It’s that time of year again when Summer starts waving goodbye and Fall comes strutting in with its crisp air and pumpkin spiced everything which means it is time to start thinking about your Fall skincare routine! I personally am super excited about all things pumpkin spice, what about you? Although you may love Fall and all the pumpkin goodness that comes with it, your skin might be experiencing a bit of a shock. The change in temperature and humidity can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and less radiant.
Not great but don’t worry! With a few simple tweaks, your Fall skincare routine can be just as fabulous as your Fall wardrobe. Cozy sweatshirts and plaid shackets anyone?! Grab your PSL 🙂 and read on for how to create the best Fall skincare routine that will keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing so you can spend your time enjoying the cooler temperatures and the leaves changing without skincare stress!
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How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Fall
It is important to first understand your skin’s needs. As the temperature changes so does your skin. For example, your skin may lose moisture more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation. This can be particularly challenging if your skin is naturally dry (like mine) or sensitive. Even if you have oily or combination skin you may notice changes, such as increased dryness in certain areas or a more prominent appearance of fine lines.
The best place to start is to do a quick check in with your skin. Is it feeling a bit tight? A little dry or flaky? Knowing where you stand will help you make the right adjustments as you move into the new season.
Once you know what your skin needs it just makes sense to change up your skincare routine when what your skin needs changes. You don’t HAVE to go crazy and run out to get all new products although of course you can if you want! No judgment here, my friend. 😉
5 Fall Skincare Routine Tips
I have found the following easy tweaks to really help me transition my skincare routine from Summer to Fall. My skin is normally on the drier side so I try to be extra mindful of what I am using when the dry air hits. Of course, depending on your skin type, you have to do what works best for you but hopefully you’ll find some inspiration from what I’ve experienced. Let’s dig in!
1. Start with a Hydrating Cleanser for your Fall Skincare Routine
One of the first steps in adjusting your Fall skincare routine is to switch to a more hydrating cleanser. Fall is all about keeping yourself and your skin comfy and cozy!
During the summer, you might have relied on gel-based or foaming cleansers that are great for removing sweat and excess oil. However, these can be too harsh for the Fall weather, stripping your skin of natural oils and exacerbating dryness.
Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleanses without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which help to retain moisture while providing a thorough cleanse. Of course, clean beauty is the best beauty so look for one with safer ingredients, too!
My favorite cleanser right now is the new Counterglow Silky Skin Cleanser which pairs perfectly with the new Counterglow Hyaluronic Moisture Mist which I am obsessed with! I know this mist will definitely be a go-to this Fall as I am looking for more hydration.
2. Add a Rich Moisturizer to Your Fall Skincare Routine
As the air becomes drier in the Fall, it’s time to trade in your lightweight summer moisturizers for richer, more emollient formulas. These thicker moisturizers help to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier against the elements. Look for ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or jojoba oil, which are known for their deep moisturizing properties.
A good moisturizer for your Fall skincare routine should not only hydrate but also protect your skin from environmental stressors like cold winds and indoor heating, both of which can sap moisture from your skin.
Counter’s Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream or ILIA’s Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream are both amazing options for locking in moisture for radiant, glowing skin all through the Fall season.
3. Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliation is one of those things that is great until it isn’t! You do not want to overdo it. Don’t get me wrong, it is a key part of any skincare routine, but it’s important to adjust your approach in the Fall. As the weather cools, your skin can become more sensitive and prone to irritation, so it’s best to switch to gentler exfoliants or just reduce the frequency of exfoliation altogether.
If you normally exfoliate twice a week try only doing it once a week. The last thing you want is to over exfoliate and end up with dry, irritated skin. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and flakiness. Your skin will certainly let you know if you are overdoing it so just be mindful of any irritation, redness, or dryness and take a break from exfoliating.
The Counter Overnight Resurfacing Peel is powerful yet gentle enough to still use in the cooler weather. Start with once a week and see how that works for your skin and you’ll know if you should increase or not. Typically in the cooler months of Fall and Winter I can still use the peel once a week without issue of dryness.
The best part about this resurfacing peel is that it is used overnight so you apply it before bed and then wake up to brighter, more radiant skin as it goes to work while you are snoozing!
4. Consider Adding a Hydrating Serum to your Fall Skincare Routine
Want to give your skin a little something extra? Enter hydrating serums. These babies are packed with concentrated ingredients that penetrate deep into your skin, delivering moisture where it’s needed most. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are like Fall’s MVPs, helping to retain moisture and keep your skin looking plump and fresh.
A good hydrating serum can be a game-changer in your Fall skincare routine. For a clean beauty option, try the Counterglow Tri-Luronic Hydrating Serum which is clinically demonstrated to improve skin elasticity, minimize appearance of fine lines, and target any dryness!
Make sure you are hydrating your body by drinking lots of water as well because being dehydrated can also have an impact on your skin. It all works together. Pretty cool, right!?
5. Protect Your Skin from Environmental Stressors
Fall may be beautiful, but it can also be tough on your skin. Between the cold winds and indoor heating, your skin is up against a lot. This is where antioxidant-rich products come in, they help defend your skin against environmental stressors, keeping it strong and healthy.
Antioxidants like Vitamin C can help prevent premature aging, protect skin, and brighten your skin which during the Fall and Winter seasons can be especially beneficial.
Products like Counter’s All Bright Vitamin C Serum are like little shields for your face, protecting it from all the stressors out there.
Adjusting your Fall skincare routine doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few smart swaps like a more hydrating cleanser, a richer moisturizer, and the addition of a hydrating serum you’ll be ready to face the cooler weather with skin that’s glowing and gorgeous.
Don’t forget those little extras like gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection to keep your skin in tip-top shape. So go ahead, embrace the season, and let your skincare routine fall into place. If you feel overwhelmed with switching and swapping for Fall, just try one thing. I’d recommend getting a good, rich moisturizer if nothing else. Got any Fall skincare routine tips of your own? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to hear what works for you!
