It’s finally fall, y’all! Which means it’s also finally time to swap out your summer skincare routine for one that’s better suited for the colder months ahead. And while the temperatures in the Lowcountry don’t necessarily drop dramatically, the cooler, drier air can still do some damage to your skin.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure your skin is properly protected this season:

Change your moisturizer and cleanser

During the fall months, it’s important to swap out your products for ones that are as moisturizing as possible. That means switching out your lighter moisturizers for ones that are a bit heavier and include hydrating ingredients. As for cleansers, look for non-drying cleansers to add into your morning routine and light-weight lotion-based cleansers at night. 

Exfoliate

When you have dry skin, it can be difficult to convince yourself that you need to exfoliate — but you do. By exfoliating, you are able to remove dead skin buildup and keep your skin looking and feeling smoother. Plus, exfoliating helps minimize the appearance of dark spots from excess sun exposure. For best results, look for an oil-based scrub that will both exfoliate and hydrate your skin.

Put on some face masks

In addition to your daily skincare routine, consider adding in some face masks a couple times a week. You can look for some charcoal-based masks that will absorb excess oil and pull gunk out of your pores or you can add in some hydrating masks to add extra moisture to your skin. Water-based gel masks tend to work best if you’re looking to hydrate.

Listen to your skin

Tightness, dryness, breakouts and sensitivity are all signs that your current skincare routine isn’t working and you probably need to try something else. One of the best things to do before you start a new skincare routine is to consult your dermatologist first. They’ll be able to help you create a regime that works best for your skin type.

Interested in starting a new fall skincare routine? Schedule an appointment with Charleston Dermatology today!