Creating My Skincare Regimen for Fall: A Beginner's Guide

Are you someone who has never quite stuck to a beauty routine? One whose product choices were influenced by sales, trends, or deep research? If so, you might find yourself at a crossroads like me, contemplating a daily skincare regimen. While my skin has remained in good condition over the years - aside from the occasional hormonal breakout or because I indulged in too much junk food - I've realized the importance of taking more serious preventative measures to preserve its youthful radiance as I gracefully embrace the years ahead.

Living in the humid summers of Georgia where sweating seems inevitable, I have tended to lean towards skincare products designed for combination/oily or oily skin to combat the excess moisture. As fall approaches, not much of my routine changes, but by the end of October, I make the shift to richer formulated products to ensure my skin stays nourished and supple in the cooler weather.

It's never too late to start curating a personalized beauty routine that caters to your skin's unique needs. I'm aiming to find the right products for my skin and incorporating consistency to maintaining a healthy complexion. Starting my day with a refreshing skincare routine not only prepares my skin for the day ahead, but also sets a positive tone for my morning. Let's dive into the steps I've established as a starting point.

*These are products I'm currently using and/or trying and none of them are sponsored.

Step 1: Cleanser

The foundation of any skincare routine is a good cleanser. For normal skin that tends to get a bit oily in humid conditions, like in Atlanta, I swear by the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. This gentle cleanser not only removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin but also hydrates and soothes. Ingredients such as Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Aloe, and Cucumber Extract offer a nourishing cleanse. For occasional breakouts, I turn to the DermaDoctor Ain't Misbehavin' which contains glycolic and salicylic acid, perfect for tackling minor acne issues effectively.

Step 2: Toner

While I don't use toner regularly, it's essential to choose one that aligns with your skincare goals. Stay tuned for my evening skincare routine where I will detail when and why I use toner.

Step 3: Mask

Indulging in a face mask is a quick way to pamper your skin and address specific concerns. Whether you're looking for hydration, soothing effects, or a deep cleanse, masks can cater to almost any skin issue. Before applying a mask, always cleanse your face with lukewarm water to open up your pores for better absorption. Some of my personal favorites include the Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask, Fresh Masks for their soothing properties, and Peter Roth Thomas for the variety he offers.

Step 4: Spot Treatment

Spot treatments are targeted solutions for hyperpigmentation or acne etc. I focus on treating hyperpigmentation mainly at night. Stay tuned for more details in my evening skincare routine.

Step 5: Antioxidant Serums

Morning serums packed with antioxidants are a must to shield your skin from environmental damage. Look for serums with Vitamin C for brightening, Niacinamide for acne-prone skin, Vitamin E for hydration, and Green Tea to reduce inflammation. Currently, I'm enjoying the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Hydrating Vitamin C Serum and the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum. I'm not using Niacinamide in morning just yet since it should not be used when Vitamin C products. However, I plan to start alternating days when I'm not using Vitamin C during my morning routine. On my wishlist is the holy grail of Vitamin C, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum.

Step 6: Eye Cream

Dark circles can be an annoying issue, often influenced by genetics and sleep habits. To combat those raccoon-like appearances, incorporating the right eye cream is key. For those dark circles, consider products like Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Cream enriched with vitamin C or The Inkey List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream , which contains caffeine and peptides. Additionally, incorporating Topical Faded Undereye Brightening and Clearing Eye Masks could provide an extra boost with caffeine, kojic acid, and Arbutin. These ingredients work wonders in brightening the under-eye area, giving you a refreshed and awake look.

Step 7: Moisturizer

A good moisturizer acts as a shield, locking in moisture and keeping your skin hydrated and supple. I opt for a lighter formula, especially during warmer months. Products like Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator Moisturizer, enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E, is a solid choice. Another option is Tatcha The Water Cream, which features Japanese Wild Rose and Japanese Leopard Lily, leaving your skin feeling nourished without the heavy residue.

Step 8: Sunscreen

Never underestimate the power of sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for healthy skin. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 50+ or 60+ is a highly recommended and one of my favorites. Remember to reapply every two to three hours for maximum protection. Sunscreen not only guards against sun damage but also helps prevent premature aging and maintains an even skin tone

Things to Remember:

When curating your skincare routine, consider the ingredients in your products. Pair complementary ingredients to maximize their benefits and avoid mixing incompatible formulas. Some combinations like retinols and vitamin C require alternate usage to prevent irritation or reduced efficacy.

Overall, developing a holistic skincare routine involves understanding your skin's needs and providing it with the right ingredients and products to thrive. Remember, skincare is personal, so find what works best for your skin type and concerns.

With these steps in mind, I plan to edit the steps and try new products as my skin and other factors change. Look out for skincare product reviews, more skincare insights and tips to achieve that radiant glow everyone desires. Let's build our skincare routine together! Stay tuned for my evening skincare routine where I'll go into the differences from the morning routine, more product details, and share additional tips.

XOXO