I grew up in a country that had the same hot, humid temperature all year round. With that, it meant that my skin was used to the same temperament all year round. After moving to Vancouver about 7 years ago, my skin has definitely changed with the seasons. My skin becomes very dry and irritated, especially in the Fall and Winter.
My skin does take a bit of an adjustment period to get used to the change in air humidity and temperature. That said, once I think it’s used to the new temperature, winter hits and my skin goes into a frenzy again. Just like our wardrobes, our skincare routine needs to change with the weather too!
I’m not sure if you experience the same deal as I do when it comes to managing your skin in the ever changing temperatures but I want to share a couple skincare tips I have for you as we maneuver from one season to the next!
Here are some steps I take to transition my skincare from Fall to Winter:
Do you deal with Eczema? I do
Don’t you just loveeeee eczema?
I’ve been dealing with eczema ever since I can remember. When I was in elementary school, my eczema was HORRID. I remember getting really dry, flaky, red and itchy skin all over my legs and arms and it scarred (by darkening of the skin). I used to cover it up so much through school because I was embarrassed.
Thankfully, I outgrew the worst of my eczema and now it only really comes in small bits and only during seasonal changes. That said, I still hate it. I mean, who likes itchy, scaly and red skin. God bless makeup.
Until recently, I usually use steroid creams prescribed by my doctor but I really wanted to wean off it because it thins out my skin. Also, it didn’t seem to solve the underlying issue.
From Summer, as the air gets colder into Fall and now, onto Winter, I think I’ve found my saving grace. I’ve been using this soothing and hydrating spray that has a light, liquid texture from LaRoche Posay. It isn’t an overnight fix but my skin got really dry from my trip to New York and it has been slowly healing my skin on my neck.
My eczema flare ups seem to stem from my skin getting reaaally dry and so I’ve been working hard to ensure that the parts of my skin that are prone to eczema stay very moisturized.
Use a Thicker Moisturizer to Complement your Serums
Because of the drier air from Fall to Winter, switching to a thicker moisturizer can help retain moisture in your skin.
I don’t necessarily change up my daily moisturizer but I do switch up the one I use before bed because I find sleeping with a thick moisturizer helps me wake up with soft, supple skin.
I actually have been layering the Bionic lotion from Neostrata over top of the Toleriane Ultra 8 spray from La Roche-Posay for my eczema and it has been a great combination for me.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to clog your pores. Hence, it’s really important to research and use creams or lotions that work best for your skin type. I don’t have acne and so, using thicker creams work for me. If you have oilier skin, I’d suggest using something less thick.
I share more Winter Skincare Survival tips HERE and you can watch my older TV segment on it!
Don’t Forget to Moisturize your Body too
One of the most important things when it comes to transitioning your skincare from Fall to Winter is your body! I always neglect moisturizing my body because, well I plainly forget.
During the Summer, I don’t use as much body lotion because of how hot and humid the weather is. I still forget in the Fall but in the Winter, I find my shoulders, legs and hands need a little (a lot of) extra love.
To prevent your skin from feeling dry and itchy, get a body lotion with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coco butter. I’ve been using the Jergens body lotion (the same I shared in my Winter Skincare Survival post) because it smells good, isn’t sticky and the bottle is huge.
Hydrating Masks for Face and Lips are a Saving Grace
I LOVE masks. Any sort of masks- face, lips, feet, anything.
If you have been watching my IG Stories, I’ve been masking during my flights as well because the air on planes is so freaking dry, I need the extra hydration.
My favourite masks for hydration on my face is the Neutrogena HydroBoost and the Garnier GreenTea mask. I also recently received some feet masks (they need lovin too) from Aveeno and will be trying those out eventually.
Also, thermal water sprays are the best thing you can do for your skin! It’s so refreshing and I use the one from Avene- Thermal Spring Water. I usually spray it on right after I get out of the shower and before I layer on my moisturizer and it’s incredible.
Not only is it affordable, like around $8 but its so soothing on my skin!
I’ve been trying a Korean skincare routine that includes lots of masks and moisturizers.
Drink Lots of Water, Eat Vitamins and Exercise
Staying hydrated starts from the inside out.
Drinking lots of liquids is one of the best skincare tips I can give because it helps cleanse your skin and increase moisture. If your skin and scalp are feeling dry, many times your body is looking for some inside hydration as well.
I also like to take Vitamin C supplements to help give my complexion an extra healthy glow. Vitamin C is said to help boost collagen which can keep your skin soft and healthy even in the driest months.
As we move from Fall to Winter, it’s holiday season. That means, holiday parties and a lot more eating. A key way to protect your skin is also to exercise. When you sweat, you release toxins and at times, our skin issues stem from our health. I try to hit the gym or swim at least 1-2 times a week. I’m slowly working to increase the frequency but even once a week helps me feel a lot better physically and mentally. Even when I’m busy, I try my best to stay active.
I hope you try and incorporate a few of these fall skincare tips into your routine. I love fall and getting into a cozy routine so this should help keep your skin happy, hydrated and glowing long into the cold months.
—
Till next time,
xoxo Sam
