Preparing My Skin for Fall
Man, I already miss summer. I thrive in the humid heat, and while I love autumn’s cooler weather, I’m really not ready for it. I’m already feeling nostalgic for long weekends spent in the sun—and it shows.
A Summer of Sunburns
Although I’m an advocate of wearing sunscreen from head-to-toe every time you leave the house, I still managed to get burned by the sun in more ways than one over the last few months. Heading into fall, I’m sporting a brand-new set of freckles across my nose (they’re kinda cute, though) and fresh melasma patches, which have taken root on my forehead by my temples.
Fall Skincare Routine
So I plan on incorporating a few new ingredients and treatments into my fall routine:
New Ingredients and Treatments
- Add niacinamide: I typically rely on vitamin C-based serums (like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic) to target dark spots like my melasma. But over the last couple of years, skin-care brands have started pumping out products with another great antioxidant that offers similar benefits: niacinamide. The free radical-fighting ingredient also helps prevent hyperpigmentation and smooth skin texture at the same time. I’ll just have to put it to the test with La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum and see for myself.
- Exfoliate: I’m not big on physically sloughing my face, but I do love a good chemical exfoliator. I typically swap out my prescription Tretinoin twice a week for a lactic acid-based serum (my ultimate favorite is Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum), but I think this season I’ll be upping that number to three.
- Book a laser appointment: Unfortunately for me and my melasma, there’s not much I can do topically to rid my skin of my new light brown patches. They’re hormonal and require a trip to the dermatologist for an in-office laser appointment. Nonablative lasers, like Fraxel Clear + Brilliant or Picosecond, are great for zapping away sun damage.
Conclusion
As the seasons change, it’s essential to adjust our skincare routines to address the new challenges that come with them. For me, that means incorporating niacinamide, exfoliating more frequently, and booking a laser appointment to tackle my melasma. With these changes, I’m hoping to enter the fall season with healthier, happier skin.
FAQs
Q: What is niacinamide, and how does it help with skin concerns?
A: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and brighten skin tone. It’s particularly effective in targeting dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
Q: How often should I exfoliate?
A: Exfoliating frequency depends on your skin type and concerns. For normal to combination skin, once or twice a week is usually sufficient. For acne-prone skin, you may want to exfoliate more frequently to help unclog pores. Always follow up with a gentle moisturizer to avoid irritation.
Q: What are nonablative lasers, and how do they work?
A: Nonablative lasers use gentle heat to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture without causing damage to the skin’s surface. They’re often used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. Consult with a dermatologist to determine if nonablative lasers are right for you.