As the season continues to shift, so too will our skincare needs and our rituals around taking care of ourselves. Earlier this year, I spoke about shifts in skincare practices as we transitioned into Summer, and today I’d like to share some essential points for making this transition into the darker, colder, and more restorative months with these fall and winter skincare tips.

Sunscreen– when do we need it in the Fall and Winter?

While it’s always a great step to wear sunscreen, we have a bit more wiggle room in the autumn and fall months. Checking the UV index on your phone’s weather app is a super helpful tool to determine whether or not sunscreen is needed. The UV Index is an international standard measurement of the strength of ultraviolet radiation during a particular place and time. The higher the number, the stronger the rays and the faster you’ll burn. The scale goes from 1 – 11. If the UV index is below 3 it’s typically safe to be outside without sunscreen. If you’re like me, and you don’t like the daily habit of wearing sunscreen, then you might get into the habit of checking out the UV index before always reaching for the sunscreen.

However, regardless of the weather and the UV index you should always use sunscreen the day after using a retinol or chemical exfoliant (like Glycolic, or Lactic, or Mandelic acids). These products make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so even if you don’t feel like you’re burning, your skin is still more vulnerable to damage.
Graph of the UV index depicting low through extremely high, and recommending higher sun protection at the higher end, and less sun protection at the low end.

Re-incorporate chemical and retinol exfoliators.

In my Summer Skincare Strategies article I talked about taking a break from exfoliators because they cause the skin to be extra sensitive to sun exposure. Summer is not the time to be experimenting with exfoliators. But now that the seasons are shifting again, it’s time to return to those products that encourage skin cell turnover and resurfacing.

It’s important to remember that products such as retinols, especially the higher strength prescription retinols, can cause irritation and dryness, so it’s crucial to ease back into their use. After a summer break from retinol, start by applying it once and then wait three days to see how your skin responds. After assessing your skin, determine if you can tolerate a second application. Gradually, you’ll rebuild your tolerance and return to your previous treatment dosage and frequency.

Also note: retinols and chemical exfoliators typically should not be used together because they are both intensive to the skin’s resurfacing. If you have to use them both in the same day, I would always recommend using retinol in the evening, and then using glycolic in the mornings, followed by good sunscreen.
Diagram explaining alpha hydroxy acid exfoliation, its effect on the layers of the skin, and showing three steps of skin barrier improvement. List 3 common alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids.

Fall is a great time for a chemical peel.

Chemical peels are super-charged exfoliation treatments. They use a blend of acidic chemicals that cause controlled damage to the outermost layer of the skin, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, and causing the damaged skin to slough off over several days.

This service is definitely not recommended during the sunniest times of the year due to the vulnerability of the fresh, new skin. But by October and November in the Pacific Northwest, we are more protected by cloud cover and your baby-fresh skin will be too.

Chemical peels are a great way to (literally) peel off any sun damaged skin and sun spots from the summertime. Its the perfect winter refresh and restoration your skin needs before next year.

I’m so excited to begin offering chemical peels soon, and I’ll be sending out more information on this services in the coming months, so stay tuned!
Image of skincare products labeled "The Perfect Derma." Includes a chemical peel bottle, various tubes, sachets, and a large box. A blue stamped text reads "COMING SOON.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and easeful transition to fall!