Easy and Effective Ways of Transitioning Your Skincare from Summer to Fall

Pile of golden leaves, pumpkin spice and a particular breeze that blows nostalgia to everyone's faces – in a few days, autumn will embrace us. 

However, as the season starts to change and the temperature drops, your skincare routine and products should also shift. 

Since summer calls for lightweight and mostly exfoliating products, the cooler weather associated with autumn requires richer or thicker skincare staples.

It is important to remember that your wardrobe is not the only thing that needs transitioning for the upcoming season. Your skincare needs prompt attention as well. 

What Happens to Your Skin During the Autumn Season?

As a cooler breeze replaces summer's warm feel, your skin becomes drier. The little humidity experienced in the cold gush of the fall season calls for skincare products that will help your skin retain moisture. 

What's worse, you're not just battling dry skin. The cold weather of the fall increases the risk of other skin concerns such as breakouts, flakiness, dullness and redness. 

In extreme cases, the autumn season exacerbates the risk of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, or keratosis pilaris. 

What are Easy Ways of Transitioning Skincare from Summer to Fall?

Below are practical yet straightforward tips for taking care of your skin during the fall. 

1.Limit hot showers

Nothing beats the soothing feeling of being showered with warm water. Whether it's to awaken your senses for the morning grind or calm down your soul before capping the day, a hot shower has become an essential part of our lives. 

While limiting hot showers seems counterproductive (given that it's chilly), doing so will help your skin retain natural oils. Remember that showering does not necessarily add to your skin's moisture. Often, water washes it off.

2.  Switch to cream-based cleansers

Summer cleansers are generally lightweight or gel-based and often contain glycolic or salicylic acids that aim to decrease your skin's oil production. 

Oily skin leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is essential to decrease oil production during the summer season. 

While salicylic and glycolic acid is effective for minimizing the skin's oil production, this is not what you need during autumn. 

For the fall, you need to switch gel-based cleansers that contain glycolic or salicylic acids with thicker or cream-based cleansers that will lock in moisture and be gentler to your skin.

3. Use thicker moisturizers

Exposure to frigid temperature strips your skin of its natural oil and makes it drier. To 

lock in moisture and nutrients to your skin, it's recommended that you slather your skin with a thicker or heavier moisturizer.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizers with these ingredients – ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help hydrate the skin and restore the lipid barrier to lock in moisture. 

4. Don't forget SPF (for all seasons)

Whether it's the summer, spring, winter or fall, SPF is a must-have. Sun damage occurs whether or not you're under the sun. Even in cloudy or rainy weather, UV rays penetrate your skin. This increases the risk of skin aging and skin cancer.

If possible, choose a sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as they block UVA and UVB rays. 

5. Add Retinol to your routine

Aside from sunscreen, you can also use retinol to protect your skin from sun sensitivity. Retinol is rich in Vitamin A and assists your skin's natural exfoliation process. 

In addition, it diminishes brown or dark spots and minimizes sun-induced discoloration. You can use retinol as part of your nighttime routine and top it off with moisturizer. 

6. Apply a hydrating serum for additional hydration

Using thicker moisturizers is not enough to combat dry skin. For additional protection and nourishment retention, using a hydrating serum will do wonders for your skin. 

Serum, unlike moisturizers, contains smaller and more potent molecules that aid your skin in terms of nourishment and hydration. Since serums come in all varieties, those that have active ingredients that combat dullness and aging are recommended.

7. Never forsake lip balms

Pucker up, buttercup! On cold days and harsh weather, it's easy to forget your lips as you scramble to clothe yourself with warm jackets and coats. But, don't forget that when exposed to cold weather, your lips crack, flake and chaps. 

To prevent dryness on your lips, always swipe a layer of lip balm on them. You should select those with beeswax, glycerin, natural oils or petrolatum as their active ingredients.

As you brace yourself for the cold weather, don't forget to swap your skincare routine and products. If these tips helped make the switch more manageable and comfortable, don't forget to share it with your friends!