Updating our skin care routines can be a fun way to try new brands and test new ingredients. But when the weather starts to change, things can get a little tricky. It can be more difficult to figure out what your skin’s needs are, which products are right for you, and how to care for your skin while the weather does its thing.

Continue to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

One of the most common misconceptions about skin care is that you only need sun protection cream in the Summer. But it’s important to continue protecting your skin all year round.

When you’re bundled up in a coat and scarf, your facial skin is still exposed. While it may not seem like you’re getting a lot of sun, you can be, especially if you’re in a snowy area. The light from the sun is reflected by the snow, sending the harmful ultraviolet rays right to your skin. You don’t need me to tell you that’s not a good thing.

Not only can the sun cause wrinkles and sun spots, but it can, over time, lead to skin cancer. Do yourself a favour and wear a sun protection cream, a hat with a brim, and get yourself a pair of sunglasses.

Does Your Skin Need Hydration or Moisture?

While they may sound the same, they’re actually not. Determining if your skin needs hydration or moisture can be really helpful in picking the best products for you.

If your skin is rough, dry, or flaky, you need more moisture. Look for a really good moisturizer, like the Meow Meow Tweet Skin Cream. It’s a rich cream that’s really nourishing without being heavy. It’s also great for acne prone skin as it’s not going to clog your pores, but it will help heal blemishes and scars.

If your skin looks dull and feels tight, you need hydration. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, a scary sounding ingredient that’s become one of my favourite skin care tips. The acid helps your skin hold on to water, improving your skin’s hydration. Hyaluronic acid also improves the look of wrinkles, as your skin will become more firm and plump. You can find hyaluronic acid in toners, like the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner, or in serums, like the Viva Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Incorporate Gentle Exfoliants + Masks

While you may think about backing off the exfoliating and masking when the temperatures start to drop, don’t.

Exfoliating once or twice a week is so important for removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. It helps clear and brighten your complexion which can be really important for Fall and Winter.

You can use a physical exfoliant, like a BKIND Konjac Facial Sponge, or a chemical exfoliant.

A chemical exfoliant doesn’t necessarily mean there are chemicals involved. These exfoliants use either AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). They’re great for your skin because they help penetrate your pores, remove the build-up, and reveal bright and smooth skin.

When it comes to masks, incorporate a moisturizing or hydrating mask once a week to treat your skin. If you have acne prone skin like me, you can use a clay based mask and follow up with a hydrating mask so your skin can get the benefits from the clarifying clay without becoming too dry.

Opt for Creamier Makeup Products

Using creamy, moisturizing makeup products can be a simple way to improve your skin as the weather changes. Instead of ending the day with dry patches, you’ll be left with softer, smoother makeup (and skin). You can look for tinted moisturisers, cream blushes and eye shadows, and moisturizing lip products.

Updating your skin care routine for fall can be tricky, but if you support your skin by treating it with care, your skin will thank you.