7 Must-Have Tips For Your Fall Beauty Routine, From A Naturopathic Doctor

Here are seven skin care practices to incorporate into your fall natural beauty reset. You can choose one per day or choose several to repeat throughout the week. Note your favorites and continue using them through the fall season:

For DIY cleansers, steams, and masks, include ingredients such as honey, coconut oil, oats, and essential oils such as lavender and ylang-ylang. (Note: Because essential oils are highly concentrated, be sure to use caution around pets and young children.) For extra skin-pampering hydration, apply body lotion after stepping out of the shower or bath while your skin is still damp, and then gently pat your skin with a towel.

If you choose a cleanser that fits this description (such as The Spa Dr.'s CLEAR Gentle Cleanser), you won't need a toner. Because they often contain alcohol and astringents, toners can be drying to the skin, which you do not need in the fall months. Toners are typically designed to tighten the skin and remove residual dirt, pollutants, and impurities on the skin that remain after cleansing. If you're feeling the need for a toner after cleansing your face because your face still feels oily, try changing your cleanser first, then follow that with a highly nourishing antioxidant-rich serum.

To help soothe damage from a summer of sun and outdoor air pollutants contacting your skin, look for skin care with high-antioxidant ingredients such as resveratrol; green algae extract; turmeric; and green, black, white, and rooibos teas. To create DIY options, look to seasonal foods high in antioxidants such as pumpkin, apples, pomegranates, grapes, chia seeds, honey, chard, and kale. 

Exfoliating gently is also key. To do so, choose natural enzymatic ingredients such as pineapple fruit extract and physical exfoliants that are ground to the texture of fine sand. Skip the exfoliating brushes and devices, and switch to soft facial cloths and sponges such as a konjac facial sponge that is made with 100% natural and biodegradable konjac. With a well-designed exfoliant, you only need to apply light pressure, and your skin should still feel hydrated afterward.

While you have less UVB going into the fall and winter months, UVA levels are still significant skin agers, and they haven't gone anywhere this time of year. Make sure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum or has a high UVA rating. UVB is the wavelength that stimulates vitamin D, so you want more of that this time of year but without the UVA damage.

If you live in a dryer climate, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom and living areas to support your skin and airways. Find one that allows cool moisture, and be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth. Ideally, choose a humidifier that has an option to add essential oils to get the most bang for your buck.

Adapted from Natural Beauty Reset by Trevor Cates, N.D., published by BenBella Books, Inc. Copyright © 2022.