As the summer sun begins to wane and the crisp air of autumn approaches, it's time to adjust your skincare routine to maintain that healthy, radiant glow. The changing seasons can significantly impact your skin, making it essential to adapt your regimen to address new challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide to taking care of your skin during the summer and transitioning into the fall. At Qvita Health and Wellness we have expert skincare tailored for you. 

Summertime

In the summer, hydration is key. The heat can cause dehydration, leading to dry and flaky skin. Embrace lightweight, water-based moisturizers that keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Products like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, NeoCutis HYALIS+ Intensive Hydrating Serum, and Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum work wonders for locking in moisture, keeping your skin plump and dewy even on the hottest days. For an over-the-counter option, consider Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, which contains hyaluronic acid to provide lasting hydration.

Sun protection is another crucial aspect of summer skincare. UV rays are stronger during this season, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Make broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 your daily essential. Apply it every morning and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Great options include SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50, and Skinbetter Science Sunbetter SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick. For an affordable, over-the-counter option, try La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100. Your future self will thank you!

Gentle cleansing becomes important as increased sweating and exposure to pollutants can clog pores and cause breakouts. A gentle, foaming cleanser can remove excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Ingredients like salicylic acid can help keep pores clear, leaving your skin fresh and blemish-free. Consider using SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel or Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser for effective cleansing and exfoliation. As an over-the-counter alternative, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an great choice.

Exfoliation is a summer must. The faster accumulation of dead skin cells in the heat can lead to dull skin and clogged pores. Exfoliating once or twice a week with a mild exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid can promote cell turnover and keep your skin smooth and glowing. SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight and SkinBetter AlphaRet Pads are perfect treatments to improve texture and radiance. For an over-the-counter option, try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

For teens, summer can be a particularly challenging time for managing acne. The combination of sweat, oil, and increased outdoor activities can exacerbate breakouts. Teens should use gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. A cleanser with salicylic acid can help keep acne at bay by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Additionally, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can prevent the skin from becoming overly dry and producing more oil to compensate. It’s crucial to remind teens to avoid picking at their acne, as this can lead to scarring and further irritation. Look for these ingredients in over-the-counter products. But if medical grade is in your budget, we love products like Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion and Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum. For over-the-counter options, teens have liked Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash and Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10.

Fall Time Transitioning

As temperatures drop and humidity levels decrease, transitioning to fall skincare is necessary for beautiful skin. The colder air can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness and flakiness. This is the perfect time to switch to a richer, cream-based moisturizer that provides deeper hydration. Ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and squalane are your best friends for strengthening your skin barrier and retaining moisture. Teens heading back to school may experience stress-induced breakouts, making a consistent skincare routine even more essential.

Incorporating hydrating serums can also benefit your fall skincare routine. Serums penetrate deeper into the skin, providing more intensive hydration. Seek out products with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides to boost moisture and improve skin elasticity. SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier, NeoCutis Biocream with Peptides, and Obagi Hydrate are excellent serums to amplify your skin's hydration and elasticity. Over-the-counter options like L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum can also provide the intense hydration needed.

Protecting your skin barrier is crucial during the changing weather, as it can become compromised, leading to increased sensitivity and redness. Using products that support and protect the skin barrier, such as those containing ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, can help maintain a healthy barrier. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 and Skinbetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment are rich, barrier-supporting creams that help restore and maintain skin health. For an over-the-counter option, try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which contains essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.

Don’t forget SPF even as the days grow shorter. UV rays can still cause damage in the fall, so continue to use sunscreen daily. Choose a formula that provides both hydration and protection, such as a moisturizing SPF with antioxidants. SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 and Obagi Sun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 are excellent choices. For a more affordable option, consider Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55.

For teens, maintaining a consistent skincare routine during the back-to-school season is essential to manage stress-induced breakouts. A gentle cleanser, followed by a toner with witch hazel or salicylic acid, can help control oil and prevent breakouts. Spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil can effectively reduce the size and redness of pimples. Encouraging teens to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep can also positively impact their skin.

Adjusting your skincare routine to the changing seasons is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By following these tips and incorporating the right ingredients, you can ensure your skin remains radiant from the sunny days of summer through the crisp fall months. Embrace the new season with confidence and a fresh, glowing complexion!