When summer turns into fall, it\u2019s a period of many transitions. Kids go back to school.\u00a0Swimsuits are stored away and cozy cardigans are pulled from the back of the closet. Another very important summer-to-fall transition: your skincare routine. As the weather changes, so do your skin\u2019s needs, which is why experts recommend switching up your routine. Ahead, Vicki Rapaport, M.D., a dermatologist and co-host of the Facially Conscious podcast, shares five unexpected ways to transform your skincare routine for fall.<\/p>\n\n\n
First, once you\u2019ve wrapped up your summer fun in the sun, book an appointment with your dermatologist to assess any new or existing moles. Here\u2019s why: \u201cWhen you’ve been in the sun for long periods of time, your moles can change, and you can develop new skin lesions,\u201d Dr. Rapaport says, which is why getting a mole exam is essential during this time. And, most importantly, continue wearing sunscreen year-round<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n Exfoliation<\/a> is an essential skincare step for removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. However, Dr. Rapaport says exfoliating ingredients can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. So now that the sun is less intense and you won\u2019t be spending as much time outside, she recommends re-introducing exfoliating ingredients such as AHAs into your skincare routine to help with cell turnover and brightening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n Fall means cooler weather which means drier skin. The good news? You don\u2019t need to switch to a thicker, heavier cream<\/a> if that\u2019s not your thing. Instead, Dr. Rapaport suggests adding a few drops of oil<\/a>, such as squalane, jojoba, laminaria, argan or rosehip seed, into your hand and mixing it with your favorite lightweight moisturizer. This way, you get the added moisture and hydration your skin needs during the colder months without the greasiness of thick cream.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n Humidity decreases during the fall, making \u201cslugging\u201d a helpful skincare technique to add to your routine for post-sun soothing and maintaining hydration. \u201cSlugging creates a physical barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture<\/a> and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL),\u201d Dr. Rapaport explains. To do so, she recommends doing this ritual once a week. Start by cleansing your skin and pat drying. Add a thin layer of an occlusive (like petroleum jelly) while your skin is still damp. Sleep with it overnight and look forward to baby-soft skin in the morning. Another tip: Dr. Rapaport advises using a humidifier during the cooler months to help get water into the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n Skincare treatments such as resurfacing lasers or chemical peels require limited sun exposure post-treatment for best healing results. So, thanks to reduced sun exposure, it\u2019s easier to manage post-treatment care during the fall. \u201cResurfacing lasers remove outer layers of damaged skin by using targeted beams of light,\u201d Dr. Rapaport explains. \u201cThis helps produce collagen. Like lasers, chemical peels can improve skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scars and hyperpigmentation<\/a> and enhance overall skin radiance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n