Most of us make a few beauty changes when the weather shifts. Dark, moody fall nails instead of your bright summer manicures; warm fall perfumes instead of the citrusy, summery ones you wore a few months ago—but arguably, the most important fall swaps you should be making are in your skincare routine. Lower temperatures can potentially lead to moisture loss, making your skin appear more dull and dry.
And at worst, it can actually cause skin barrier damage that could result in irritation and inflammation. I dealt with this virtually every fall and winter for years. Just as I was cozying myself up with wool sweaters and blankets, my skin was screaming for help.
At the same time, fall is an opening for the resurfacing treatments that potentially were too harsh for the summer sun. All those dark spots and acne scars you noticed at the end of summer? Fall’s officially the moment to tackle ‘em.
It doesn’t have to be a whole new routine. Just changing a few things around and adding maybe one or two steps into your regimen will do the trick. Here’s what I’m changing in my own routine now that the weather’s changed: Alpha-hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid, and retinoids can potentially make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, hence why many people stray away in the summertime.
But when fall hits, and we’re in the sun less, it’s the perfect time to shed off a layer of skin. AHAs work by chemically sloughing away dead skin, whereas retinoids increase cell turnover to churn out brighter, fresher skin more quickly. They’re different, but both have a place in your skincare routine.
If you’re sensitive, start with a gentle AHA, like mandelic acid, which won’t go as deep as glycolic or lactic but can still help smooth your skin. Retinol also should be a slow burn. Incorporate it for only one night a week at first, then slowly increase as your skin builds up tolerance.
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