5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Complexion Acne-Free this Fall

Shorter days and cooler temperatures mark the transition from summer to autumn, and as we prepare to “fall back,” our skincare routine may be in need of adjusting, in addition to our clocks. While the hot, humid summer months are tough on many acne sufferers, the fall season is actually the most common time of year for many people to experience breakouts. During this transitional swing from summer to winter, drier air and harsher winds cause dry, dead skin cells to shed and clog pores, which can lead to blemishes.

Why You Need to Step Up Your Skincare Game for Fall

Dry skin is the main culprit for seasonal acne this time of year, making it especially important to step up your skincare game. Much like your wardrobe, updating and making changes to your skincare and makeup routines to correspond with the season is essential. Here are our 5 must-do’s when it comes to fall skincare for acne prone skin:

1 – Exfoliate and Moisturize. The simplest solution is to stick to the skincare basics: exfoliate and moisturize. Exfoliation is critical during fall and winter months, as pore-clogging skin cells need to be sloughed away to keep breakouts at bay. The sudsy cleanser needed to keep oil under control during the summer months may be a bit harsh for fall, so be sure to prevent additional drying by indulging the skin with a soap-free face and body wash, that is also non-comedogenic. Lean toward creamy cleansers rather than foamy or frothy options (again, just make sure these are non-comedogenic, which are designed not to clog pores further).

Exfoliating is an important step but should only be done if you are not suffering from any open cysts on your face or body. When exfoliating your face, only do so once a week with mild nonabrasive products. This hinders the formation of tiny abrasions and the passing of bacteria into the skin. Body exfoliation can be done every other day without as much concern. Always moisturize after exfoliating and make sure not to do it too vigorously.

Just as we need to break out the leggings and layers to keep warm from the crisp, chilly air, our skin also needs an additional layer to stay moisturized. If you use a moisturizer all year, you may need to opt for a thicker formula during fall to keep dry air off the skin, and lock-in moisture. A moisturizing facial mask can be a great way to pack an additional punch during these drier times.

2 – Jump-start your Day (and your skin). If the cooler climates and darker days tempt you to linger in bed for a few extra minutes in the morning, jump start your day, and your metabolism, with hot lemon water to hydrate skin, detoxify the liver, and add a little boost of vitamin C to help knock any redness or dark spots out of your complexion. Oh, and as long as you're spending a little extra time sleeping in, remember to change those pillow cases regularly, keeping you and your slumberous sanctuary clean and bacteria free, reducing the risk of bumps and blemishes.

3 – Good Makeup. When covering up with makeup such as a foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturizer, be especially sure to keep your brushes, sponges, and pads clean, as dead skin can easily collect on these surfaces, leading to breakouts. Look for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas, and resist applying with a heavy hand - the matte look wears well on the lips and eyes in the cooler months, but a soft, natural face is always in style.

4 – For Lasting Results. Finding topical remedies is always a tempting solution for those with problem skin, but for lasting results proper skin care is an inside job. Food, you’ll see below, will be such a great adjunct to your efforts. But when it comes to truly treating acne, meaning, getting rid of it, a treatment is needed. Acne does not go away on its own when its left untreated. No food, topical or DIY treatment can do it. Symptoms might lessen, but they will almost always come back. Why? Acne is a usually the result of a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance then makes your sebaceous glands go haywire. The sebaceous glands control oil production. So if they produce too much oil, here comes acne. Our AcnEase® users are able to experience how a treatment can act as a buffer between the hormones and sebaceous glands so that the sebaceous glands can return to normal activity. The botanical ingredients that make up the various AcnEase® treatments were selected based on years of research and trials as the safest and most effective combination to not only eliminate acne symptoms but also prevent acne from coming. It is the only natural treatment on the market that PREVENTS acne (with a high user success rate too), which is KEY to the process of breaking the acne cycle.

5 – Food for Thought. The foods that we use to satisfy and fuel us affect so much more than just our weight, and when you are making smart food choices you can bet on wearing those results right on your skin. Orange foods are packed with beta-carotene, a naturally occurring substance that the body converts to vitamin A, or retinol, a requirement for healthy skin, and a common ingredient in many expensive treatment creams and serums. Fall sees no shortage of delicious deep orange treats, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin (even pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin A,) and squash, the latter carrying an added benefit of omega 3, a fatty acid long used for healthy skin and hair.

In-season apples and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, and high fiber pears also come loaded with vitamin C, all doing their part in delivering a lively, glowing complexion. This Thanksgiving, try adding some more veggies to your plate, because that extra brussel sprout can go a long way in delivering a daily dose of essential vitamins.

With so much to enjoy about the changing time of year, you don’t have to let troublesome acne take the fun out of fall. As with any season, always remember to drink plenty of water, and don’t skip the sunscreen, even if the sun tends to be hidden a bit more. Do you tend to have a tough or easy transition when it comes to your fall skincare routine? What works best for you? Tell us in the comments!