It’s that time of year again. Summer is beginning to wind down and fall will soon be knocking on our doors. And just as you’d switch out your wardrobe for the changing seasons, it’s important to consider switching up your skincare as well. If you didn’t put together a routine for summer, then now is the perfect time to whip one up for fall.
While constant sweating and excessive oiliness may have been your worst enemy due to the summer heat, fall brings cooler air and drier skin—so, it’s important to be on your A-game when it comes to changing up your skincare routine. Finding the right products that help maintain your summer glow might not be an easy feat, but luckily I’m sharing the skincare swaps I swear by to make transitioning your skincare routine from summer to fall a breeze.
Swap: Makeup Wipes
For: A Hydrating Cleansing Balm
I’m not an avid makeup wearer, but on the days I do, I make it a point to always remove it before bed (as should you)! It’s easy to just buy a big pack of makeup wipes to remove your makeup with, but it’s even easier to pull and tug too hard at your skin while using them. Not only is this potentially bad for the look of your skin, it can dry out your skin too. Cleansing balms are a great alternative for makeup removal. They’re gentle and hydrating, hydrating, melt away makeup with ease (even waterproof mascara), and it feels like you’re giving your face a mini massage during the removal process. Try out No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm ($7) or Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($29) if you’re looking for an effective cleansing balm that won’t break the bank.
Swap: Foaming Cleanser
For: Gentle Cream Cleanser
Whether you’re looking for something to banish blemishes or get a deep cleanse after a hot summer day, the hunt for the perfect cleanser can be tough. I’m a fan of the classic foaming face wash, but when the fall air hits, it starts to leave my skin feeling tight and dried out. I’m sure I’m not the only one to experience this, and for some, this feeling is often confused with cleanliness. What it really means is our skin has been stripped of its natural oils. This can actually kick your skin’s defense mechanism into overdrive resulting in excessive oil production. To combat this, try switching over to a gentle cream cleanser like the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash ($24) or Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser ($5), both of which get the job done while still retaining moisture in your skin.
Swap: Moisturizer
For: Facial Oil
No matter your preference for a cooling gel or thick cream, it’s important to moisturize day and night. If you feel like your same old moisturizer isn’t doing enough anymore, explore the realm of facial oils, but be sure that whichever one you pick is noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Using a facial oil might sound counterproductive, but it actually balances your skin’s natural oil production. Facial oils are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, mimic your skin’s natural oils, and since they’re highly concentrated you don’t need much to get the moisturization you need. My personal favorite is Olivia Care 100% Natural Rosehip Oil because it’s super lightweight and has visibly improved the condition of my skin (Miranda Kerr also swears by rosehip oil if you need more convincing). Start simple with something like The Ordinary Marula Oil ($10) or Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil ($52) and experiment by mixing it in with your moisturizer, using it on top, or even on its own.
Swap: Physical Exfoliator
For: A Chemical Formula
If chemical exfoliation sounds a bit scary, let me reassure you that it’s far from it. Exfoliating the recommended one to three times a week (depending on your skin type) is one of the best ways to clear out your pores and reveal a new layer of fresh, glowing skin. Many physical exfoliators contain ingredients such as walnut shell powder, fruit seeds, and bursting beads to name a few. When used too often or too harshly, they can create micro-tears in the skin, leaving it more susceptible to damage, irritation, and dryness. Avoid this by trying out a chemical exfoliant containing glycolic acid, AHAs, or BHAs such as Neogen Dermalogy Bio-peel Gauze Peeling in Green Tea ($27) or Philosophy Microdelivery Resurfacing Peel ($72). These are known to minimize fine lines, even out skin texture, treat acne, hydrate skin, and reveal a beautiful glow.
Swap: A Clay Mask
For: Moisturizing Sheet Masks
If I’m trying to get rid of an annoying pimple or just want to have a relaxing pamper session, a clay mask is often one of the first things I reach for from my skincare arsenal. Although I do have my personal favorites like the Loreal Paris Pure Clay Mask ($9), I also love a good sheet mask. These usually contain ingredients meant to brighten, smooth, and clear up your skin like a clay mask would. The difference is they typically have a serum-like residue left over when you take them off leaving your skin glowing and hydrated. I recommend trying out both traditional and hydrogel sheet masks such as the Neutrogena Deep Clean Hydrogel Mask ($3) or Karuna Clarifying+ Face Mask ($8) as the fall season progresses.
What’s your skincare secret for maintaining your summer glow during fall? Let us know in the comments below!
Opening image by Maia Rose
