It’s officially fall and that means it's time to consider your fall skincare routine! There’s something about this change of season that just begs for a change in routine. But does your skincare routine need a revamp?
One question that comes up often is the need for SPF when its cloudy or when we're all bundled up as the seasons change. But can you ditch the daily SPF now that cooler weather has rolled in?
The short answer is no — your skincare routine should continue to include a product with an SPF rated 30 or greater even on the days when your sun exposure is more limited (hi, fall and winter!).
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should apply sunscreen every day if you will be outside. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow (as well as sand and water) reflects the sun’s rays, so keep that in mind this winter.
HOW DOES SUN EXPOSURE AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
In case you’re not sold on sunscreen just yet, here are some fast facts about how sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin.
- Sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Overexposure to UVA and/or UVB rays can cause skin cancer, and skin cancer does not discriminate — you’re at risk no matter your age, race, or gender. Roughly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
- UVA rays can prematurely age your skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin's thickest layer -- the dermis. Unprotected exposure to these rays can cause photoaging (i.e. wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots!). The World Health Organization states that up to 90% of the visible changes attributed to aging may be caused by sun exposure.
- Sunscreen can help prevent against both skin cancer and premature aging. When used properly every day, SPF can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, minimizing your risk for skin cancer and helping to keep your skin looking youthful. UVA rays penetrate through the clouds, which is why it is so important to include sun protection in your fall routine.
- The effects of unprotected sun exposure are cumulative. This means that they add up over time. Most sun damage isn't caused from days spent at the beach or pool. The damage is caused over time from daily sun exposure (walking the dog, an al fresco lunch, etc.).
FALL SKINCARE ROUTINE
While you'll want to keep your daily SPF in heavy rotation this fall, you might still want to make some changes to your skincare lineup. If you find yourself longing to switch out some of your skincare products, here are a few of our suggestions:
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Make sure you’re using a rich, thick moisturizer. In the hot, humid summer months, you might have opted for a lightweight moisturizer, but now’s the time to really lather on a thick cream to restore radiance. If you have areas that are particularly dry or chapped, try hydrating balm. Our fall favorite is the Black Rose & Damask Rose Concentrated Face Balm.
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Incorporate a facial oil for maximum hydration. Dry, patchy skin is common during the fall — especially if you live in a windy city. A facial oil, like our Revitage™ Replenishing Squalane & Argan Oil Serum, can bring dry, dehydrated skin back to life! Use after water-based serums and before creams to lock in hydration.
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Try an overnight mask. Our pick? Our Hyaluronic Acid & Oat Overnight Recovery Mask. While you’re dreaming, hyaluronic acid and tremella mushrooms draw moisture deep into skin. Also good for avoiding the drying indoor heat we usually crank up as it gets colder.
With these additions (and a daily SPF), your skincare routine will be in tip-top shape this fall!
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