5 Clean Swaps To Make For Your Fall Skincare Routine
Transitioning to fall skincare is easy with clean skincare products that are packed with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. Look below for 5 changes to make to your skincare routine that compensate for moisture loss due to dry, seasonal fall weather. From cleansers to moisturizers to gentle exfoliators, get the best product recommendations for your skin this fall right here.
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Fall is officially here, bringing cooler temperatures, a drop in humidity and drier air. These environmental changes dry out your skin, and your summer skincare products may not contain enough of the ingredients needed to compensate for these fluctuations.
When you transition to fall skincare, look for products that are packed with ingredients that provide more moisture and hydration than your summer skincare products. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are perfect additions to fall skincare products. Humectants attract water and bind it to the skin, working to keep your skin hydrated. This is important during the drier fall and winter months.
If face oil isn’t one of your fall skincare products, you may want to consider adding it to your nightly regimen. A face oil like jojoba oil works as an emollient to soften, soothe and hydrate your skin, and it also works as an occlusive to seal in moisture. Give your dry skin some TLC with argan oil, jojoba oil or squalene oil as the last product in your nightime skincare routine.
1. Swap Out Foaming Cleanser For A Creamy Cleanser
You may be able to get away with using a foaming cleanser in the summer, but the oil-stripping surfactants may cause your skin to lose moisture as the air gets drier in the fall. A cream-based cleanser will keep your natural oils intact and won’t compromise your skin barrier, which you need more than ever in the drier fall and winter months.
Naked Poppy Nourish Cream Cleanser
- Cost: $28 for 3.5 oz ($8 per ounce)
- From the Naked Poppy website: This rich, velvety cleanser gently melts away impurities — including makeup — while helping to replenish skin with moisturizing oils.
- Shop: Naked Poppy Nourish Cream Cleanser
Evan Healy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk
Cost: $28 for 4 oz ($7 per ounce)
From the Evan Healy website: This creamy cleansing milk, handmade with regenerating plant oils, antioxidant-rich gotu kola and purifying white kaolin clay, leaves skin feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed. Formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin.
Shop: Evan Healy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk
Pai Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser
- Cost: $59 for 5 oz ($11.80 per ounce)
- From the Pai website: A cult favorite, this cream cleanser made for sensitive skin is a gentle power-house. The face cleanser features a trio of oils which lift away dirt and makeup with ease while protecting the skin’s delicate oil and PH balance.
- Shop: Pai Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser
- Cost: $15.99 for 4 oz ($4.00 per ounce)
- From the Mad Hippie website: This mildly acidic cream cleanser is pH perfection, supporting the skin’s natural balance of protective oils. Many overly alkaline cleansers strip the skin of the acid mantle, a protective layer of oils. Additional antioxidants and hydrating oils leave the skin soft & smooth while gently washing away dirt & impurities.
- Shop: Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
- Cost: $18 for 2.9 fl oz ($6.21 per ounce)
- From the Cocokind website: An oil cleanser that you can actually wash off! This gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated. Daily gentle and non-disruptive cleansing. removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of moisture. supports a healthy skin moisture barrier with a slightly acidic pH when mixed with water.
- Shop: Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser
Shop Creamy Face Cleansers For Cold Weather
2. Swap Out Your Corrective Serum For A Hydration Boost Serum
There are multitudes of serums to correct different skin issues. In the summer your skin may have needed a corrective serum, but now that the air is drier in the fall, you may need to swap out your corrective serum for a hydration boost serum. Alternatively, you can add a hydration boost serum to your corrective serum or to your moisturizer. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water and bind it to the skin, working to keep your skin hydrated.
Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200
- Cost: $44.50 for 1 fl oz
- From the Evolve Organic Beauty website: Evolve Organic Skincare Hyaluronic Serum helps to hydrate your skin from within and plump fine lines and wrinkles. By using 200mg of concentrated low molecular weight hyaluronic acid per bottle, this serum is able to deeply penetrate the skin on your face and neck, leaving it glowing and naturally hydrated all day. The fast absorbing COSMOS Organic formulation also includes organic pomegranate extract to aid cellular turnover, and a delicate, gentle fragrance of organic rosewater.
- Shop: Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200
- Cost: $88 for 1 fl oz
- From the Osea website: Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is a burst of hydration for all skin types. This fast absorbing concentrated serum smooths the appearance of fine lines and provides visible lift. The nourishing formula draws water-based moisture to the skin like a magnet. A synergy of three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid and three nutrient-rich seaweeds work together to restore and maintain optimal moisture levels, keeping your skin hydrated all day long.
