Liscensed Esthetician Melissa Urban shares her tips on skincare for the cooler months

As much as we all love the crisp air, chunky sweaters and seasonal scents of fall, the transition into cooler weather can wreak havoc on your skin.  As a licensed esthetician, one of the most common concerns I see this time of year is skin barrier dysfunction.

Think of your skin barrier as your skin's built-in security system. It protects us from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, blocks harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and prevents excessive water loss to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.  

When the skin barrier is impaired, it becomes more permeable, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter- resulting in inflammation, redness and reactivity.  Sound familiar?  Here are a few tweaks to make to your skincare regimen to ensure your skin barrier stays balanced and hydrated this fall.

1. Switch to a Cream-based Cleanser:  Opt for a nourishing, non-stripping creamy cleanser like the Rose Foaming Cream Cleanser - a year-round favorite of mine.  It's formulated with Glycerin and Saccharide Isomerate, which help reduce flaking and irritation.  I love mixing in the Pure Squalane to help breakdown makeup and SPF as a luxurious first cleanse.
2. Incorporate a Hydrating Serum: Hydration is essential for a strong, resilient barrier.  Look for a serum with Sodium Hyaluronate, a lower molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid. This form can penetrate the skin barrier to deliver hydration where your skin needs it most.  My go-to is the Vitamin B-5 Hydrating Serum.  With the addition of Panthenol (aka Vitamin B5), the anti-inflammatory benefits will soothe and hydrate stressed skin over time.  A wonderful addition to your morning and evening regimen.
3. Exfoliate with Intention:  While exfoliation is important, overdoing it this time of year can further compromise your barrier.  Aim for a gentle exfoliation routine, 1-2 times per week.  Try mixing a pump of the Citrus Facial Scrub with the Rose Foaming Cream Cleanser at night.  This mild exfoliating blend brightens and smoothes without over-stripping.  Set a recurring reminder on your phone to stay consistent during the week!
4. Add a Nourishing Facial Oil:  Facial oils can be a game changer for skin barrier support.  Mix a few drops of the Pure Squalane to enhance your moisturizer.  Squalane resembles our skin's natural oils making it suitable for all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin.  It's lightweight and offers an easy way to cocktail with any moisturizer to strengthen your skin barrier.  Personally, I love to add this in with the Ultra Restorative Moisturizer if the skin is displaying signs of redness, dryness or irritation. 
5. Don't Skip Out on Antioxidants: Fall is a great time to address any lingering sun damage from those extra hours spent outdoors. And of course you guessed it, sun damage can impair the function of your skin barrier, but antioxidants like vitamin C can help with repair and protection.  Consider adding the 15% Vitamin C Anti-aging Serum into your morning routine to protect the skin and support it's natural repair process.  And it goes without saying....SPF always!

These small changes in your routine can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.  Your skin barrier will thank you for it!

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