Ways to enhance your skin at home this fall!
Fall is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy some of the best weather of the year. We get to pull the boots and cute scarves back out from the back of the closet. But while you’re sipping your pumpkin spice latte and admiring the changing leaves, don’t forget to take care of your skin. Fall can bring some challenges for your skin, such as dryness, sensitivity, and sun damage. That’s why it’s important to adjust your skin care routine to suit the season and keep your skin healthy and glowing. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Avoid long, hot showers and soaks in the tub. As cooler temperatures start rolling in, skin typically becomes drier, causing more redness red, cracked and itchy skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, making it even more prone to irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and limit your shower or bath time to 10 minutes or less. Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in the hydration.
Use a moisturizer daily. Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin barrier intact and preventing water loss. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and needs. (we can help you with that at the barn) For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free formula that won’t clog your pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a richer, creamier formula that contains soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera. Apply your moisturizer twice a day, morning and night, after cleansing your face.
Use a mild cleanser. Harsh soaps can also strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Look for a gentle cleanser that is free of sulfates, fragrances, and alcohol. These ingredients can irritate your skin and cause inflammation. A mild cleanser during this time of year will cleanse your skin without drying it out or causing redness. You can also use a micellar water or a cleansing oil to remove makeup and dirt without rinsing. All available at the barn.
Wear a high-SPF sunscreen every day. Just because the sun is less intense in the fall doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. The sun’s rays can still damage your skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots. If you are an outdoors enthusiast – you will need extra protection from sun damage this time of year. That’s why you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim.
Use a humidifier. If you are indoor in spaces that have heat on – you may need to add a humidifier during fall and winter months. Having heat sources on can dehydrate your skin and make it more prone to cracking and flaking. To combat this, use a humidifier in your bedroom or living room to add some moisture back into the air. This will help your skin stay hydrated and plump throughout the day and night. You can also add some essential oils to your humidifier for some aromatherapy benefits.
Exfoliate. Exfoliating is a great way to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. However, you don’t want to overdo it or use harsh scrubs that can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation. Instead, use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These are chemical exfoliants that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells without scratching or rubbing your skin. They also help improve skin texture, tone, and clarity.
Use a thick hand cream. Your hands are one of the first parts of your body to show signs of aging and dryness. They are also exposed to the elements more than other parts of your body, such as wind, cold, and washing. To keep them soft and supple, use a thick hand cream that contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil. Apply it several times a day, especially after washing your hands or using sanitizer. Our Farmhouse Fresh hand creams are incredible, and each purchase sends money to an animal in need. You can also wear gloves when going outside to protect them from the cold.
Moisturize feet and elbows at night. Your feet and elbows are also prone to dryness and cracking in the fall and winter. To prevent this, use a moisturizer that contains urea, lactic acid, or glycolic acid at night before going to bed. These ingredients help exfoliate and hydrate rough patches of skin on your feet and elbows. You can also wear socks or cotton gloves over them to seal in the moisture overnight.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is not only important for your skin but also for your overall health. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins, regulate your body temperature, and improve your digestion. It also helps your skin stay plump, elastic, and radiant. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, or more if you exercise or sweat a lot. You can also drink herbal teas, fruit juices, or smoothies to boost your hydration levels. Many of us at the barn have those larger bottles that have goals to meet throughout the day. It helps stick to it!
Eat a balanced diet. What you eat also affects your skin health and appearance. What you eat also affects your skin health and appearance. Clint and I have been working on reducing gluten in our lives. Clint is already seeing a reduction of his psoriasis on his legs. Eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to function properly and repair itself. Some of the best foods for your skin include berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, salmon, avocado, and olive oil. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation, protect your skin from free radicals, and support collagen production.
Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of nature and the coziness of home. But it’s also a time to take your skin care seriously and make some changes to keep your skin healthy and happy. By following these tips, you can transition your skin care routine from summer to fall and enjoy the season with glowing skin. Please don’t hesitate to come into the barn if you have any questions on what products would be best for your skin this fall. We LOVE helping people get a skin care regimen established.