The temperatures have been dropping significantly in NYC which means sweater weather is upon us. Break out your knits, beanies and in our case, rainboots and get comfy. However, while our bodies are all warm and snuggly, our skin is left to brave the cold. Dry patches are abundant, redness is flaring and just overall, it just can’t catch a break.
Skin is most sensitive during the “in-between” seasons like fall and spring, because the weather fluctuates drastically between night and day, indoors and outdoors. Our skin is tries to keep up by producing sebum to protect itself during the chilly hours, but when those bright, sunny fall days arrive, the skin has overcompensated. Cue oily breakouts. On the other end of the spectrum, the mixture of cold air, the hot sun and indoor heaters dry out the skin, leaving flakes and cracks. With all of these elements our skin becomes overworked and is left extremely sensitive which can lead to more breakouts, more flakes and more redness.
That’s where skincare comes in! These “inbetween” seasons are a time when you really need to customize your routine. Those light, refreshing creams you used in the summer will most likely NOT work for the fall. You’re probably thinking, I just started a 5+ step skincare routine, now I have to add more?! Well, yes and no. Depending on your skin, you may need to add or switch out a few products to protect and moisturize your skin during these tough couple months, but your complexion will thank you for preparing it to battle the beast that is Winter. If you really don’t have anymore room in your bathroom shelf, here are a few things you can do to better protect your skin without adding new products.
Here are a few tips we’ve compiled for your Fall Skincare routine:
Reduce Stimulation - In Korea, there’s a big trend, especially during this time of the year, where people are doing everything they can to reduce the amount of stimulation so that their skin is not further irritated. Lots of rubbing and tugging can pull off the keratin proteins on the skin that allow it to retain moisture.
Use a soft foaming cleanser that produces a mousse-y, fluffy texture. It will create a barrier between your skin and fingers to reduce the sensation of rubbing. More is more! (May Coop Cleansing Mousse, Mizon Egg White Bubble Cleanser)
Konjac sponges are really hot in the beauty world right now and can really elevate your cleansing experience by deep cleaning better than your hands and being even more gentle on your skin. (Morihata Binchotan Facial Puff)
Towel Off In Moderation - Your face towel in the bathroom is what we call a necessary evil. You don’t want water dripping down your shirt and all over the floor, but you definitely don’t want to be rubbing and putting dust/bacteria from your towel onto freshly cleansed face! Challenge yourself to not depend on your towel as much this season and see a difference in your skin’s hydration
Instead of towel drying this season, try gently patting away the excess water, leaving the skin semi-dry. Think of it as an extra quick drink for your skin before you start your routine (toner, essence, serum, etc.). Moist skin always absorbed product better, making your skin care products that much more effective.
If you’re really dry, try spritzing a facial mist on cleansed, dry skin to remoisten before and continuing with your routine. (Cremorlab Mineral Water Mist, Rose by Dr. Dream Refreshing Rose Mist)
Don’t forget your body! The same rule applies: slightly damp, more moisturized skin will absorb product better, so don’t towel off completely - just dab the excess water off. (Illi Total Anti-Aging Body Lotion, Cremorlab Cremor Body Lotion)
Exfoliate - It’s particularly crucial during the colder months to get rid of dry, flaky skin to reveal a glowing complexion and allow for better product absorption.
If you’ve been using a scrub or exfoliator with actual granules or beads, try opting for a gel gommage type that is a little more gentle on sensitive skin. (Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel, Be the Skin Non-Stimulus Face Polisher)
Switching/Adding - As we said before, different seasons call for different products. You can check out a previous blog post here (link to TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING YOUR SKINCARE FROM SUMMER TO FALL blog post) to see what kind of products we recommend switching over to.
Now, after reading all of this you might be thinking, “This is so extra” “Ain’t nobody got time for that” etc etc insert your gifs here, we get it. But true to the testaments from the women in Korea and ladies from all over the world, great skin isn’t just genetic - it’s an investment. You only get one face, so let yourself be a little high maintenance. Just because it’s getting nippy outside doesn’t mean you should give your face the cold shoulder.
