The transition from summer to fall can signal a few timely changes in your skincare routine, too —particularly if you live somewhere with seasons. “As we enter the cooler months, there is less humidity in the air, so the skin gets drier. The skin also tends to produce less oil,” says NYC-based dermatologist Sejal Shah. Lack of humidity aside, colder temperatures outdoors often also mean that we’re turning up the heat indoors, so our skin is facing an extra-arid environment 24/7. “The cool wind can leave skin chapped or even raw, and having heaters on to keep you warm can take the moisture and water out of the air and also out of your skin,” says Laura Cline, YTTP’s Director of Education. The bottom line: “If you have noticed that the weather is changing outside, then you may notice that your skin is making a change too,” Cline says.
So what can we do to fend off potential dryness and irritation?
“You don't have to change everything out at once, but as the season progresses and temperatures gradually decline,” says Shah.
This doesn’t just mean layering on thick, emollient creams head-to-toe. Rather, there are specific ingredients to look out for that can help soothe and protect your skin during this transitional time.
Adaptogens
“Adaptogens will be your skin’s best friends in the colder months,” Cline says. When your complexion is faced with dry, cold air, visible redness (a sign of irritation) is often a prominent, not to mention uncomfortable, concern “Thanks to their soothing properties and high antioxidant content, they are super soothing, protective, and can lessen the appearance of visible redness,” says Cline.
In addition to their soothing abilities, adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, are incredibly hydrating. Look out for adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Reishi mushroom, and Rhodiola, all of which are formulated into the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.
Hyaluronic Acid
“As the temperatures drop and there is less humidity in the air, the skin will get drier so it's important to help replenish that lost moisture,” Shah says. “It's important to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate for these changes, for example switch out lighter products for thicker or more hydrating products.”
Which hydrating ingredients are best for fall? “If your skin is feeling thirsty or dehydrated, then it’s begging for hydrators that will quench your skin’s thirst,” Cline explains. “Hyaluronic acid in particular helps bring moisture into the skin—and keep it there—thanks to its ability to absorb 1,000 times its weight in water.” Even better, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, found in YTTP’s Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream, and Superfood Firm + Brighten Serum, has an ability to absorb 5,000 times its weight in water.
Moisturizing Oils
“Incorporating natural moisturizing agents such as squalane, sunflower seed, and jojoba that are formulated to condition the skin will lock moisture in and aid in preventing transepidermal water loss,” Cline says.
Even if you don’t use a facial oil during the spring and summer months, consider adding one into your routine for fall—you can even add a few drops of facial oil to your favorite moisturizer for an added boost. The Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil, which contains super-moisturizing squalane, plus omega fatty acids, and high levels of vitamin C. Pro tip: For yet another boost of hydration, add a drop or two into your foundation makeup before you apply it, Cline suggests.
An Overnight Mask
Overnight when your skin and body are already in a naturally reparative state is prime time to replenish your complexion’s moisture levels. Do so with a rich, hydrating overnight mask, such as the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, which works “to aid in repair and provide deep hydration thanks to a four-part hydration complex,” Cline explains.
Humidity
Colder air outdoors often leads us to crank up the heat indoors—which means that our skin faces a one-two punch of dry air both indoors and out. One of the best ways to help combat the extra dry environments while inside is to invest in a humidifier. As the name implies, humidifiers work to replenish surrounding air with moisture, in turn helping to keep your skin (and lips and nose!) more hydrated. For some serious beauty sleep, run your humidifier overnight and apply a hydrating night mask.
Written by Rebecca Dancer for Youth To The People
