The Complete Guide to Better Skin This Fall

Use a nourishing cleanser

In autumn, there are many aggressive skin factors. First, the weather conditions are notoriously dry and windy. Temperatures are dropping, showers are getting steamier, and dehumidifier heaters are becoming a staple of the season. Your skin already has a lot to fight against to look and feel better, so why not make sure your cleanser doesn't make things worse? If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a cleanser with benefits that include hydration and nourishment along with basic cleansing, such as Lancôme Galatée Confort. Formulated with honey and sweet almond extracts to help condition and pamper skin, leaving it silky soft and comfortable. No matter what cleanser you use, just make sure the formula doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and/or damp after application, as this can indicate a sudden removal of essential moisture. Also, make sure the water in your shower - and when you wash your face - is warm and never (never!) hot.

Moisturize your skin 

Do you know those skin attackers we told you about earlier? They do the most damage, i.e. cause dryness and dullness, on skin that is not properly hydrated. As a refresher: All skin needs moisture, especially after cleansing. Look for a formula that will go the extra mile to not only hydrate your skin, but also protect your skin's moisture barrier from damage. The texture and consistency should be thicker than your summer moisturizer, and the formula should contain any combination of moisturizing ingredients, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, and oils. For the face, try SkinCeuticals Emollience, formulated with an exclusive combination of three nutrient-rich Brazilian seaweed extracts and grape seed, rose hip and macadamia nut oils. On the body side, you can't go wrong with Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. Penetrates instantly into skin to provide deep hydration and soften skin texture. Within a few seconds of getting out of the shower, while your skin is still damp, apply to skin in a patting motion - do not rub! - a large dose of body butter to retain moisture.

Neutralize free radicals

Free radicals are highly reactive chemical species generated by both air pollution and ultraviolet rays. When they land on your skin, they attach to and break down collagen and elastin, essential fibers that give skin its firmness and firmness. As a result, wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and other visible signs of skin aging can take over, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion that is much harder to achieve. But it's not all bad news. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help neutralize pesky free radicals. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a vitamin C serum beloved by editors, dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts. Apply 4-5 drops to dry face, neck and chest, then apply SPF. Which brings us to the next point... 

Don't throw away your sunscreen

Summer is over, which means you likely won't be outdoors at the beach or by the pool for a while. But that doesn't mean it's time to put your sunscreen and swimwear deep in your closet. Your skin needs a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher every day in exposed areas to protect against harmful UV rays. Seriously, even if it's 40 degrees outside and overcast, still wear it. If you're not a fan of traditional SPF formulas, use a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF. You can reapply it throughout the day and it can cut down on an extra step in your routine. But whatever you do, don't skimp on sunscreen during the colder months!

Use a homemade face mask 

Sunday evenings are reserved for laundry, cooking, watching TV and… homemade face masks. Facials are an easy way to spice up your skincare routine without much effort or time (often 10-20 minutes max). Since there is no shortage of options to choose from, be sure to choose wisely based on your skin concerns, be it clogged pores or lack of radiance. Need help? We share some of our favorite face masks here!   

Pamper your feet

After the season of sandals and flip-flops, your feet probably need a little extra care. Give dry, rough heels a boost with Clarisonic Pedi-Boost. Powerful foot peeling with lactic and glycolic acids helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells when combined with Pedi's signature device. Result? Soft, elastic heels and toes. It may not be summer anymore, but it's never a bad thing to have your feet ready for sandals. Just our humble opinion.