Summer is coming to an end as Fall officially begins on September 22nd. And believe it or not, aside from pulling out your boots and scarves and treating yourself to pumpkin flavored everything, you also need to change up your skincare routine for the cooler days of Autumn. It doesn’t have to be complicated either! Simply following the three steps below will get your skin prepped and ready so you can glow by the time the holidays come around.

Exfoliate

 

The falling leaves of Autumn are a good way to think about how your skin sheds dry, dead surface cells. Although your skin cells turn oveiluma-01r faster than the Earth turns through the seasons, brand new skin cells are born in the lowest layers of your skin and then work their way up to the surface every 28 days. By the time these cells reach the surface, depleted skin cells are ready to be shed like dry leaves. So how about giving Mother Nature a hand and making way for newer skin cells making their way to the surface? Exfoliating does just that! And although there are several different ways to exfoliate skin, here are some you can try:

  • Use an exfoliating cleanser

AHA/BHA exfoliating cleansers use a combo of fruit-based acids to wash away dead skin cells and improve skin’s tone and texture. Beware of harsh scrubs and cleansers though! Stay away from products promoting “beads” and other scrubbers, as these can damage skin. Instead, how about trying a gentle exfoliating powder like IMAGE Skincare’s Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder ($29.90)? Containing papaya and coconut enzymes, this luxurious polishing powder cleanses skin AND provides gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin and everyday use.

  • Treat yourself to a facial and/or a peel

Nothing you can do at home will ever beat going to a professional for a treatment. Facials and Peels both offer gentle exfoliation coupled with moisturizing and nourishing treatments.

  • Try Microdermabrasion

This type of mechanical exfoliation involves running a diamond tip pen across the skin to strip away dead cells and the damaged outer layer. As such, this treatment should always be performed by a licensed aesthetician!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

 

Investing in a quality rich night cream, a heavier daily moisturizer lotion, and a hydrating cleanser and mask is a MUST in the Fall as you prepare for enzyme-mask-01the colder months ahead. Not only is it important to keep skin hydrated to avoid dryness, redness and flakiness, introducing moisturizing products now will give your skin a chance to adjust so you’ll know exactly how to build your skincare routine for the winter. IMAGE Skincare’s Vital C line is a great go-to if you’re looking for a hydrating product that is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and redness-prone skin. From cleanser to masque, every product in this line features a rich blend of natural botanicals to soothe and improve skin.

  • Pro tip: Apply the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque ($32) to clean skin and leave it on overnight for super soft and radiant skin!

Don’t forget your SPF

Sure, Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mea you can toss your SPF aside! Soaking up some sun at a Fall festival or even just going on a hike can help you receive that essential dose of Vitamin D, but you still need to take precautions. First, you can still get your 15-20 minutes of midday sun exposure but make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and that you wear a hat and sunglasses! The skin around your eyes and face is thinner than the rest of your body so make sure to protect these areas, too. While you’re at it, don’t forget to also protect your hands! And as always, be careful not to over expose skin to the sun. Even if temperatures are lower this time of year, too much sun will lead to wrinkles, sun spots and damage.