- Shop: Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum
Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum
- Cost: $110 for 1 oz
- From the Marie Veronique website: Kristina Holey intended this product to be initially used for clients with weakened barrier layers, but found through client trials that every-one reported an increase in comfort in their skin, less need for heavy moisturizers, and an absence of dryness even in extreme conditions. The key to healthy skin is water balance of the stratum corneum. This groundbreaking serum maintains barrier function in two ways. First, it replaces natural moisturizing factor, a collection of water soluble compounds which keep skin cells hydrated. Secondly, it prevents loss of NMF via a liposomal sealing system that traps water molecules instead of letting them absorb into the lower layers of the epidermis.
- Shop: Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum
Pai Back To Life Hydration Serum
- Cost: $74 for 1 fl oz
- From the Pai website: A glass of water for thirsty skin. Hydration without irritation! Our Back to Life face serum is your best friend if you experience dehydration and dullness. Specifically formulated for sensitive and Eczema-prone skin, this serum contains Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and antioxidant rich berries to protect against moisture loss, locking in hydration for long-lasting results.
- Shop: Pai Back To Life Hydration Serum
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
- Cost: $20 for 1 oz
- From the Cocokind website: Specifically optimized with five types of ceramides and lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural barrier, this serum nourishes and replenishes for healthy-looking skin. together, ceramides and complementary lipids are easily recognized and absorbed by skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and defend against external stressors. designed for all. restores healthy structure and function to the skin barrier. encourages skin’s natural ceramide production. soothes and comforts. reduces appearance of signs of irritation and softens skin delivers maximum benefits with gentle lactic acid.
- Shop: Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
3. Swap Face Lotion For A Thicker Moisturizer
Now is the time to swap your thinner, summer moisturizers out for a thicker face cream. Cream-based moisturizers are more effective at sealing in moisture content due to higher concentrations of oils in the ingredient list. The oils act to both soften, soothe and hydrate your skin, and to seal in moisture. A lotion is lighter than a cream with more water content and less oil. Face creams are ideal for the dry season.
Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream
- Cost: $72 for 1.7 oz (42.35 per ounce)
- From the Doctor Rogers website: Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream contains hypoallergenic plant-derived ingredients that work to calm and nourish the skin. This lush and hydrating moisturizer helps to soften skin and delivers intense hydration and restoration to dry skin types. This sustainably formulated facial cream is made with ingredients known to revive dull and dry skin for a healthy, natural glow. A luxurious and hydrating daily facial cream that’s good for all skin types, especially dry skin and sensitive skin.
- Shop: Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream
Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream
- Cost: $40 for 2 oz ($20 per ounce)
- From the Evolve Organics website: Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream restores normal to dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. Organic Argan oil nourishes whilst natural hyaluronic acid soothes and hydrates. Delicately fragranced with soothing hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut natural fragrance.
- Shop: Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream
Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream
- Cost: $27.99 for 1.69 fl oz ($16.56 per ounce)
- From the Honest website: A face cream infused with moisture-rich seed oils to soften + condition skin. Made with Daikon Radish Seed Oil + Baobab Seed Oil + Shea Butter. Works for all skin types. Made without Parabens, Phthalates, PEGs, Dyes, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances.
- Shop: Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream
Free & True Balanced Being Barrier Cream
Cost: $58 ($34.12 per ounce)
From the Free & true website: This barrier restoring night cream is formulated to be an end-of-day reboot for skin. Haritaki fruit, rose of jericho, and niacinamide create a dewy veil of moisture so skin can recover while sleeping. Help lessen the burden and sensitivity your skin goes through daily with blue light, sun rays, pollution and stress. This formula works to restore moisture, heal the appearance of blemishes, dryness, redness, and rough patches. Essential oil-free, this face moisturizer is suitable for those with sensitive and reactive skin.
Shop: Free & True Balanced Being Barrier Cream
Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
- Cost: $50 for 2 oz ($25 per ounce)
- From the Juice Beauty website: Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer works to brighten and smooth skin. This clinically proven age defy moisturizer combines certified organic botanical juices with a powerful antioxidant cocktail of alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10 & Vitamin C. Eco-values: With Certified Organic Ingredients to protect humans, animals and the planet.
- Shop: Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
Shop Clean Beauty Fall & Winter Face Cream
4. Swap Harsh Exfoliants & Clay Masks For Gentle Exfoliants And Hydrating Masks
Environmental changes in the fall can dry out your skin. Switch from using harsh exfoliants and drying clay masks to using gentler treatments for your facial skin. You’re aiming for soft, supple skin, not tight and dry skin. Try a gentle exfoliant or hydrating face mask, and consider applying a treatment once or twice a week instead of every night.
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive Exfoliating Mask
- Cost: $49 for 2 oz ($24.50 per ounce)
- From the Juice Beauty website: Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel works to reveal a brighter complexion. Our bestselling, patented potent alpha hydroxy acid mask delivers spa-grade exfoliation for optimum age defying results. EcoValues: With Certified Organic Ingredients to protect humans, animals and the planet.
