Did you watch the Emmy Awards on Sunday? Or perhaps you glimpsed the Met Gala ensembles before that? One thing is clear, the red carpet is back. As actors, artists and creative professionals, how we present ourselves in person is part of the gig, and we all want to look our best. In order to do that, you need to update your skincare routine to make sure you’re ready for any close-up as we transition from summer to fall.
Sweater weather may be fun for fashion, but the drier air can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not prepared for the dip in temperature. It can leave you looking exhausted, patchy, flakey and red. But with a little prevention and a beauty product update or two, you can keep your skin glowing throughout the season.
Here are my Top 5 Tips to shift from a socially-distant summer to a fresh-faced (but still safe!) fall.
1. Stay Hydrated
#Humblebrag but I get compliments on my skin all the time, and I tell admirers that I owe it all to water (and maybe a little to genetics, thanks Mom!). It’s also super obvious when I’m dehydrated because my skin starts to look tired and dry, and the breakouts start a comin’. That is obviously no good for auditions, events and important meetings.
But as the saying goes: if you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready. I make sure I drink water throughout that day, every day. I recommend at least 3 liters per day (that’s about 100 ounces, guys)—especially during the transition from summer to fall when the dry air isn’t as easy to notice yet.
If you’re terrible at remembering to drink water throughout the day, try installing a water app on your phone to give you constant reminders. Green juices or meals containing water-dense seasonal fruits and veggies (apples, beets, bok choy, cabbage, daikon radish, oranges, pears, pumpkins and spinach) are another way to boost your skin’s hydration and overall appearance.
If you live in a colder climate, consider investing in a humidifier now. The dry air generated by in-home and office heating methods can seriously “degrade the skin’s natural moisture barrier”. So counteract that with a portable humidifier in your apartment or on your desk. (Bonus: the cost may be a little cheaper during the transition from summer to fall, before the need arises, so if it’s in your budget, start browsing now.)
Bonus: Add in some high quality electrolytes to ensure you’re not losing important minerals and you’ll be golden!
2. Slather On (Quality) Moisturizer
The key to fall skincare is obviously hydrating your skin and keeping it that way. So switch out your lighter moisturizer for something with more oomph.
I really like Annmarie Gianni products because of their natural and nutrient-filled formulas. Always look for organic products with natural ingredients instead of chemical laden ones!
You could even use good ol’ shea butter or try seed or argan oils. I like to lightly towel off after the shower and put mine on immediately on my damp skin to lock in the moisture.
Keep an eye out for ceramides on the ingredients list. Ceramide is a lipid naturally found in our skin that affects how it looks, feels and reacts to the environment. As we age, ceramides decrease, which can lead to chronic dry skin, inflammation, itching and conditions like eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. Just avoid added ingredients like parabens and synthetic scents that may irritate sensitive skin or contain questionable chemicals.
3. Choose a Creamier Cleanser Too
Foaming cleansers are helpful during the summer heat, when you’re sweating or out in the elements (and unfortunately pollution) more often. But our skin naturally produces less oil in the fall as a reaction to the drier air, so all those suds aren’t necessary.
Transition from summer skincare to a fabulous fall face with a creamier version, a balm cleanser or a cream-to-oil cleanser to create a healthy barrier to lock moisture in.
4. Go Easy on the Exfoliation
Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, cautions against over exfoliating during the transition from summer to fall. It can create “tiny cracks in the skin barrier that lead to more loss of hydration and inflammation”.
Why not try dry brushing instead? In addition to sloughing off dead skin cells, this gentle procedure is so good for your lymphatic system. Your skin is your biggest organ, so by dry brushing, you’re activating your whole body and helping to push toxins out of your body. Plus, it’s super easy and relaxing! (Bonus: dry brushes are super affordable! Here’s one of my favorites because it separates for easier mobility.)
5. Layer Protection On Your Lips Too
Finally, you want to give your lips some attention too. Chapped lips may give you a rosy red hue, but they sure do hurt! I like to make a simple DIY scrub with sugar and olive or coconut oil to rejuvenate and heal my kisser once a week.
It can be super tempting to reach for petroleum jelly to smooth cracked lips – guilty as charged! – but it came about as a by-product from oil rigging. Yep, it’s pretty gross. If you do use it, be sure to look for brand names, such as Vaseline, as these products are often refined multiple times to remove carcinogenic compounds.
How do you transition your skincare from summer to fall? I’d love to know in the comments below!
LOVE + stunning skin!
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