As the seasons change, so should our skincare routines. While fall brings so many wonderful changes, like cooler weather, changing foliage, bonfires, and pumpkin-flavored everything, it isn’t always the kindest on our skin. Problems like dry and dehydrated skin (here’s the difference), increased sensitivity, eczema and psoriasis flare-ups, textured skin, and hyperpigmentation are all common skin concerns this time of year. Because of this, many of the skincare products that work so well for us in the summer may not provide the same benefits in the cooler weather.
The girls at Renee Rouleau Skincare are just like everyone else when it comes to experiencing seasonal skin changes, which is why I decided to hear from them about which concerns they face every fall. Here’s a look into what they had to say– and what I suggest for addressing them!
Lexi: In-House Esthetician
Dryness under the Eyes
Lexi (Skin Type 6) may spend her days answering your skincare questions over chat, email, and My Skin Rx virtual consultations, but even the most well-versed skincare professionals face their share of seasonal skin changes. For Lexi, this comes in the form of extreme dryness, especially in the under-eye area. This is generally due to a combination of factors. As the air gets a little dryer, fall allergies start to affect many people, oftentimes causing puffy eyes. This puffiness stretches the skin tissue under the eyes, putting pressure on the skin’s natural barrier. Over time, this pressure can lead to tiny cracks that allow moisture to escape, exacerbating dryness.
One solution I suggest is gentle exfoliation under the eyes, like with Firm + Repair Overnight Serum. This helps to remove dead skin cells and allows better absorption of moisture. Following exfoliation, applying a hydrating eye cream, like Total Eye Repair Creme, can be beneficial in bringing moisture back to that area. Additionally, makeup can provide an added layer of protection. Foundation or concealer can provide one last defense to help moisture stay in the skin. Remember that moisturizers tend to evaporate throughout the day, so layering makeup on top can help retain that valuable moisture!
Ella: Senior Content Editor
Irritable Skin
With holidays just around the corner, this is the time of the year when you most want to have your skin under control for that special family gathering, work event, or New Year’s kiss– but your skin might have other things in mind. Ella (Skin Type 3), like many others, experiences more irritable skin in the fall, including redness and sensitivity. This could be due to several factors, but a significant one is the drop in humidity levels during the fall season. When the air is drier, the skin has a harder time retaining moisture, which can lead to compromised skin barriers and increased irritation.
For those with easily irritated skin like Ella, this dry air doesn’t help matters. The skin becomes more compromised, moisture escapes, and cracks can form, making the skin feel more sensitive and irritable. To address this issue, I recommend switching to products that provide comfort and hydration, like Phytolipid Comfort Creme and Redness Care Firming Serum.
Jill: Marketing Coordinator
Textured Skin
Have you ever experienced those little bumps on your skin, different from your usual breakouts? This is something that Jill (Skin Type 5) occasionally deals with once summer is over– after all, breakouts are most common in fall. The reason behind this issue is that layers of dead cells build up on the surface of the skin. These dead cells trap oil (and bacteria) beneath the surface. The trapped oil and bacteria block oxygen from getting into the pore. From there, C. acnes bacteria thrive, and breakouts happen.
To combat textured skin, especially in the fall, it’s essential to up your exfoliation game. When your skin produces more oil in the summer due to humidity, it becomes accustomed to this level of oil. However, when the air cools, the skin continues to produce oil but does not release it as rapidly, leading to trapped oil in the pores and those pesky bumps. To tackle this, it’s best to incorporate a physical exfoliant like Triple Berry Smoothing Scrub into your routine, using it twice a week to keep your skin smooth and bump-free.
Lizziee: New Product Development Project Manager
Seasonal Eczema
Eczema is a common skin concern that can flare up year-round, but for some, like Lizziee (Skin Type 6), it becomes more prevalent as the weather turns cold. This is because those with eczema are genetically more susceptible to inflamed, dry, and irritated skin. While everyone’s skin is different, there are a few common triggers for flare-ups, including cold, dry weather, intense heat or humidity, allergens like dust mites or pollen, harsh soaps, and rough clothing materials like wool.
Since eczema is characterized by chronic inflammation, the primary goal should be to support your moisture barrier and keep the skin calm. For Lizziee, I recommend using a cleanser free of sulfates. Look for a hydrating gel or cream cleanser, like Vitamin-Infused Cleansing Emulsion. These types of cleansers are gentle on the skin and can help maintain the skin’s moisture balance while avoiding potential irritants.
Kacie: Purchasing Manager
Hyperpigmentation
As summer comes to a close, Kacie (Skin Type 6) and many others are starting to notice the harsh effects that the countless days of sun exposure had on their skin. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kacie for quite some time (almost 8 years, to be exact!) and if there’s one thing I know about her, it’s that she’s diligent about wearing sunscreen. However, we live in Austin– meaning it’s nearly impossible to escape the scorching Texas sun. This is why it’s no surprise that her pigment cells tend to flare up, and in her case, it comes in the form of melasma (one of the four types of hyperpigmentation).
To tackle hyperpigmentation, I recommend a three-pronged approach. First, exfoliate and dissolve dead skin cells with products like Triple Berry Smoothing Peel and Scrub. This helps to reveal fresher, more even-toned skin. Second, fade and brighten those spots with products containing melanin-suppressing ingredients, like Vitamin C&E Treatment. Lastly, protect your skin from further damage by regularly applying sunscreen, which is vital for preventing the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation.
Ultimately, fall brings unique skincare challenges, and it’s crucial to adapt our routines accordingly. By understanding the unique concerns of our skin and giving it the thoughtful attention it deserves, we can all enjoy healthier and more radiant skin throughout the season.
Next up, how to get rid of sun spots from summer in 7 steps.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
