It’s officially fall! Welcome back to “Ask the Esthetician,” a column where we discuss all things skincare with Viktoria, our lead esthetician at the OSEA Venice Skincare Studio. If you, like us, have questions about how (and why) to transition your skincare routine from summer to fall, you’re in the right place. From the top swap to make this season to how to dial up your hydration efforts, Viktoria answers your most burning questions on the topic.
Q: Why do I need to change my skincare routine from summer to fall?
Viktoria: As we enter the cooler months, there’s less humidity in the air so your skin gets drier. Colder temperatures often also mean that we’re cranking up the heat indoors. All of that can strip moisture from the skin, leaving it tight, flaky, or even irritated. Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to fall really is just about swapping a few products to suit your skin’s needs as the weather shifts.
Q: What are the top skincare swaps to make in fall?
A: The first is face moisturizer! Your skin needs extra hydration during this time of the year since humidity levels drop. Swap the lightweight moisturizer you were using in the summer for a thicker, richer cream. Look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid and shea butter in the ingredient list. I recommend our ultra-rich and nourishing Advanced Protection Cream which was actually tested on participants exposed to extreme, dehydrating weather conditions, and is clinically shown to increase skin hydration by 121%*. It’s also recognized by the National Eczema Association with the Seal of Acceptance™, so it’s great for sensitive skin.
*Based on an independent third-party clinical study after 1 use.
A: The second tip is to switch to a gentle cleanser. Basically, you want to avoid using anything harsh or stripping that might make skin even drier. Instead, opt for a milky cleanser and/or cleansing oil. If you haven’t yet, consider trying our Ocean Wave Cleanser, a bi-phase makeup remover + cleansing oil. It’s made with gentle, skin-loving ingredients like Undaria seaweed (which is rich in antioxidants), and bisabolol, famous for its soothing qualities. Camelina seed oil adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids that deeply nourish skin. I recommend double cleansing with Ocean Wave Cleanser, followed by our Ocean Cleansing Milk for your softest skin yet.
A: Next up, incorporate face oils, especially if your skin is naturally on the dry side. A good face oil locks in hydration, moisturizes skin, and gives you a glowy finish. I suggest applying face oil as the last step in your cool-weather routine, but you can also add a few drops to your moisturizer. Look for formulas that are rich in nourishing oils like argan, jojoba, squalane, sunflower seed, avocado, safflower, sweet almond or grapeseed oil. I am a big fan of our Dayglow Face Oil. It makes my skin so smooth and glowy!
A: Last, swap your body lotion with body butter, or better yet, layer them together. Body butters are typically made with high concentrations of butter and oils (like shea or meadowfoam oil) and contain little to no water. Undaria Algae Body Butter will be your skin’s best friend in the colder months. It’s formulated with shea butter and ceramides (which support the skin’s own moisture barrier), and is clinically shown to hydrate the skin for 72 hours. I love the rich, buttery texture that absorbs easily into skin. It also happens to smell like a fresh citrus, which makes me feel happy.
Q: What other things can make a difference during the colder months?
A: Invest in a humidifier! This is a great way to help counteract dryness. Humidifiers replenish the surrounding air with moisture, and can keep your skin more hydrated. I like to run mine overnight. Another tip is to skip hot showers. I know they feel amazing, but super-hot water strips your skin of essential oils. Finally, apply your face and body moisturizers fresh out of the shower when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to increase hydration.