5 Tips for your skin this Fall
As the leaves change colour and the air becomes crisp, it’s a sign that it’s also time to adjust your skincare routine. In the summer months, with ongoing heat and moisture in the air, your skin requires light, water-based, hydrating products.
But, as the humidity disappears, so does the moisture in your skin. Heaters, while necessary, further deplete the moisture in the air, causing excessive dryness in the skin. To curb the negative effects the change of season can have on your skin, here are five easy skincare tips that we recommend for fall.
1. Switch to milkier, creamier products
Changing your skincare products as the seasons’ change can make a positive difference in how your skin looks and feels. Switch your facial cleanser, body wash and moisturizers to creamier ones. We recommend formulas that contain light oils, like sweet almond, argan, apricot seed and jojoba seed. These oils will keep your skin soft and smooth.
It’s also that time of year when our hands, feet, and lips start to peel and dry out. It’s important to care for them as well and prevent unsightly, and sometimes even painful, cracked skin. Use an oil-free, petroleum-free formula that is specifically designed for hydrating hands and feet.
2. Schedule your laser treatments
If you’ve ever thought about getting laser treatments to remove unwanted hair, tattoos or skin tags, fall is the perfect time to start. It’s not recommended to have laser treatments done in the summer because the areas that are being treated are likely to be more sensitive to the sun, potentially leading to increased sunburns, hyperpigmentation (excess darkening of the skin) and even scarring (not something you want to risk!).
Treatments like hair and tattoo removal work by targeting the darkest pigment on the skin. Schedule these treatments after your summer tan has worn off, as it may yield better results because the hair or tattoo will definitely be the darkest target.
3. Reboot your facial skin
Chemical peels (AFA, AHA, or BHA) or starting a potent retinol regime are great ways to reduce signs of aging, acne and improve the look and feel of your skin. Like laser treatments, these are best done in the fall season to avoid any additional sensitivities.
4. Keep using SPF
Don’t let the colder temperature and cloudy days fool you. The “fall sun” is still as damaging as the “summer sun,” even though it doesn’t feel as hot (it’s the same sun, all year round!). The World Health Organization says that “light or thin clouds have little effect and may even enhance UV levels”. Staying in open shade for a long period of time can still cause sunburn on a day with high UV levels for sensitive skin.
Read our blog here about choosing the right sunscreen and the different types of UV rays. One thing is clear, the fall season doesn’t mean that sun protection comes off your skincare list!
5. Invest in a humidifier
Boost the hydration in your home by adding your own moisturizer to the mix with the help of a humidifier. In general, the ideal humidity level in your home should be between 30-50 percent. Those with exceptionally dry skin may consider increasing the humidity level in your home to 45-50 percent.
Before you do this, consult with your doctor and/or a dermatologist to find what would be best for you. In the meantime, to learn more about the best temperature for your home please visit this helpful home temperature guide.
Contact us to speak with a skincare specialist to learn more about how you can make the best decisions for your skin this fall season.