Shanay, MPH / M.D. Candidate
A change of season typically means a change in the way skin behaves, often resulting in dryness, breakouts, and a general lackluster appearance. Although it may seem counterintuitive, breakouts can actually increause during the fall season. The oil flow that takes place in the skin during the summer months is still occurring, yet the cooler air is creating layers of dead skin cell buildup. This traps oil and bacteria beneath the surface of the skin, which leads to an increase in breakout activity. On top of this, skin may start to require more hydration. You don’t need to overhaul your skincare routine entirely, but you do need to make some minor tweaks to your regimen to ensure that skin stays healthy during this seasonal change!
Make the transition from summer to fall flawless with my top four tips, and click here for my top fall beauty trends and picks!
TIP #1: Protect with SPF
This may come as surprise, but fall (similar to spring) is a season where a tremendous amount of UV damage is incurred. We often think that when the temperatures are cooler outside, the sun isn’t as harmful, but this is FALSE. While the UVB rays (the ones responsible for causing suntans or sunburns) are not as strong in autumn, the UVA rays (the ones that cause skin cancer and premature wrinkles) are just as strong as they are in July and August. Protection is a year-round job, so be sure to apply a sunscreen formulated for your skin type to the face, neck, and any exposed chest area to shield from direct sunlight.
TIP #2: Boost Hydration
Toners are often an overlooked step in a skin-care regimen. If you aren’t already using one, now’s the time to start. Toners that are alcohol-free are a perfect way to give your skin the water and hydration it so desperately needs in the fall, when the temperatures are cooler. Skin cells are like fish and need water to live. Wipe an alcohol-free toner over the skin after cleansing and immediately apply serum or moisturizer while it’s still damp to seal in the hydration and active ingredients.
TIP #3: Add Retinol Back To Your Routine
If you took a break from retinol (vitamin A) during the summer, now is the time to get it back into your skin-care routine. Opt for either a non-prescription retinol serum or a prescription retinoid which will help to dramatically reduce the appearance of brown spots caused by the summer sun, lines, and wrinkles. Hands down, retinol and prescription retinoids are the most scientifically proven ingredients for smoothing the texture of the skin.
TIP #4: Listen To Your Skin
Regardless of seasons, our skin, like our bodies, is constantly changing and adapting to whatever we throw its way, whether internal or external. It’s important to be attentive and listen to your skin for signs that it’s not getting what it needs. Tightness, dryness, increased breakouts and sensitivity are all signs that your current skincare routine isn’t working for you and a change is in order. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you.
Shanay is a graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, Entrepreneur and M.D. Candidate at Stanford University School of Medicine.