Style File: Five New Skin Care Habits for Fall

Courtesy Sebamed

Courtesy Sebamed

Changing seasons call for a few change-ups in our beauty routine. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends incorporating these five habits into your daily ritual for a smooth, soft transition into fall.

1. Switch Cleansers.

Start with the basics – If you’ve been using a shine control cleanser (or skating by with a bar of soap), make the switch to a more hydrating, soap-free cleanser. Coconut oil-based cleansers like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam are one of the most effective moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and act as antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Another one to try is “Kate Middleton’s favorite cleanser,” Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing, a gentle cleansing gel and makeup remover in one.

2. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen.

Don’t be fooled by lower temperatures. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen, just as you would in the summer. UV rays are just as strong when hitting the slopes or walking in the rain as they are on the beach. Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and have a SPF of 30 or greater.

Editor’s Note: Check out this post on Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions.

3. Move to a Heavier Night Cream.

Recover and restore your skin after a long summer with a heavier night cream like Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream which works to protect, smooth, calm and regenerate the skin without clogging pores. The intensive and rich properties of this Night Cream stimulate the skin’s own renewal process overnight for fresher skin by morning. The pH value of 5.5 promotes the skin’s own acid protective barrier against dehydration and irritants. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Here’s a Total Beauty survey of the 16 Best Night Creams.

4. Exfoliate Flaky Skin.

In the summer, we don’t need to exfoliate often. As temperatures cool, practice exfoliating once a week to keep dry flaky skin from shedding around the nose and chin. Select a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with balancing night cream.

Editor’s Note: Exfoliation is key for so many skin issues. We recently tried, and really liked, the Suki Resurfacing Enzyme Peel.  This resurfacing masque is effective from the inside out (it treats the source, not just the symptoms) and the outside in (it treats the surface signs like redness, acne, dryness, etc.). (sukiskincare.com)

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

5. Maximize Moisture in the Shower.

Our skin loses water to radiator heat and dry air all day long. Replenish and balance moisture content by using a hydrating body wash and lotion every time you shower, like Sebamed Anti-Dry Derma-Soft Wash Emulsion and Hydrating Body Lotion. To prevent dry, crackly, irritated skin, pat (don’t rub) skin dry after a hot shower and apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in hydration. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: We also like Uni K’s Ultimate Balm made with Green Tea and Cucumber to restore hydration to thirsty skin. It’s infused with cucumbers, a natural hydrator and green tea, chock full of antioxidants to ward off environmental toxins, as well as rice extracts to help retain the skin retain moisture.  (UniKWax.com)

 —Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 16, 2014.