Tips for Flawless Fall Skin

“As the fall and winter months approach, and we experience seasonal changes, it is important to update not only your wardrobe, but [also] your skincare essentials,” says Kaitlyn Duffy, brand marketing associate for Dr. Jart+, a line of skincare products. “Just like you would change up your clothing to prep for the cold winter weather, your skincare routine needs an update too. Picking the right products at the right time for you skin is key to maintaining a healthy looking, beautiful complexion all year round.”

But knowing what issues to watch for— and what’s best to use to combat those issues—can be confusing. To help, we tapped Duffy and other experts to point us in the right direction.

DEAL WITH DAMAGE AND DISCOLORATION

“Fall is the perfect time to address any sun damage or discoloration,” advises Dr. Gregory Brown, the founder of RéVive Skincare. His recommendation: Once or twice a week, use (1) RéVive Glycolic Renewal Peel, which “can help to improve skin tone and texture,” he says. For another once or twice a week option, consider (2) M-61 PowerGlow Peel, which Susan Civitano, manager of New Canaan, CT, beauty store Bluemercury, recommends. “The most common concerns we see with transitioning from summer to fall and winter are with skin texture, which include breakouts, discoloration and dehydration,” she says. “Spending too much time in the sun during the warmer weather is the No. 1 cause of these concerns.” That’s where the PowerGlow Peel comes in, which can help “retexturize and brighten your skin in one easy step for renewed glow,” she explains.

If you prefer a treatment instead of a product, try Fraxel Dual, a laser resurfacing treatment that boosts collagen while helping with brown spots and other signs of sun damage. And, since the treatment isn’t recommended if you have a tan, it’s a great choice for September, says Dr. Kim Nichols, a dermatologist and the founding director of NicholsMD of Greenwich.

ADD MOISTURE

It’s no secret that skin is drier in cooler weather. To sidestep dull skin, Dr. Nichols recommends applying moisturizer twice a day in the winter—and to stick with one that’s thicker. And, says Duffy, “While the harsh weather and freezing temperatures leave us stuck indoors, many resort to central heating and radiators. These technologies tend to suck the moisture out of your skin, leading to flaky, cracked, dry and irritated skin. Therefore, it’s important to look for a moisturizer that not only moisturizes dry skin, but strengthens your skin barrier to be able to retain more moisture within the skin.” She recommends the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Collection, including (3) Ceramidin Liquid, a moisturizing toner, and (4) Ceramidin Cream. “Ceramides are lipids that are naturally produced by the skin and they help to form a protective layer that locks in hydration and prevents water loss,” says Duffy. Their newest product in the line—Ceramidin Body Lotion— came out at the end of August.

GET THAT GLOW

If you’re looking “for a renewed glow,” Civitano suggests adding Vitamin C to your routine, to go along with your glycolic peel. “Pairing Vitamin C and glycolic acid is the secret to gorgeous skin,” she says. “Our clients love (5) SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum for daytime.” Dr. Nichols also recommends sticking with this product, an antioxidant—which she calls “the hero product”—all year long, as a way to help shield your skin from pollutants like dust and debris that can help speed up the aging process.

Another great choice? Bluemercury’s (6) M-61 Hydraboost Collagen + Peptide Water Cream. “There is no better collagen peptide that stimulates cell renewal, replenishes moisture, and reinforces naturally recurring hyaluronic acid and collagen levels, leaving skin looking smooth and luminous,” explains Civitano, who says the product was the store’s top launch of the year. You could also go the created-just-for-your-skin route with (7) SkinCeuticals Custom D.O.S.E., a service that Nichols provides in her office. Choosing from multiple different ingredients, she determines the best mix for your skin—for instance, it might be more geared towards anti-aging, or feature more ingredients for soothing and calming skin, or it might include a retinol —so it’s the ideal fit.

Use This All Year
You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: Include an SPF in your skincare routine every day, say experts. As Brown explains, “the perceived notion that sunscreen is not important in fall and winter is false.” A few to try:

RéVive Perfectif Even Skin Tone Cream SPF 30. It “helps erase the appearance of past damage and protect the skin with broad spectrum sunscreen,” says Brown.
EltaMD Skincare UV Elements SPF 44. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is tinted and is applied similarly to a BB cream, says Nichols.
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+. Also broad spectrum, it’s great for sensitive or irritated skin, as well as for kids, says Duffy.