As the summer months wine down and we are all in a frenzy about Pumpkin spice, layered outfits, fall booties, and longer hair it is important to pay attention to how the weather and all of its changes will have an impact on our bodies, particularly the glowing skin we have all been trying to keep up. Part of the allure of the fall season is the beautiful changing leaves, the ease up on the hot weather and beaming sun, as well as the ability to add a new variety of fruits and veggies that are infamous during that season, but how do these changes have an impact on our health and particularly our skin and what can you do about it?

5 TIPS  FOR GLOWING SKIN 

1. HYDRATION (our skin's best friend) 

According to New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner “The abrupt drop in temperature and humidity will cause the skin to work harder to maintain hydration homeostasis as the cold weather and harsh winds start to kick in.” That disruption of the skin barrier can increase inflammation and irritation making it important to stay hydrated to avoid these symptoms.A great moisturizer on the market right now that has been getting the job done is Sunday Riley Ice. The moisturizer is described as “Ceramide-enriched moisturizer replenishes the skin with lasting hydration and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier against environmental stressors responsible for premature aging. Skin stays smooth, balanced and ageless-looking throughout the day.” This can be a great potential addition to your fall skincare routine if you do not already have a moisturizer you are loyal to. You can purchase yours here!  

2. VITAMIN D!

With the sun not showing its face as much in the fall we will start to see a decline in our skin's exposure to vitamin D which is a vital nutrient to help the skin grow, repair, and metabolize. A lack of vitamin D can result in skin that seems to age faster. Vitamin D deficiency also leads to thinner looking skin. A vitamin D3 supplement can be very helpful to introduce to your vitamin regimen during the fall and winter months to keep the skin looking youthful and glowing! A great Vitamin D3 supplement out on the market right now is Persona. Persona is described as “personalized vitamin packs delivered to their door on a monthly basis who offer three vitamin D-based supplements:

• Vitamin D. This supplement contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3, making it a good choice for those who want to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
• Vitamin D Vegan. This supplement contains a vegan-friendly form of D3 called Vitashine®, which is derived from lichens.
• DHA with Vitamin D. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fat that plays many critical roles in the body. This supplement contains 225 mg of DHA, 42 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 to support your health. This is a great option if you do not already have a vitamin regimen and are unsure of what you are missing in your body currently! 

3. SUNSCREEN YEAR 'ROUND

With the mention of the lack of sun in the fall months it is important to know that the sun is still there and so is your skin's exposure to ultraviolet rays, meaning SPF is still a necessary part of your skincare routine! Although the sun provides us an important nutrient (D3) for skincare, it also has its determinants (burn the skin and reduce its elasticity, leading to premature aging.) Protect your skin at all costs! I would be remiss if I did not highlight one of my favorite SPF ever, Ms. Black Girl Sunscreen herself! Black Girl Sunscreen is described as “Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free which means you won’t have to worry about toxics disrupting your hormones.

It is filled with all natural products such as Avocado moisturizes, reduces signs of aging, and treats sunburns. Containing vitamin E and antioxidants is what makes avocado one of the hottest trends in the natural skin care industry. Not only using avocado oil, but eating avocado on a weekly basis can be very beneficial and necessary for your skin. Jojoba soothes and moisturizes the skin leaving it flawless while preventing acne. Hydrating your skin is crucial to skin health and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. Cacao provides powerful antioxidants and evens out the complexion of your skin for a smooth, consistent skin tone. Carrot Juice contains vitamin C which enables it to promote healing and even boost the level of melanin in the skin. Carrot juice has been known to even out acne breakouts too. SunFlower Oil prevents skin irritation from sunburn and other skin irritants. This nutrient-rich oil provides inflammation relief as well. With all of its amazing ingredients, to top it off as a great purchase it is owned by a black woman (I don’t know about you but that's enough to take my coins).

4. MOISTURIZE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

During the  fall months we are not sweating as much and the obvious signs of thirst or dehydration can be harder to recognize. But I have already mentioned what you put inside of your body is just as important if not more than what you put on top of it. Be sure to hit your water intake goal and introduce other nutritious hydration options like celery juice and coconut water to the equations and thank me later.  

5. EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE

During the summer months skin tends to look consistently oily giving us the much coveted “summer glow”. This can sometimes leave our pores looking rather large after a summer of UV rays and heat exposure and it is important to do a deep clean during the season transition to give your skin a fresh start. If you already have a relationship with an esthetician you trust you can schedule a professional peel to help give you that much needed do over, but if a professional peel is just too much for your skin (those of us with underlying medical conditions) you can go for products such as serums or treatments with acids such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic. These will help reduce the appearance of pore size and also purge them of any dirt, oil, and bacteria that’s still lingering behind from the summer. One of my favorite lactic acids on the market right now is Sunday Riley Good Genes. Good Genes is described as “Multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. High potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin. Together with skin brightening licorice, this super-concentrated treatment visually reduces the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by exposure to the sun, for naturally brighter, even-toned skin.” If you were looking for an everyday exfoliant then this is your girl! 

 As you transition your skin from the summer heat to the brisk fall winds, here are the most important tips to get glowing skin for Fall: HYDRATE both inside and out with a great moisturizer and water/ celery juice/ coconut water. Make up for the lack of vitamin D3 you will miss out on due to the waning sun exposure by introducing D3 to your vitamin regimen. ALWAYS USE SPF, just because you do not see the sun as much does not mean she is not there. And exfoliate to give your skin a fresh jumpstart into the new season. This should be everything you need to add glowy dewy skin to that new fall wardrobe!

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