- Shop: Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive Exfoliating Mask
Laurel Honey Berry Enzyme Mask
- Cost: $58 for 1.69 oz ($34.32 per ounce)
- From the Laurel website: Gently exfoliate facial skin without the need for manual exfoliation and nourish the skin with rich superfoods. Organic Strawberries and Blueberries are used for their enzymes and cleansing actions as well as their antioxidant content. Raw honey is nutritive, hydrating, and plumping, as well as antimicrobial to help control breakouts. Vibrant organic and therapeutic grade essential oil of Grapefruit is included to firm the skin and uplift and brighten the spirit.
- Shop: Laurel Honey Berry Enzyme Mask
Indie Lee I-Waken Resurfacing Mask
- Cost: $48 for 1.7 oz ($28.24 per ounce)
- From the Indie Lee website: Wake up dull and tired-looking skin with this weekly ritual clinically proven to boost radiance and luminosity. Vitamin C-rich Java Plum, Mango and Banana extracts combine with Wintergreen derived BHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance skin brightness and clarity. Kaolin and Bentonite Clays help clear pores and absorb excess sebum, while Jasmine and Burdock Root extracts work to leave skin soft, supple and glowing.
- Shop: Indie Lee I-Waken Resurfacing Mask
Andalou Naturals Sensitive Rosewater Mask
- Cost: $9.50 for 1.7 oz ($5.59 per ounce)
- From the Andalou Naturals website: This revitalizing mask, with alpine rose stem cells, delivers essential hydration and dermal vitality to soothe and nourish sensitive skin as pomegranate uplifts tone and hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help revive skin’s moisture barrier for a flawless looking complexion.
- Shop: Andalou Naturals Sensitive Rosewater Mask
Mychelle Ultra Hyaluronic Water Mask
- Cost: $16.50 for 1.2 fl oz ($13.75 per ounce)
- From the Mychelle website: A refreshing hydration mask of moisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Agave and Prickly Pear Cactus to smooth and condition dull and dehydrated skin. Use as an overnight mask for ultimate hydration. Made without parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, artificial colors.
- Shop: Mychelle Ultra Hyaluronic Water Mask
5. Add A Layer Of Oil At Night To Lock In Moisture
Face oil acts as a sealant to keep moisture locked in. Since face oils don’t contain water, they won’t hydrate your skin directly – that’s the job of a moisturizer, which delivers both water and oil. Oils with a large molecular size sit on top of the skin and act as occlusives to lock in moisture. Oils with smaller molecular size small can also act as emollients to soothe, strengthen and repair the skin barrier. Face oil is essentially support for your moisturizer, fortifying the skin barrier and indirectly increasing the amount of hydration in the skin.
- Cost: $9.99 for 4 oz ($2.50 per ounce)
- From the Cliganic website: Jojoba oil balances oily skin, dry skin conditions, mature skin and wrinkles. Certified organic jojoba oil by USDA is light-weight, unrefined and fast absorbing, it’s gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin.
- Shop: Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil
Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil
Cost: $70 for 1 oz
From the Maya Chia website: This Ultra-lightweight and fast absorbing face oil is perfect for sensitive skin types, those who are sensitive to scents and anyone who appreciates fewer/better certified organic ingredients and elegant sustainability. Omega-3 fatty acids from chia complement the skin and plum oil is used for its omega-6 and 9 fatty acid concentration. Astaxanthin is used to provide a super antioxidant boost to protect and repair and sustainably sources squalane, a bioidentical emollient helps to support skin function.
Shop: Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil
Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil
- Cost: $16 for 1 fl oz
- From the Cocokind website: This replenishing facial oil leaves skin soothed, hydrated, and supple. chia seed oil: antioxidant-packed chia seed oil is the richest botanical source of omega-3s, which help hydrate the skin and support its natural barrier function.
- Shop: Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil
- Cost: $34 for 1 oz
- From the Indie Lee website: Plump it up with this pure, intensive moisturizing oil. Readily absorbed, 100% Olive-derived Squalane leaves the complexion soft, nourished and best of all, never greasy. Your skin’s texture and tone will thank you. This non-comedogenic oil softens and soothes without a greasy feel. It gets excellent reviews and is moderately priced.
- Shop: Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
Maya Chia Supercritcal Omega-3 Chia Face Oil
- Cost: $60 for 1 fl oz
- From the Maya Chia website: Pure supercritical omega-3 chia seed oil is for anyone who wants to deeply moisturize their skin – naturally. This face oil is ultra-lightweight, soothing and quickly absorbs without any greasy feeling. Reduces the appearance of fine lines. Skin feels smooth and radiant upon rapid absorption. Maya Chia’s supercritical chia seed oil is a powerful yet soothing skin treatment, imparting a luminous glow that lasts and lasts. Works beautifully on all skin types, even sensitive skin.
- Shop: Maya Chia Supercritcal Omega-3 Chia Face Oil
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