In nature, autumn is an important transitional season. Animals store up nourishment to prepare for the coming cold. Trees pull resources from their leaves, preserving energy for the dark winter months ahead (and producing spectacular displays of colorful fall foliage). As temperatures and humidity begin to drop, our skin can benefit from some preparation, too. Here’s what your clients should start doing now.
GET AHEAD OF WINTER SKIN ISSUES
Fortifying the moisture barrier is the #1 way to keep skin in great condition through fall and winter. Serving to seal moisture in while keeping bacteria, irritants, and other attacks out, this barrier function is vital year-round — but it’s particularly vulnerable in this part of the year. Cold, dry climates tend to deplete skin. If your barrier is already weakened to begin with, it’s difficult to keep skin supple, hydrated, and healthy once winter weather is in full force.
HOW TO ADJUST YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
It’s easier to prevent barrier damage than it is to repair it. Start transitioning your skincare regimen now to avoid common culprits and give your skin the support it needs.
- Slow down: Exfoliation.
Over-exfoliation is one of the primary causes of barrier damage. To avoid this, we generally recommend reducing the frequency of your exfoliation to 3-5 times a week during colder months. Depending on your skin’s type and condition, you could also:
- Reduce intensity with a lower-strength AHA/BHA formula
- Switch to a gentler enzyme-based product
- Opt for chemical exfoliants instead of facial scrubs, exfoliating brushes, or other types of manual exfoliation
- Buffer retinol serums with a thin layer of moisturizer before use
- Add more: Barrier-fortifying ingredients.
Moisturizer may improve hydration, but it's lipids that help the skin keep that hydration in. Focus on incorporating strengthening ingredients like fatty acids, plant sterols, and vitamin E which reinforce and replenish the barrier lipid barrier.
- Don’t stop: Protecting and cleansing.
Continue using sunscreen and antioxidants to defend against irritating environmental assaults. Similarly, you should keep cleansing twice a day with a non-irritating, sulfate-free formula to remove impurities, excess oil, and pollutants from the skin. Foaming cleansers can be drying, however, so certain skin types might wish to swap in a cream cleanser instead.
LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN
Regularly assess the look and feel of your skin. It will show you whether your regimen needs further adjustment. Healthy skin will be smooth, calm, and springy. If your moisture barrier is impaired, however, you might notice some of the following signs:
- Scaly appearance
- Dehydration (dry, tight-feeling, crepey skin)
- Rough or flaky skin, especially around the nose
- Stinging sensation when you apply skincare products
- Inflammation, redness, or sensitivity
- Increased oiliness and breakouts
- Itchiness
To restore depleted skin, treat your skin gently and be patient. Cut out all acids and exfoliating ingredients for two weeks, sticking to a simple routine that moisturizes, protects, and replenishes skin while it recovers. Once it feels healthy again, reintroduce actives slowly.
PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS
Help clients build a fall-ready regimen with medical-grade solutions. We recommend starting with calming and hydrating Lavender Creamy Cleanser, then following with Lipid Drops or Vita Soothe to replenish bioidentical skin lipids. Finish with a multitasking moisturizer, like AHA Marine Moisture Crème or retinoid-infused Multi-Complex Night Crème, to deliver exfoliating actives plus rich emollients for gentle and effective renewal. Paired with the tips above, this barrier-friendly routine will help clients head into winter with beautiful, resilient skin.
Want to recommend an all-in-one kit? Our Age Reverse System is a clinically proven rejuvenating regimen that’s ideal for all seasons and skin types!
