The seasons have officially changed, and I don't know about you...but I love love love fall! Bring on the cozy sweaters, warm soups, holiday baking, and <speaking from my esthetician heart> peel season! When the seasons shift, our skincare routines at home and in office treatments shift too. In the fall/winter seasons we get to do more aggressive treatments in office and really tackle your specific skincare concerns. Here are some fall skincare tips to think about and maybe even apply to your skincare routines to achieve results + get glowy skin this fall season!
UP YOUR HYDRATION GAME:
If you are feeling dry with your current skincare routine, consider adding in more hydration. This could mean slipping in a hyaluronic acid serum before applying your moisturizer, or investing in a heavier night cream. Another option is to switch over to a hydrating SPF or add in a creamy cleanser. One of my favorite ways to add in hydration through the week is using a hydrating mask (Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque by iS Clinical is my absolute fave...giant gulp of water for my skin).
REINCORPORATING A RETINOL / UPPING THE %:
I get asked this question often: "Should I be using a retinol?" short answer YES! Anyone over the age of 25 should be using a retinol (if guided by their licensed professional to do so). Retinol is a multi-purpose exfoliating ingredient that increases cell turn-over + unclogs pores, benefiting acne prone skin, hyperpigmentations + fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol will also prep your skin for the stronger treatments we will be doing this season!
SPF EVERYDAY:
Don't be fooled by the cool, cloudy weather! If you are a breathing human, you wear SPF daily. UV rays are still coming through those overcast clouds doing it's thing and damaging your skin. If we are doing advanced treatments, SPF is a non-negotiable; you MUST have this in your daily routine. PRO TIP: switch over to a hydrating SPF if your skin is feeling extra dry.
BOOST ACTIVE INGREDIENTS + BRIGHTENERS:
These dryer months causes our skin to have more dead skin buildup. Here's where upping % of actives such as AHA's (glycolic/lactic acid) + BHA's (salicylic acid) comes in. AHA's exfoliate at the surface of the skin. BHA's dive into the pore and exfoliate keeping breakouts at bay. Brightening ingredients such as Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid + Vitamin C will address all the sun damage your skin just experienced + give you a more even complexion. These are ingredients will prep the skin for stronger treatments.
ADVANCED TREATMENTS:
Fall is the perfect season to begin advanced treatments with your licensed professional. In the cooler seasons, we are indoors more often where the sun can cause an adverse reaction to your aggressive treatment. My favorite services for this season are CHEMICAL PEELS + MICRONEEDLING. Peels address a wide variety of different skin concerns such as hyperpigmentations, acne, acne scarring, sun damage, skin tone and overall complexion. Microneedling stimulates collagen production, giving the skin firmness and targeting those fine lines. It's also an amazing service for acne scarring. Advanced treatments married to professional grade skincare produces results!
Hope these tips help you on your skincare journey this fall. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to email me! xx - Nikki