
1. Switch from Serum to Moisturizer. As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine, says Dr. Ahmed. For example, if a serum with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid worked well for you in the summer, you may want to try using these ingredients in a more moisturizing form during the fall and winter. Serums are lightweight and may not offer enough hydration in drier weather.
If you use vitamin C in the morning, consider opting for a thicker, more hydrating product to help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution. Always top it off with sunscreen for added protection and moisture.
Alternatively, you can use your regular serum and apply a moisturizing sunscreen on top if your skin tends to become oily or clogged when layering too many products.
2. Two Key Ingredients for Fall Skin. Many of Dr. Ahmed’s patients believe hyaluronic acid is the best ingredient for winter skincare due to its ability to lock in moisture. While our skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid, Dr. Ahmed recommends adding niacinamide (vitamin B3) to your routine in cooler months. Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and prevents moisture loss, reducing dryness and irritation.
Ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier, are also beneficial if your skin becomes red or flaky. Combining niacinamide with ceramides can be particularly effective in these cases.
3. Choose a Gentle Cleanser for Cold Weather. Dr. Ahmed advises against using foaming cleansers, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a creamy cleanser that will cleanse without drying out your skin. If you’re on a budget, you can mix your foaming cleanser with a bit of regular moisturizer to prevent the tight, dry feeling.
Once you’ve finished with your cleanser, you can hydrate with hyaluronic acid, which is gentle, nourishing, and effective at removing makeup and sunscreen. Some people believe that skipping a morning cleanse helps prevent dryness, but Dr. Ahmed disagrees. She suggests cleansing in the morning as well to remove sweat, dirt, and impurities that accumulate overnight. A gentle, creamy cleanser will help ensure your products absorb effectively.
4. Use Retinol at Night, Not in the Morning, Active ingredients like retinol, which promotes cell turnover and addresses issues like fine lines and hyperpigmentation, can be harsh in cooler weather when skin is already drier. Dr. Ahmed recommends using a simple moisturizer 30 minutes before applying retinol or exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid. This helps create a barrier to minimize irritation while allowing the active ingredients to work.
Avoid using retinol in the morning as it can increase sun sensitivity, and always apply sunscreen for additional protection, especially when using products with retinol.
5. Incorporate Antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for protecting your skin from environmental stressors like pollution, which tends to be more harmful during colder months. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help defend against skin damage and keep your skin healthy.
e the Potency of Ingredients. Dr. Ahmed also suggests reducing the concentration of active ingredients in your skincare routine during the fall and winter months to avoid overloading your skin. This can help maintain a healthy, balanced complexion without causing irritation or dryness.