by Lesley Rotchford

Now that humid summer conditions have given way to slightly (or a lot) cooler, drier days, we’re breaking out the sweaters and soup recipes to accommodate the weather change. Well, the way we treat and care for our skin- and the beauty products we use- also needs to change with the seasons, to better address temperature-related environmental shifts that can impact and damage skin. Here are the fall saboteurs that can deplete skin- and how to adjust your skincare routine to ensure your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and glowing all fall long. 

What Happens to Your Skin During the Fall

Being a shoulder season, fall is not known for extreme weather. You’re not dealing with summer’s oil-inducing humidity and damaging UV rays—or winter’s bone-dry conditions. But your skin is fragile from all of the summer wear and tear, and autumnal temperature and humidity changes can send skin into a bit of a tizzy.

The goal for fall is to nurture sun-damaged skin, and keep it hydrated and healthy enough to protect itself from winter’s harsh conditions. These products will do all of that- plus control acne, brighten your skin, and banish harmful toxins.

Skin saboteur: Moisture loss

Fall fix: The Hydrator

The loss of moisture in the air means that you need to start using more hydrating products, including a more substantial daily moisturizer. But you don’t need a super heavy winter one, either. The Hydrator’s lightweight, whipped texture feels luxurious, but not heavy, on the skin. Prickly pear, Mexican poppy stem, and maqui berry act as occlusives, meaning they seal moisture into the skin and prevent it from escaping, while coconut water, cucumber, and watermelon oil attract water from the atmosphere. Apply The Hydrator daily, after using one of the following HEAR ME RAW treatments.

Skin saboteur: Dull, damaged skin

Fall fix: The Brightener

High humidity levels during the summer keep skin glowing. But that radiance quickly begins to fade as you turn the corner into fall, leaving skin looking dry, dull, and damaged. The Brightener contains chlorophyll (which sounds like a chemical, but is actually the substance that gives plants their green pigment); natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs); and bakuchiol (an extract of the babchi plant that is considered an alternative to retinol) to smooth and firm sun-damaged skin. It also sloughs off dead skin cells clinging to the skin’s surface, making your skin look brighter and more refreshed.

Skin saboteur: Excess sebum

Fall fix: The Clarifier

When air becomes drier, skin tries to compensate by churning out extra sebum, shows a study published in the journal Skin Research and Technology. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that protects the skin and locks in hydration. But too much sebum can result in oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. To find the sebum sweet spot, try The Clarifier, which uses French green clay, turmeric, and sea kelp to remove excess sebum and oil, leaving just the right amount of moisture on the skin. Ingredients like neem leaf powder and zinc oxide are included to cleanse skin and banish impurities.

Skin saboteur: Environmental toxins and pollution

Fall fix: The Detoxifier

Laying in the sun sipping cocktails all summer doesn’t just wreak havoc on your body, but your skin, too. That’s why fall is the perfect time for a detox. In dermatological terms, this means ridding the skin of toxins caused by pollution, chemicals, sugar, smoking, and the sun’s damaging rays. (Unlike the body, which has organs like the kidneys and liver devoted to banishing toxins, the skin needs some help in this department.) Smoothing on The Detoxifier- which uses a potent mix of activated charcoal and kaolin clay to unclog your pores and remove toxins, plus Irish moss and Chinese ginseng to purify- will reveal healthy, clear skin.

The Raw Truth

Changing up your skincare routine each season will keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all year long. HEAR ME RAW’s natural, non-irritating formulas and reusable containers are gentle on your skin, your wallet, and the earth, too.