September 10, 2019
How To Care For Your Skin This Fall
Quick answer: As temperatures drop in fall, your skin’s need for hydration and nourishment increases — dryness, flakiness, and tight-feeling skin are common as lipid production struggles to keep pace with cooler, drier conditions. This post outlines how to adjust your skincare routine for autumn by focusing on barrier repair and moisture retention, with tips tailored to different skin types and the transition away from a harsh Arizona summer.
Fall will be here soon! The kids are back to school, the summer hustle is over and weekends are clearing up, you’ll have more time on your hands to put the focus back onto caring for yourself and your skin. Who is thankful for that?
That’s why fall is the perfect time to refresh your skin care routine and take time to address the skin concerns that have been on your mind.
The change of the season can affect your skin in a variety of different ways.
Autumn signals dryer and cooler weather ahead, so hydration and nourishment will be two big skin care buzzwords for the next few months.
We have put together a breakdown of different techniques and ideas to help your skin be the best it can be.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is easy to see. You may have flaky patches that look dull and feel tight. There is generally less elasticity in the skin with fine lines that are more visible. The reason behind this is usually a lack of lipid production in the skin that is needed to retain moisture and rebuild a protective shield against things like UV rays and pollution.
Dry skin tends to get worse through the transition to fall and eventually winter.
For those who have dry skin, avoid using hot water when cleansing. Hot water tends to strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm temperatures and use cleansers that contain glycerin.
Staying hydrated is very important as well as regular intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help with natural sebum production
Oily Skin
For people who have oily skin, their complexion will tend to appear shiny with visible pores. They may also be struggling with breakouts and blackheads. All of these issues are actually caused by a heightened level of sebum production which causes an excess of oils on the skin, leading to clogged pores.
There are a few different steps involved for damage control when it comes to caring for oily skin.
Keeping the skin clean and breathable at all times is essential for the fall season—consider not wearing heavy makeup and exfoliating at least twice a week to prevent breakouts. If you are tired of dealing with breakouts, fall would be a great time to look into acne treatments that use dual-light technology to reduce inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria, leaving behind a smoother, healthy complexion.
Combination Skin
People who have combination skin will notice dry skin in some areas and oily skin in others, typically the T-zone (forehead, along the bridge of the nose, and chin).
The key to dealing with these different areas is to cleanse gently, exfoliate occasionally, and opt for oil-free moisturizers.
Moisturizing can be tricky but is essential for combination skin, especially since it is beneficial for both the dry and oily areas. Don’t forget the SPF factor either!
Need some help dealing with some sun damage after all the summer fun? Photofacial treatments powered by Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) work to target pigmentation and diminish their appearance for a more even-toned complexion. Since it is recommended that you avoid sun exposure after a photofacial treatment, the cooler fall months are the perfect time of year to get started!
Normal Skin
Those who have normal skin have fine pores, a smooth and clear skin texture, and a well-balanced complexion. They usually have little or no blemishes and are not prone to sensitivity. With the switch to drier, colder weather, the key takeaway for anyone with normal skin is that maintenance is key.
Talk to your skin care professional to help keep your skin protected, moisturized, and stimulated for natural cellular functions, in turn revealing a healthy, younger-looking complexion that’ll last all year round.
The Bottom Line
For each of the above skin types, there are long-term improvements, like diet and lifestyle habits, that can contribute to healthier skin. There are also other ways to help kick-start a new and improved skin care routine that’ll help with the transition into fall.
For instance, HydraFacial is an invigorating treatment that can be given in as little as 30 minutes. It delivers long-term skin health and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of all skin types. It offers instant, noticeable results with no downtime or irritation. The HydraFacial treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating, and immediately effective.
Be prepared to cope with whatever fall brings for your skin with these powerful tools at your disposal. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that everyone’s skin is unique.
We can help you reach your skin goals. Schedule a free consultation with one of our estheticians today! 480-831-7109
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Skincare
Why does skin get drier in fall and winter?
As temperatures drop and humidity levels decrease, the air draws moisture from the skin’s surface more aggressively than it does in summer. Indoor heating systems further reduce ambient humidity, accelerating transepidermal water loss. The skin’s barrier function can become compromised, leading to tightness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. Switching to richer moisturizers, incorporating ceramide-based products, and using a bedroom humidifier can help offset these seasonal changes.
What professional treatments are best to do in fall?
Fall is an ideal season for many professional treatments because UV exposure decreases and temperatures drop, reducing the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation and making recovery more comfortable. Laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and IPL photo-facials are all well-suited for fall. These treatments often require sun avoidance during healing — much easier to manage in fall than in the height of summer. Many clients use the October through February window to complete a full treatment series before the next summer.
Should I change my moisturizer in the fall?
Yes — most skin types benefit from transitioning to a slightly richer moisturizer as temperatures cool. If you use a lightweight gel moisturizer in summer, consider adding a few drops of a facial oil or switching to a cream formulation for fall and winter. Ingredients to look for include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter or squalane. Medical-grade skincare options from brands like PCA Skin, SkinMedica, and SkinCeuticals are available at Allure Infinite Beauty in Mesa.
Is SPF still necessary in fall and winter?
Absolutely. While UVB rays — responsible for sunburn — are weaker in fall and winter, UVA rays, which drive premature aging and contribute to skin cancer risk, remain strong year-round and penetrate clouds and windows. Dermatologists and aestheticians universally recommend wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning regardless of season. In Arizona, where UV index remains elevated even in November and December, sun protection is non-negotiable year-round.
How can I address summer sun damage in fall?
Fall is the perfect time to address hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and texture changes accumulated over summer. A series of chemical peels, an IPL photofacial, or a laser treatment can dramatically reduce sun spots and even out skin tone when UV exposure is naturally lower. A topical brightening regimen — combining a vitamin C serum in the morning with a retinol or retinoid at night — supports and extends the results of in-office treatments. Book a fall skin assessment at Allure Infinite Beauty to build a personalized plan for reversing summer damage before the end of the year.