There’s nothing quite like the air outside with its autumn reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp smell of leaves, the cringing crunch of them underneath your feet. Of course, it also comes with a set of new skincare challenges that you must tackle head-on if you don’t want to be left looking like a dried apple come spring. To help you take on this new season with confidence, I’ve put together a skincare routine for fall and winter that will help protect your skin from any further damage while locking in moisture and keeping breakouts at bay.

Morning skincare routine

While some skincare routines focus on evening out skin tone and texture before bed, others also include a morning routine, which is great news for those with dry, flaky skin that can’t seem to get a grip. Morning skincare is also great for those who suffer from oily skin or breakouts, because it allows you to start your day with a clean slate. Your morning routine should include a mild cleanser that’s rich in hydration and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. If you have oily/combination skin, a salicylic acid-rich toner can be a great addition, while those with dry skin may want to skip it in favor of a hydrating mist.

Evening skincare routine

When it comes to your evening skincare routine, you want to focus on rich, collagen-boosting ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Of course, you may want to hold off on any retinol-based products if you plan on going to bed within the next two hours. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, are great for locking in moisture and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. Your evening skincare routine should also include a gentle, hydrating cleanser that’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. If you struggle with breakouts, you may also want to consider a mild toner that’s rich in salicylic acid, which can be helpful in cutting down on breakouts.

Weekly skincare ritual

Your skin can get pretty beat up during the fall and winter months, which is why it’s so important to up your skincare game throughout the year.

Exfoliation: This is a very important aspect of a skincare routine and should be done once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. This can be done through a chemical peel, facial scrub, or even a face cloth if you’re not comfortable with the idea of physically exfoliating your face. This helps to remove dead skin and unclog pores to prevent breakouts from happening.

Toning: While we sometimes think of this as a specific step in skincare, it’s actually a huge part of a skincare routine and a ritual that’s best done on a weekly basis. This helps to remove any left-over dirt or debris from your skin that a cleanser may have missed, as well as a few more impurities that may have found their way onto your face throughout the week.

Masking: Not only is it a great way to get a quick pick-me-up while you’re at home, but it’s also a great way to nourish your skin and keep it hydrated. You don’t have to limit yourself to one type of mask, either. You can try out various types each week to see what works best for your skin type.

Exfoliation, Toning and Masking Rituals

Now, if you’re new to the skincare game and all of these rituals seem a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Most skincare products come with instructions that guide you through the entire process and often include a few simple rituals, such as toning, to make things as easy as possible. You can also experiment with different rituals to see what works best for your skin type. For instance, if you have dry skin, you may want to use a hydrating toner. If you have oily skin, try an astringent toner. Finally, don’t be afraid to play around with different exfoliation and masking rituals until you find the combination that works best for you.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you’ve got a full skincare routine that’s sure to prepare your skin for the next season. You know how to protect your skin from the cold weather, how to nourish your skin with powerful antioxidants and moisturizers, and how to cleanse and treat your skin with exfoliation and toning rituals. This will help to keep your skin protected from the cold weather and ensure that it stays healthy and bright throughout the fall and winter.