The time change really brings it home, doesn’t it? The seasons are changing, and we can’t really deny it anymore. We have fewer daytime hours, and the air has definitely gotten colder.
We’re not into the harsh climate of winter yet, but the changes we’re seeing do have an effect on skin. Maybe you’re noticing it. Your skin may feel a little tighter or dryer. Maybe your summer foundation is settling into your lines now, or that sun damage is starting to become more noticeable.
There may be other things happening too. Likely your diet is changing, if only subtly, as you seek out warmer and more comforting foods. You may be spending more time indoors, or wearing more clothes when you exercise. These changes, too, affect your skin, often in ways you may not like.
The good news is that you can still enjoy beautiful, radiant skin as the seasons change-you just need to make some adjustments to your regular routine. I’ve got 10 tips to help you do that.
1. Rethink your moisturizer.
Your skin needs more moisture in the fall and winter seasons. Cold air, wind, and other harsh weather elements dry out skin. Heating systems also rob the air of moisture, leaving your skin parched perhaps only a couple hours after you applied moisturizer.
Look for ingredients that provide more lasting moisture, like shea butter, honey, real oils (jojoba, coconut, olive, etc.), triglycerides, and aloe. Test the product by being aware of your skin even hours after you apply, and taking note of how it feels. Your best moisturizer will keep you feeling hydrated all day long, though in the fall months, you may need to apply even your most quality product more than once a day.
(Note: Our Calming Moisture provides all-day softness and radiance!)
2. Watch your diet.
When the seasons change, we naturally gravitate to more fatty foods. It’s something biology left us with-the urge to “stock up” on fat and calories in the winter months.
You can satisfy this urge and benefit your skin by choosing healthy fats that support skin’s structures and keep your appetite at bay. Think olive oil, nuts (like walnuts and almonds), flaxseed, fatty fish, coconut, avocado, and the like. Stay away from fried foods and limit full-fat dairy, and no matter which fats you’re consuming, remember to watch your portions. Even healthy fats can pad your waistline!
3. Be sure to wash your face before bed.
This is always good advice, but in the fall and winter, it becomes more important because you may gather more toxins on your face during the day. Indoor air pollution is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be worse than outdoor, so as you’re spending more time indoors, you can expect your skin to be assaulted by dust and airborne chemicals that can cause damage.
Washing all that dirt, grime, and pollution off your face every night is key to keeping your skin looking its best through the fall months. Choose a creamy cleanser that won’t dry you out, and consider washing off the makeup, and then washing again to be sure you get your skin as clean as you can.
4. Keep your hands away from your face.
This is also good advice for any time of year, but you may be more likely to touch your face in the fall, particularly if you’re suffering from a cold or flu, fall allergies, or are simply experiencing more irritation. Any time you touch your face, the dirt, oils, bacteria, and other elements on your fingers transfer to your skin, which can cause breakouts, inflammation, and other problems.
Wash and moisturize your hands often, and resist touching your face.
5. Use more hydrating masks.
As you start to adjust your skin care routine, add more hydrating masks. Your skin needs time to soak up some real moisture. You can use quality products you trust with real ingredients, or make your own hydrating masks with ingredients like yogurt, honey, avocado, bananas, natural oils, green tea, and the like. The important thing is to give your skin that extra hydrating boost at least twice a week-more if your skin feels like it needs it.
6. Drink more water.
Did you know that we often drink less water in the fall and winter months? Since we’re often indoors in a warm environment, instead of exerting ourselves out in the hot sun, we don’t feel that natural urge to drink as much. Yet the body needs that water just as much-if not more-than it did in the summer months.
Get used to keeping a water bottle with you and sip frequently. It also helps to eat more juicy fruits like apples, berries, kiwi, grapefruit, and melon.
7. Think about your exfoliation routine.
We need to continue exfoliating in the winter, as dead skin cells on the surface of skin can make it harder for it to absorb those moisturizing masks you’re using. But you want to be careful, as skin can also be more sensitive in winter, and may react to harsh exfoliants.
Try combining your exfoliating with your hydrating. Use a combination of ingredients that slough off old skin, but that help moisturize and soothe at the same time. Organic scrubs that include oils and vitamins along with their sugar or salt scrubbing ingredients will likely keep your skin happy and radiant.
8. Check your sunscreen.
You’ve likely been using sunscreen, but now is the time to be sure it’s protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays. Those UVA rays are the ones that can penetrate clouds even on an overcast day, and they’re also the ones more associated with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Zinc oxide is your best option for broad-spectrum protection. Products that combine it with titanium dioxide are also good options.
9. Tend to your lips.
Our lips suffer so much in the colder months! If you don’t want them to look flaky and cracked and icky, try using a gentle scrub to get rid of the dead, dry skin, and then use a thicker moisturizer that will infuse your lips with healthy fatty acids and rebuilding nutrients. Use it often, and try to anticipate those times when your lips are likely to get dry, such as when skiing or doing other outdoor sports, and take along extra product to protect yourself. Don’t forget sunscreen-your lips need it, too!
Note: Our Restorative Skin Balm works great for restoring softness and suppleness to lips!
10. Watch out for chafing/rashes.
Fall sports can result in chafing and rashes in skin, often because you’re wearing more clothes than usual, or at least, different workout gear. Avoid cotton and choose synthetic materials, and look for flat or covered seams. Make sure the clothes fit well.
If you do suffer from skin damage while exercising, try our Rescue + Relief Spray for instant, soothing comfort, and then apply our Restorative Skin Balm for faster healing. Cover with a bandage to prevent further damage until the skin has a chance to heal.
How do you prepare your skin for fall? Please share any tips you may have.
