Follow These Expert Tips For Healthy Skin This Fall

With the changing leaves comes changing needs for your skin. Dropping temperatures and dryer climates can leave your skin needing a few more things to stay healthy and glowing during this hue-filled fall season. With this in mind, OneSpaWorld Director Jill Baxter-Smelley, who brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury skincare, shares a few tips on how to keep your skincare routine on point this autumn.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SKIN DURING FALL 

While this depends on where you live, the fall season usually brings a drop in temperatures and humidity levels. This can leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated which leads to an increase in your skin’s sensitivity. In some cases, if you live in an area with extremes in temperature, you may also notice dulling, redness, blotchiness, and even irritation. Luckily, an enhancement of your skincare routine can help with this. Follow the steps below to reduce these skin issues.

SWITCH TO A NOURISHING CLEANSER 

Keep the season’s skin issues at bay by cleansing morning and evening with a product that not only wipes away makeup and impurities but also nourishes your skin. A stronger cleanser may have worked in the summer but could leave your skin dry during the colder seasons.

“As our skin becomes drier, your skin needs a non-drying, sulfate-free cleanser that will ensure the skin barrier is protected and not stripped of its natural oils which causes more dryness,” said Baxter-Smelley.

One such cleanser, used in some of our most loved facials is the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm which can also be used as a hydrating mask. Its luxurious balm texture has earned it the name of ‘spa in a jar’ by beauty insiders and industry experts. As a mask, simply slather it on and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before applying lukewarm water to cleanse the face.

DO NOT SKIP YOUR TONER

An often-skipped step, using toner morning and evening helps balance your skin’s pH levels preventing dryness. It is a crucial step that takes less than a minute in your skincare routine.

“By balancing your skin’s pH levels you are helping to prevent it from drying out. This is crucial especially during the fall and winter seasons in which your skin is already exposed to elements that can dry it out.”

As for what type to use, select a non-alcohol-based toner that is gentler on the skin. Simply spritz it on and leave it for extra hydration or apply it to a cotton ball and wipe it gently over your face after cleansing and before applying any moisturizers. 

USE A CREAM EXFOLIATOR

An essential component of healthy, glowing skin is exfoliation to unclog your pores, remove impurities, and slough away dry or dead skin cells. As usual, stick to exfoliating 2 to 3 times per week, but when it comes to colder seasons, opt for cream exfoliators as opposed to scrub-based exfoliators which would irritate your already sensitive skin.

This helps prevent irritation during fall or winter – seasons in which our skin can become more sensitive or irritated due to extremes in temperature,” said Baxter-Smelley.

In addition to clearing the skin, it also improves your skin’s ability to absorb your treasured products, making them more efficient. This includes your facial oils and moisturizers. Baxter-Smelley suggested a gentle product she uses religiously – ELEMIS Papaya Enzyme Peel, which uses natural papaya and pineapple enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. After cleansing, apply a thin layer and let the enzymes do the work then remove with lukewarm water and a face towel.

INCREASE YOUR MOISTURE

When selecting moisturizers for the colder seasons, select those that provide an extra boost of moisture while having the added benefits of anti-aging and SPF. This will allow for a more streamlined skincare routine as well as firmer, plumper skin. While the seasons change, your need for sun protection does not.

“Never underestimate the power of UV rays in the fall and winter. They are there. SPF should be a year-round commitment,” said Baxter-Smelley.

During your morning routine, use an ultra-hydrating moisturizer such as the award-winning ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 which is clinically-proven to increase hydration by 177% in 1 hour and helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in 14 days.

During your evening routine, use a night cream that will help your skin replenish while you sleep such as the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix – a favorite among spa guests. While some skip on night cream, it is actually a time when your skin needs the most hydration.

“In the evening, skin hydration decreases, and it goes into repair mode working hard to repair damage from our daily lifestyle. Therefore, choosing the most effective moisturizer is almost as important as getting your 8 hours of beauty sleep,” said Baxter-Smelley.

While each person has personalized skin needs, the exterior effects of the season affect all of us and these few simple steps will help equip your skin to deal with them. For a more personalized approach, OneSpaWorld partner TIMETOSPA offers a complimentary skincare concierge here. Cheers to a new season and new opportunities to improve our self-care routines.