your skin for serums or moisturizers.
Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Rosewater
3. Swap Light Moisturizers for Richer Creams
In fall, wind and indoor heating can quickly dehydrate your skin.
Lightweight summer lotions may no longer cut it.
Try this instead: Choose a thicker cream or balm that locks in hydration and creates a protective barrier against the elements. Ceramides and fatty acids are especially helpful.
4. Don’t Skip the SPF (Yes, Even in Fall)
Just because the sun isn’t as strong doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t present.
Sun exposure still contributes to premature aging and skin damage year-round.
What to use: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’re using exfoliants or retinoids that make your skin more sensitive to light.
5. Gently Exfoliate to Combat Dullness
As dead skin cells build up, your complexion can look dry and flaky. Exfoliating helps brighten skin, but overdoing it can make things worse.
Stick to:
- Once or twice per week
- A gentle enzyme exfoliant or lactic acid product
- Avoid scrubs with rough particles that can cause micro-tears
6. Show Your Lips and Hands Some Love
Lips and hands often show the first signs of seasonal dryness.
Tips:
- Use a lip balm with shea butter or lanolin.
- Apply hand cream after washing and before bed.
Just a quick and simple routine can make a world of difference for your skin!
Why Skincare Transitions Matter
Learning to adapt your skincare routine is part of what makes estheticians and skincare professionals so in-demand.
If you’re passionate about helping others look and feel their best through all seasons, a career in esthetics could be your perfect fit.
Explore our Esthetics Program and learn how you can turn your passion into a career.