Is your skin looking dull yet? The unavoidable truth is that as soon as the weather starts to change, our skin starts to change too, and our glowing summer complexion can start to appear… not so summery.
NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles explains that as we transition from summer to fall, the moisture in the air slowly dissipates and it's common for issues associated with dry skin to begin. "During the fall, the skin's ability to lock in moisture decreases, this is also known as increased transepidermal water loss," he says. "As the seasons shift, you may experience flares of conditions such as eczema which is associated with moisture loss in the skin."
Luckily, there are few simple ways you can combat the side effects of fall weather to reveal glowing, radiant skin. Read on to find out more.
RELATED: The 15 Best Face Moisturizers for Various Skin Types, According to a Dermatologist and a Cosmetic Scientist
Turn Down the Temp
When it's cold outside, I like to jump into a hot shower, but according to Dr. Charles, it's actually best to turn the temperature down a notch (or two) to avoid dry skin. "One easy way to prevent drying out your skin when you are bathing and rinsing your face is to turn down your water temperature to lukewarm," says Dr. Charles.
Add In More Emollients
During the dry fall months, Dr. Charles recommends using emollients and hydrating soaps. Cleansing, while necessary for hygiene, can actually lead to dryness over time if you use products that strip the skin, he explains. Emollient soaps are infused with oils, waxes, and fatty acids that add a nice layer of oil on the surface of your skin, leaving it hydrated, glowing, and moisturized throughout the day.
What to Use
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
To shop: $34; sephora.com
Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
To shop: $10; target.com
Throw Some Vitamin C Into Your Routine
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to brighten, firm, smooth, and nourish the skin. The powerful ingredient helps with the production of collagen, which binds skin cells together, keeping your complexion smooth, plump, and radiant.
Vitamin C also helps reduce dry skin by increasing water retention in the body. Applying products that contain the antioxidant can help diminish dark spots, improve hyperpigmentation, and reveal a glowing complexion.
What to Use
YEOUTH Vitamin C Facial Cleanser with Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Seaweed Extract
To shop: $19; walmart.com
LilyAna Natural Vitamin C Serum
To shop: $23; lilyananaturals.com
VIDEO: 5 Skincare Swaps to Make for Fall
Opt For a Heavier Moisturizer
Cold, harsh weather can cause the skin to become distressed over time, making it appear dry and dull. One of the best ways to restore natural hydration and glowing skin during colder months is to apply a thicker face cream. "Cream-based moisturizers are heavier, and therefore are more effective in sealing moisture content to the skin," says Dr. Charles. "Creams also have more oil content and less water which is ideal for the fall season. Lotions are lighter and contain more water content, but less oil."
What to Use
4.5.6 Day Hack Matte Moisturizer
To shop: $55; 456skin.com
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
To shop: $68; sephora.com
Treat Yourself to a Massage
Facial massages don't just feel good, they help increase blood circulation, relax facial muscles, decrease puffiness, and provide a healthy glow. Skincare experts recommend a facial massage two to three times a week to aid a healthy radiant look.
Start by massaging the areas of your face that need extra attention, such as around the nose and cheeks, then head down to the jawline and neck.
Pull Back on Exfoliation
When the weather starts hitting those cold temperatures, dry air combined with cold weather can cause dead skin cells to accumulate on the face. This seems to happen to me every year, and my usual reaction is to try and combat flaky skin by exfoliating everyday. But Dr. Charles says it's important to go easy on the exfoliating.
"During the fall, the skin loses a lot of moisture, minimizing the frequency of exfoliation can help to maintain the integrity of the skin. I recommend using a gentle exfoliator," he says. "It's also best to minimize the use of acid-based products as these can be drying to the skin."
What to Use
To shop: $52; 456skin.com
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