Why does every shift in season throw our skin into chaos? Just when we think we’ve mastered our complexion, the weather flips and we’re back to square one. To smooth the transition from summer to fall, we consulted Dr. Papri Sarkar, a board-certified dermatologist in Brookline, Mass., for expert advice on sidestepping seasonal skin troubles. Read on for a foolproof plan to keep your skin calm this season—pumpkin spice latte optional.
Choose An Oil-Based Cleanser
Hydration becomes the top priority as soon as temperatures drop, so you’ll want to weave moisturizing elements into every step of your routine. “If you’re not using one already, now is the time to start using an oil-based cleanser,” says Dr. Sarkar. “They remove sunscreen, dirt, oil, and makeup really well, and they tend to be less drying than foaming cleansers.” Try the Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil, which features a blend of hydrating botanical oils including Hazel Seeds, Avocado, and Olive Fruit.
Time For (Gentle!) Chemical Exfoliation
All summer long, you’ve been sweating, applying SPF, sweating more, getting oilier, and generally accumulating dead skin and debris. The best way to shed that dullness and reveal a radiant complexion underneath is through chemical exfoliation. While you might be tempted to use every acid available, it’s important to go easy on your skin. Overdoing harsh ingredients can cause redness and sensitivity. Instead, choose a gentle, hydrating exfoliator like The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask—it contains amino acid-rich Watermelon extract and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid for a glow-restoring treatment without irritation.
Try A Toner Or Essence
Tackle lingering breakouts and oiliness from summer’s hot, humid weather (and the accompanying sweat and sunscreen buildup) with a blemish-fighting toner. The non-drying Leegeehaam Grow Tea Tree 70 BHA Toner contains acne-fighting Tea Tree extract and Willow Bark extract to sweep away impurities and unclog pores. If your skin feels more dry than oily, Dr. Sarkar recommends a hydrating essence instead. We like the ID.AZ Dermtastic Essence for its lightweight moisturizing blend of Tremella Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid.
Fade Dark Spots With A Brightening Serum
Despite your best efforts, you likely caught a bit too much sun over the past few months. There’s no turning back the clock, but you can switch into repair mode to prevent sun spots. However, the longer you wait to treat sun damage, the worse it can become. Eliminate fresh hyperpigmentation—those annoying sunspots—with a brightening product like the Ascorbic Acid-packed Liz K First C Serum Pure Vitamin C 13%.
Step Up Your Moisturizer
“That light, watery moisturizer you favored a few months ago won’t do the trick now,” says Dr. Sarkar. “Switch to something heavier with ingredients like Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides. If you’re really dry, mix a few drops of facial oil into your moisturizer to make it richer and give it more staying power.” One to try: Make P:rem Cicapro Refresh Light Cream—it has healing Centella Asiatica, moisturizing Glycerin, and nourishing Probiotics. Can’t bear to part with your beloved gels and emulsions? While it won’t be enough hydration on its own, you can use a lightweight hydrator like our Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer as a serum. Just pat it onto your skin as usual, then layer your heavier moisturizer on top. The mix of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, soothing Jasmine and Peony Extracts, and skin-fortifying Watermelon seals in moisture, giving your skin extra protection against cold-weather dryness.
Stick To Your Sunscreen Habit
Just because you’ve traded sleeveless shirts for scarves and sweaters doesn’t mean you can retire your sunscreen. Your skin still needs SPF even when it’s cool and cloudy outside. The Make P:rem Capsule Sun Gel pulls double duty by simultaneously protecting and hydrating the skin.
Add On A Lightweight Primer
If you’re anything like us, you probably step up your makeup game come fall—there are way too many cool shadows and bold lipsticks to play with. Keep foundation, bronzers, and more from clogging pores by prepping skin with a lightweight primer like the Blithe InBetween Hydro Priming Cream. Bonus: It’s infused with Squalane, which Dr. Sarkar loves for extra hydration.
Indulge With A Masking Ritual
Masks should be part of your weekly skincare maintenance, no matter the season. Start using them two to three times a week to help repair any summer damage, restore lost moisture, and prep the skin for the colder months ahead. We like to rotate between the MD’s Pick Aqua Moist Water Rubber Mask, the Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask, and the Jullai Super 12 Bounce in Oil Mask.
So, don’t be sad to see summer go—get excited about how amazing your skin is going to look this fall. Also, it’s booties and leather weather—we’re very eager to bring those out of hibernation.
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