As the smell of pumpkin spice is slowly taking over the air, it’s time to start thinking about preparing for the fall season. Although the weather might still be quite warm where you are, the colder months are getting closer day-by-day. While you slowly change your wardrobe to be ready for the cozy sweater weather, you should also think about how to adapt your skincare routine appropriately. 

As the weather gets colder and dryer, skin also tends to look more dull and get more sensitive. From very humid summers to pretty cold winters, Korea has four very distinct seasons, and the K-Beauty industry learned how to adapt to these changes centuries ago to keep the skin nourished and bright throughout the whole year. The smallest changes can make a difference in your skincare routine, and in this article we are sharing some tips on how you can keep your skin flawless during fall and winter. Spoiler alert: hydration is the key.

Proper Cleansing with the Right Formula

Proper cleansing is one of the most important steps for nice and healthy skin, but choosing the wrong formula or overdoing it can result in the opposite effects. On colder days, when the skin gets dehydrated even more easily, it is very important to choose a product that is not irritating or stripping. The enough project Cleansing Oil uses plant-derived ingredients to remove impurities and residue, and the cocoa butter in it will prevent moisture loss, leaving the skin feeling clean and hydrated at the same time. NEOGEN’s Dermalogy Calming Cica Tree Micellar Cleansing Foam uses moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acids and ceramides to nourish the skin and strengthen its barrier while giving the pores a thorough cleanse. 

Layering—Toners and Essences

As you start layering your clothing, why not start layering your skincare as well? The “seven skin method” is a Korean skincare process where you apply three to seven layers of toner (or even lightweight essence) onto your skin after cleansing. Since these are usually weightless products that absorb into the skin quickly, they work well with this method.

A hydrating toner is a great way to balance out the skin’s pH level, retain moisture, and even add some other beneficial properties to your routine—like anti-aging or very gentle exfoliation. For example, the Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner helps the skin rebuild its healthy condition while calming and nourishing it.

South Korea and K-Beauty also popularized the use of essences in a skincare routine. These usually have a thicker texture than toners, but lighter than serums—hence this is an additional step between the two. Essences are formulated to penetrate the skin deeper, and use ingredients that can specifically target skin concerns. Fermented ingredients, propolis, snail mucin, niacinamide, and Centella asiatica are some of the magical keywords to keep an eye out for.

Oils and Moisturizers

Yes, I love my gel moisturizers too, and I will probably use my NEOGEN Vita Duo Night Cream until the cold weather and heater combo doesn’t require anything heavier. Layering your favorite lightweight moisturizer can work too, but if your skin still dries out at the end of the day, this might be the time to pick up the richer, heavier moisturizers that we tend to forget about during the humid summer days. Creams that use fatty acids like ceramides can deliver extra hydration and strengthen the skin barrier without clogging the pores. It’s almost like the warm hug of your favorite sweater. The enough project Moisture Cream uses bakuchiol and beta-hyaluronic acid for a regenerating and deeply hydrating effect.  

Face oils could also be a great step for extra hydration while delivering additional beneficial ingredients into the skin. Although it is technically not a K-Beauty product, SIND Beauty’s Botanical Relief Oil was created by SISSEL, a well-known content creator no stranger to Korea and K-Beauty. It’s a lightweight oil rich in vitamins that will not only moisturize the skin, but will give a rejuvenated complexion to all skin types, and will also fight environmental impacts for cleaner pores and calmer skin. Yes, it works for oily skin as well!

The Extra Step—Sheet Masks

Of course a sheet mask infused with good-for-skin ingredients is a great way to finish off any skincare routine no matter what the weather is like outside, but it just feels different during colder months. You know...it’s the perfect addition to a relaxing evening with either a hot drink or a glass of wine—and of course a few episodes of K-Drama.

Sun Protection is Still a Must

No matter the season, sun protection is a must if you want to keep your skin safe and young looking. As most of this article emphasized the importance of hydration, let’s keep the theme consistent. Benton’s new sunscreen, the Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream (SPF50+/PA++++) uses Centella asiatica and panthenol to moisturize and soothe the skin while fighting wrinkles and UV at the same time—and no, there is no white cast.