Autumn is a time of change not only for our schedule and wardrobe, but also for our skin. As the weather gets colder, some people may experience changes in their skin, whether it's due to dryness, flaking, eczema, dullness, or even seasonal acne. If you're wondering why this happens, Connecticut board-certified dermatologist Mona Johara says temperatures and humidity drop rapidly as fall approaches, forcing our skin to work even harder to maintain proper moisture. Cool beginnings.
"Because of these temperature changes, our skin can experience moisture loss, inflammation, and rashes, all of which can affect the overall health of the skin," she explains.
The good news is that if you experience any of these changes in the fall, a simple tweak to your skincare regimen, especially a facial serum, can help.
"Serums contain active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, and using the right serum for the type of problem you're trying to solve can have many benefits," says Johara. "In the fall, it's important to use a serum to help restore moisture and maintain skin's youthfulness."
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Of course, not all serums are created equal, and some may contain ingredients specifically designed to address your problem. For fall serums, Lindsey Zubricki, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has several suggestions, starting with hyaluronic acid. "It's a humectant that helps attract moisture and water to the skin, which leads to obesity," she says. Another item to consider? Ceramides, said Zupretsky.
"This ingredient plays a key role in improving, restoring and restoring the skin's moisture barrier, which can be destroyed by cold temperatures." Niacinamide is another good ingredient in a serum because it helps reduce inflammation, calm redness, and improve skin hydration, all of which can help with a variety of problems.
Gohara also recommends a vitamin C serum. "A lot of us rely on this nutrient during the colder months, but it's a great skincare ingredient at this time of year," she says. "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that can do a lot of damage to our skin and is great for correcting dark spots and achieving a more even skin tone." Glycerin is another great option, says Gorey, because it "helps moisturize and smooth the skin, which is especially important during the fall and winter months."
Below, Gohara and Zubritsky give our recommendations for the best fruit serums based on skin type, whether it's dry, flaky, sensitive, or acne-prone.
dry skin
medical skinSkinMedica HA5 Anti-Aging Moisturizer - $165.00
Mohara recommends this serum because it contains a special blend of five types of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and smooth skin. "This is one of my favorite things to do for fall because humidity becomes more important during the cooler months," she notes. It also contains Vitis Flower Stem Cell Extract, a powerful protective botanical that protects the skin from damage and aging caused by UV exposure.
my skinSkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Booster - $106.00
According to Zubritsky, this serum is "a thick, non-sticky hyaluronic acid that provides a high dose of hydration for dry skin." While it works for all skin types, she says it's especially good for extremely dry skin.
what is happeningVichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Firming Face Serum 2.5 oz - $40.00
Another favorite from Zubritsky, this hyaluronic acid serum is a lifesaver for those with dry skin as it hydrates and smooths skin while strengthening and repairing the skin's moisture barrier. "It also contains Vichy Volcanic Water, which contains 15 essential minerals to strengthen and protect the skin," she asserts.
exfoliate your skin
sense of vitalityBioSense Anti-Aging Night Serum with Squalene & Lactic Acid - $65.00
Zubricki loves this nighttime serum because it contains 10 percent lactic acid, which she says helps gently exfoliate skin, leaving it brighter and smoother the next day. "Lactic acid does not dry out the skin like other alpha hydroxy acids, so it can be used in cold weather," she says.
PTPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum - $65.00
This serum contains glycolic acid and 1.5% retinol. The ingredients help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” says Mohara.
temper nature Another option from Zubritsky is Naturium, which contains PHA, a very mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells. "I also love that this product contains hyaluronic acid, so it helps with hydration," she says.
soft skin
roadAvene Hydrance Intense Hydrating Serum - $39.00
"I love that this brand uses thermal water to restore the skin barrier, which is so important for sensitive skin," Zubritsky explains. "This product is great for the colder months as it hydrates, repairs, and relieves tightness and discomfort associated with dehydrated skin."
Dual Action PCAPCA Skin Soothing Relief Dual Action - $120.00
Zubritsky approves of this refreshing treatment because it helps reduce the redness and irritation that often occurs in people with sensitive skin. "It contains niacinamide to reduce redness, bisabolol to soothe skin, and ceramides for targeted hydration," he says.
Calm Recovery AvenueAveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum - $20.00
Oatmeal is a well-known soothing ingredient in skin care, which makes it a great choice for sensitive and reactive skin. "This serum is perfect for soothing dry, sensitive and irritated skin," Mohara says. "The product is instantly absorbed, soothes dry skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier."
Acne-prone skin
CetaphilCetaphil Gentle Clear Triple Acne Serum - $14.00
Zubritsky recommends this serum because it's based on low-potency salicylic acid, which is effective without over-drying the skin. "It also contains succinic acid, which is soothing and exfoliating," she says, adding that its milky, gel texture softens the skin.
sporadicDifferin Dark Spot Correcting Serum $14.00
Zubricki loves this particular serum for acne sufferers. "It contains 4 percent niacinamide, which not only reduces discoloration but improves skin hydration, making it ideal for use in cold weather," she explains. "It contains sea buckthorn oil and sunflower oil, which both soothe and nourish the skin."
Serum is displayediS Clinical Active Serum - $142.00
Mohara recommends the IS Clinical Active Serum for people prone to breakouts, but it does more. "It helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, visibly evens skin tone, and is great for breakout-prone skin," she says. The serum contains several skin-friendly botanicals, including blueberries, which moisturize by exfoliating dead skin cells, and mushrooms, which provide skin-lightening microbial benefits.
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