How To Adapt Your Skincare For Colder Weather

Posted on October 18, 2024

The change from one season to the next can often show on our skin. As the dry, cool autumn air sets in, skin tends to lose moisture, becoming dull and flaky—especially for those with dry skin or conditions like eczema or redness. To prevent these unwanted changes, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to match the weather. In this blog, we’ll talk about how to update your skincare routine as you transition into colder months.

What To Focus On When Changing Your Skincare Routine For Colder Months

As you transition your daily skincare products for the new season, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind, including the following:

Time for a New Face Cleanser

During the warm months, we tend to choose a lighter facial cleanser to avoid clogging pores when it's hot and we're sweating. But on cooler days, it's important to lock in moisture with heavier, oil-based cleansers. If you prefer natural skincare, you might want to switch to a face oil that preferably won’t cause breakouts and will keep your skin moisturized enough to prevent cracking.

Here are some great oils to consider:

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is excellent for dissolving dirt, makeup, and excess oil, all while keeping the skin moisturized. Its fatty acids cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. However, it might not be ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, as it can clog pores for some. To use: Massage a small amount of coconut oil onto dry skin for 1-2 minutes, then wipe off with a warm, damp cloth.

2. Sweet Almond Oil  

Sweet almond oil is gentle, lightweight, and perfect for oil cleansing, especially for sensitive skin. It breaks down impurities and makeup while nourishing the skin, making it ideal for fall. Simply apply a few drops to dry skin, gently massage, and remove with a warm cloth to lift away dirt and makeup.

3. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that both cleanse and moisturize. It’s great for dry or sensitive skin, removing makeup and impurities without making the skin feel tight. To use: Gently massage a small amount into your skin, then wipe off with a warm cloth, leaving your skin soft and nourished.

4. Apricot Kernel Oil  

Light and gentle, apricot kernel oil is a wonderful facial cleanser. It doesn’t clog pores and effectively dissolves dirt and makeup without causing irritation. To use: Massage onto your face, then remove with a damp cloth, just like any other oil cleanser.

Choose a Heavier Facial Moisturizer

Just like your facial cleanser, it’s time to switch to a heavier moisturizer. Its main role should be to seal moisture into your skin and prevent it from escaping easily.

For fans of natural and organic skincare, the Seven Minerals Magnesium Cocoa Butter Body Cream with Vitamin E might be a great choice. Not only is it 100% gluten-free and free of artificial fragrances, soy, preservatives, phthalates, or parabens but it’s also enriched with magnesium, which may help lock moisture into the skin. Vitamin E can be helpful in nourishing your skin, leaving it smooth and soft.

You can also add aloe vera gel, one of nature’s most renowned moisturizers, to your skincare routine. Despite its lightweight texture that leaves no residue, Seven Minerals’ Aloe Vera Gel may be incredibly effective at locking in moisture and nourishing the skin. It may be especially beneficial for dry, cracked skin or conditions like eczema, redness, and even sunburn from the long summer. Whether applied directly to your face or used in a DIY moisturizer recipe, aloe vera gel helps prevent dry skin and keeps it healthy.

Don’t Forget About SPF

Even though the sun isn’t as bright during the fall and we experience more cloudy days, don’t be fooled into thinking that UV rays are less harmful. You might not feel the need to apply SPF 50 all over your body, but your face definitely needs some protection since it’s the most exposed to the sun. If you prefer not to use heavy creams, consider incorporating coconut oil into your daily routine before heading out. This oil can provide mild SPF protection while also nourishing and moisturizing your skin.

Incorporate More Carrier Oils Into Your Skincare Routine This Fall

Carrier oils are believed to be fantastic for a fall skincare routine because of their deep hydration properties, which help combat dryness as the air gets cooler and drier. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, oils like coconut and avocado may nourish the skin while promoting overall skin health. 

Many carrier oils, such as tamanu and pumpkin seed oil, have soothing properties that reduce redness and irritation, making them great for sensitive skin. Their non-comedogenic nature means they won’t clog pores, and their versatility allows for various applications in DIY recipes or as a base for essential oils. 

Plus, carrier oils may enhance the absorption of active ingredients, providing a comforting texture that nurtures the skin during fall. Overall, their natural and gentle composition makes carrier oils an excellent choice for maintaining hydration, nourishment, and protection against the harsher elements of the season. 

For moisturizing skin and a fall skincare routine, these oils from Seven Minerals are particularly effective:

Rich in essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-9, pumpkin seed oil may be excellent for replenishing moisture. It also contains vitamins A, E, and zinc, which help maintain a healthy skin barrier, perfect for the drier, cooler fall months.

Here's a DIY recipe idea that can help you incorporate this oil into your fall skincare routine: Pumpkin Seed Oil Hydrating Face Mask:

Ingredients you'll need:

- 1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil

- 1 tbsp honey (moisturizing & soothing)

- 1 tsp plain yogurt (exfoliating)

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory)

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Apply evenly to your face, avoiding the eye area.
3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Known for its strong regenerative properties, tamanu oil is rich in fatty acids that deeply hydrate the skin and help heal any damage caused by dry, cold air. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for soothing sensitive skin during fall. Wondering how you can start using it for your skin this fall? Here's a simple DIY recipe - Tamanu Oil Moisturizing Balm:

You'll need:

- 1 tbsp tamanu oil

- 2 tbsp shea butter (hydrating)

- 1 tbsp coconut oil (nourishing)

- 5 drops lavender essential oil (calming)

And this is how you do it:

1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and stir in tamanu oil and lavender essential oil.
3. Let it cool and solidify (you can refrigerate to speed this up).
4. Whip the balm with a fork or hand mixer until fluffy.
5. Store in a jar and apply to dry areas as needed.

Conclusion:

Although the crisp fall days can take a toll on our skin, leaving it looking drier and flakier, that doesn’t mean we should let it ruin our mood. There are plenty of ways—especially natural ones—to protect your skin and preserve its moisture, vitality, and glow, no matter the temperatures. Choose your favorite method from the options we've provided and enjoy all the beauty of autumn without a care!

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