Goodbye summer, hello fall! Now that a new season is officially upon us, it’s time to talk some skin. As the autumn weather begins to cool, humidity drops — creating drier, staler air and drier skin. Mix these exterior factors with interior factors, such as dry heat from radiators, and all of a sudden, you’re opening yourself up to a whole host of skin conditions like eczema and dry, itchy skin. How do you avoid these fall epidermal disasters? We’ve collected our favorite tips for helping your skin transition from a sexy summertime glow to a faithful fall flow.
1. Turn the water temp down
Trust us — we at ThermaSol love a super-steamy shower like no one else! But as the weather becomes cooler outside, you may want to put the brakes on your hot water bathing ritual: hot water isn’t exactly the best for hydrating your skin. The warmer water can strip your skin of essential oils, which can leave you feeling drier. It doesn’t mean you have to bathe in Icelandic temperatures, however; lukewarm water will do. If you still aren’t ready to totally switch up your shower routine, try limiting the amount of time you’re in hot water to just a few minutes.
2. Try a new moisturizer
It’s time to replace that lightweight, oil-free moisturizer of summer with a heavier version for fall. Some dermatologists recommend a heavy cream that’s made with ceramides, which are the “essential and healthy fatty acids that occur naturally in the skin but need to be replenished during the colder months,” as Shari Marchbein, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, explained to Allure. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are pluses in her book. Remember to apply it morning and night. (According to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after washing, when your skin is able to lock in the most moisture).
3. Swap out your cleanser
Maybe you’ve never heard of having a cold-weather cleanser and a warm-weather cleanser, but that’s what many skin experts recommend. If you want your skin to adapt to the season, it may be necessary to change it up. Clay formulated cleansers are a popular choice among dermatologists, as they help remove everyday impurities from the surface of skin without over-drying.
4. Add an overnight face mask
Upgrade your nighttime beauty routine with a new overnight face mask. Every evening, apply a mask prior to sleep on cleansed skin. Before too long, your skin will feel hydrated and look more radiant!
5. Use a facial oil
If you think your complexion could use an extra dose of nourishment in the fall months, don’t be afraid to smooth slather on some facial oil on before your moisturizer. You can also mix a few drops of the oil with your moisturizer for an extra dose of hydration.
6. Cut back on your exfoliating
Give your skin a break by cutting back on exfoliants like retinoids and glycolics.
7. Take your vitamins
Summer environmental exposure can really deplete your skin’s antioxidants — so fall is the perfect time to replenish and restore hydration by starting from the inside out. Some dermatologists recommend taking an internal liquid supplement, such as Aethern, “as it can help restore every inch of skin on your body,” Beverly Hills–based dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., told Allure. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and even green tea have also been natural favorites among dermatologists.
8. Invest in a humidifier or steam shower
Between the dry, cold air outside and the dry, warm air inside, your skin can take a beating in autumn. If you want to give your skin a moisture boost, use a humidifier or better yet — take a short steam shower each morning! Luckily for you, ThermaSol offers a number of steam shower experiences (and non-steam shower experiences, too!) to fit a range of budgets, styles and project needs. If you’re wondering how to get started, schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists who can help you pick out the right shower for your bath.
