Step by Step Guide on How to Transition Your Skincare from Summer to Fall

By Kali (Lead Medical Aesthetician, Brandon MB)

As summer draws to a close in the prairies, cooler weather and dryer air is just around the corner. And while I am happy to say goodbye to frizzy hair, I’m not exactly ready to say goodbye to the skin care benefits. Dry, cool air saps moisture from the skin and causes it to lose some of its natural oils. Most skin types need a little more TLC during the cold months. Even oily skin needs hydration to avoid drying out, which could prompt skin to produce even more oil. Luckily, there are ways to make up for the lack of moisture and warm temperatures and keep your skin healthy and glowing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transition your skincare from summer to fall with product recommendations;

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1. Switch up your cleanser
One of the first things to consider is your cleanser. Gel cleansers are formulated to remove excess oil, sweat and build up on the skin. This may be a necessity in the summer months, but could leave your skin feeling tight and dry come winter. Cream cleansers are more gentle and contain hydrating ingredients. If not ready to commit to a cream full-time, try cleansing with a gel at night and cream in the morning to get the best of both.
Try Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser

2. Try a heavier moisturizer
The skin has a natural barrier made up of cells and lipids, and when functioning optimally, it locks in moisture and acts as a first line of defense against irritants and dryness. Unfortunately, it can easily become compromised during the colder months and may need a little extra help. This is where emollients, like oils, ceramides, lipids and fatty acids, can be very beneficial. They help soften and repair the skin barrier, preventing water loss.
Try Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:42 or Emollience

3. Look for hydrating ingredients
Not only is it important to moisturize the skin, but also to hydrate it. Hydrating ingredients add water into the skin. These are different from moisturizing ingredients which help keep that water in. Common hydrating ingredients include glycerine and hyaluronic acid.

Glycerine is a humectant, meaning it draws water to itself, and when applied, draws water to the skin. Try Skinceuticals Metacell B3

Hyaluronic acid is another powerhouse humectant able to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum under a moisturizer is a great way to boost hydration. Consider Skinceuticals HA Intensifier, Hydrating B5 Gel, or Phyto Corrective Gel

4. Load up on vitamins
If you haven’t already incorporated antioxidants into your routine, now is the time to do so. They help protect against environmental aggressors and free radicals that can lead to skin damage, skin cancer and premature aging.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a powerhouse antioxidant that not only protects, but also brightens up pigmentation from the summer sun. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is another common antioxidant that also has emollient properties and healing benefits that can help strengthen skin barrier function. However, it should be avoided for super sensitive, very oily or acne-prone skin.
Consider Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Phloretin CF or Serum 10

5. Exfoliate
While hydration is important, it’s not the only thing that can benefit our skin during the colder, drier months. Exfoliation can too. By removing the top layer of dead, dry skin, products will be able to penetrate better and work more effectively. Adding exfoliants such as lactic acid and glycolic acid can be extremely beneficial as they are also humectants (remember, they draw water to the skin).
Try Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator or Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight

6. You still need SPF
Just because summer is in the rearview mirror, doesn’t mean you should put away the SPF. Sun protection is a must 365 days a year. While there is less UVB in the colder months, UVA rays are still significant enough to cause damage to skin.

7. Consider professional skin treatments
Fall and winter is the best time of year for laser treatments and peels as there is less concern about sun exposure before and after treatments. A variety of laser treatments are available for different skin types and concerns.

One of the most sought after treatments come fall is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). IPL targets damaged areas of your complexion and brightens unwanted pigmentation for a more even skin tone. Clinical peels are popular introductory or maintenance treatments that provide many skin benefits, including stimulating collagen, tightening elastin, improving hydration, lightening pigmentation, decongesting pores and smoothing rough texture.

So do you really need to switch up your routine when the temperatures start to dip? Some skin may only require subtle adjustments, while others may need a major overhaul. Of course, this depends on where your skin lies on the spectrum from dry to oily and the climate where you live.

Navigating skincare products, different ingredients and changes in the skin, can easily become very overwhelming. We can help navigate through any and all questions and concerns. Consultations are encouraged and always complimentary. contact our skin experts.

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