Skincare Tips to Welcome Autumn

Autumn is right around the corner, but for many it feels as though it has arrived a little early. If you are already experiencing a little chill in the air, then it is time to switch from your summer skincare routine to one that is appropriate for the cooler season. Welcoming the new cooler weather can really wreak havoc on the skin, and dry chapped skin and dehydration can cause serious discomfort. Therefore, I wanted to share some of the changes that I have implement to my skincare routine when the season gets cooler.

Here are five easy steps to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated throughout the coldest months of the year. The important thing to remember is to layer your products in the proper order, from the lightest and fastest absorbing to the heaviest textures in order to maximize their efficacy.

5 Easy Steps to Pamper Your Face:

Step 1: Use a gentle non-stripping cleanser. When needed, use a gentle exfoliator in lieu of a cleanser.

Step 2: Use a lightweight and fast absorbing serum, such as hyaluronic acid-based serum that will deliver much needed hydration to winter skin. Gently massage the serum into your face, neck and décolleté. Since this is the lightest of the product layers that you will be using, it should be applied first.

Step 3: Follow by massaging your favorite facial oil into your face, neck and décolleté. Once this has begun to sink into your skin, then move on to step 4.

Step 4: Massage your favorite lotion or cream into your face, neck and décolleté. Once it has been absorbed into your skin, then proceed to the final step.

Step 5: Since sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that you can use, invest in a good one that has an SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously to your face, neck and décolleté, and be sure to reapply it numerous times throughout the day (typically every 75 minutes).

At night, repeat steps 1-4 and skip the sunscreen. These 5 steps will only take you a few minutes, and the benefits are really worth the time spent. I also drink plenty of water to help keep hydrated– which helps a lot. 

If your hands and feet are dry and chapped, and in need some TLC, then here are my super-easy, and ultra-relaxing at-home tips to restore their moisture. You really don't have to go out and buy any fancy and expensive products, instead use what you love and already have on hand.

Six Easy Steps to Pamper Your Hands and Feet:

Step 1: Wash your hands and feet with warm soapy water in a basin.

Step 2: While your hands and feet are soaking in the basin, gently exfoliate dead skin cells with your favorite body scrub. Tip: Exfoliate gently because the water softens up your skin, and therefore you don't need to use any force.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse hands and feet and empty the basin.

Step 4: Rinse out the basin and refill it with warm water and add a small amount of bath or body oil to moisturize your freshly exfoliated skin. Let your hands and feet soak for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

Step 5: Massage additional body oil into your slightly damp hands and feet, and let it sink in thoroughly.

Step 6: Massage a rich cream or body butter into your hands and feet, and then put on fluffy cotton socks, and cotton gloves (if you want to further pamper your hands).

Additionally, this is a good time to replace your lighter body lotion with a heavier cream, and it is also a good time to deep condition your hair.

What changes do you make to your skin and hair care routines as summer gives way to the cooler months of the year?