After the summer our skin tends to look tired and over exposed and we are also more limited during the hotter months in terms of using actives because of how they react with heat and sun.
Time to reset! Fall offers an opportunity to bump up our home care routine and consider some more advanced facials to get that glow back and prepare for the Holiday season.
At Home
Boosting hydration levels is a must.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Find a hyaluronic acid moisturizer to keep your skin dewy and fresh every day.Change to a creamy cleanser morning and night and make sure that you are not using anything that contains Sodium Laurel Sulfate. This can both irritate and dry the skin.
Gently does it!
Exfoliate regularly but don’t overdo it. Twice a week should be fine. Combine scrubs with your cleanser to create a buffer. This will still get rid of dead cells but not irritate the skin. Better still use a gommage that simply dissolves the dead skin without any abrasion.
Now the days are shorter and the temperatures cooler you can step up your use of Retin-A but be sure to use it under or on top of a moisturizer depending on your skin type. This will prevent any reactions. If you are sensitive, try Retinol. Retinol is a specific form of vitamin A that is naturally produced by your body. When it is applied topically, enzymes in your skin convert retinol into retinaldehyde and then into retinoic acid. Because it undergoes this two-step conversion, retinol is naturally more gentle.
Protect
One thing you should continue to use is a sunscreen. Maybe not the higher SPF’s that we tend to use when we are at the beach or on summer vacations but at least an SPF 30 every day. Daylight brings sunlight and our skin still needs protection.
Masks are great in the Fall to hydrate and brighten the skin. Sheet masks infused with peptides, collagen and anti-oxidants, and cream, clay and overnight masks are all great options. Once or twice a week will really boost the appearance of your skin and keep it in tip top shape.
A touch of magic
Use serums that also contain a variety of peptides as well as stem cells and epidermal growth factors. These ingredients boost collagen production and can be applied at night or during the day under a moisturizer. Anti-oxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide are particularly suited for day use as they protect the skin against the sun and environment.
Spa visits
Mix it up!
Your first Fall facial at the spa should include lots of cleaning, hydration and rejuvenating. Not only does this get rid of the extra sunscreen we apply during the summer months but it also repairs the signs of aging that hot, dry weather can accentuate.
Facials using microcurrent to tone and tighten the skin work well especially when they are done as a series. Ultrasound and Galvanism do double duty by deep cleaning. Oxygen treatments brighten and tighten and hydrating essential oils will maintain your skin throughout the winter months.
The Bottom Line
By following the steps we have recommended for your home care regime and with regular visits to the spa you are guaranteed healthy and radiant skin throughout the Fall and winter months.
Look out for our next blog about customized peels.
