Your Cart is Empty
The days of summer are long gone, and fall is officially upon us. The change in season has many of us switching up our wardrobes, lighting fall candles, and sipping on pumpkin spice lattes.
Fall brings cooler weather, so in addition to changing up the clothes we wear (hello, sweater weather!), it’s important to revamp our skincare routines. While some of us may have switched to lightweight serums and gel moisturizers during the summer months, it’s time to swap out some products to protect our skin from the cold temperatures ahead.
The fall season varies depending on where you live, but generally, fall means cooler weather and drier air—and the combination of the two have a greater impact on our skin than we might think.
As the humidity and temperatures drop and we turn to warmer showers and indoor heaters, our skin is often the first to feel the effects. All of these factors can damage the skin’s protective barrier, causing dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. They can also cause certain skin conditions to flare up, such as eczema, rashes, and psoriasis.
In order to soothe the skin and keep it looking and feeling its best, following a good routine is essential this time of year. Here are seven simple things you can do now to prep your skin for the upcoming weather:
Hydration is key when it comes to fall and winter skincare. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or are somewhere in between, it’s important to protect your skin from the harsh elements by upping the moisture. This can be done by changing up your cleanser, serum, and moisturizer.
Proper exfoliation removes pore-clogging dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing fresh new cells below. This keeps the skin healthy and smooth, and allows moisturizing products to penetrate fully.
When exfoliating in the fall or winter, look for a chemical or physical exfoliant that is very gentle. It’s best to use one that is free of any potentially irritating ingredients, such as alcohols and fragrance. Also be sure to avoid over-exfoliating—try to stick with 1-3 times per week at most.
If you’re using a physical exfoliant, don’t scrub too hard! Being gentle with your skin is key, as colder weather can make it more sensitive and prone to irritation.
A hydrating toner can be an optional extra layer if cooler weather leaves your skin uncomfortable. Moisturizer remains the priority; toner does not replace it.
Toner does not universally improve absorption of later products. Follow each product’s directions and choose the layer for the comfort it adds. See toner, pH and skin-prep claims.
Hands, cotton pads and mist applicators suit different formulas. Follow the label and avoid repeated wiping. The application guide explains these options.
Facial oils are an amazing way to keep your skin hydrated and protected. If you’re someone who has oily skin, it might seem counterintuitive. But, a facial oil can actually help to maintain your skin’s moisture levels and keep it from overproducing oil.
So how do you use facial oil? After applying your moisturizer, place a few drops in your hands and gently press the oil into your skin. This can help to lock in moisture throughout the day or night, and it will also give your skin a nice glow—creating the perfect base for applying makeup.
There are many different oils to choose from, all with different purposes. Here’s a quick look at some commonly used oils and their benefits.
A hydrating mask can be an optional format when you want extra comfort, but first assess your regular moisturizer. Compare masks for dry skin and overnight moisturizing options.
Herbal Dynamics Beauty's Hyaluronic Acid & Oat Overnight Recovery Mask lists oat kernel extract, sodium hyaluronate and other moisturizing ingredients. Its full online ingredient list does not list tremella; do not infer that ingredient or an anti-pollution treatment claim from older promotional language. Aromatic botanicals also matter to tolerance.
Follow the actual label instead of assigning every mask the same weekly schedule.
Your face isn’t the only area that needs special attention during the colder months—your entire body needs extra hydration as well.
Use a comfortable body moisturizer for dry areas and follow its directions. A richer texture can be useful, but the complete formula and personal tolerance matter.
Use a comfortable lip balm when lips feel dry. Avoid scrubbing cracked or irritated lips, and choose products specifically intended for that area.
As the temperature drops, we often turn on our heaters to stay warm inside. Unfortunately, this can cause the air to become very dry and as a result, dry out your skin.
If you’re looking to take your skincare routine to the next level, consider investing in a humidifier for your home. Humidifiers emit moisture through a mist, which can help to create more humidity in the air.
So, whether you keep it at your desk while working from home or decide to place it by your bed and run it while you sleep, a humidifier can lock in moisture and actually enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products. If you live in an especially cold and dry climate, this can be a worthwhile investment.
Changing up your products seasonally can help to cater to your skin’s specific needs, keeping it healthy and balanced all year long. Have fun incorporating these tips into your fall skincare routine!
Explore Herbal Dynamics Beauty skincare.
Use the face-mask guide to compare formats and the application guide for product-specific timing and removal.
