Since going Paleo, you might have noticed your skin has changed.
When the seasons change, you may notice your skin undergoes further shifts and adjustments. This is the time where some with oily skin might notice their skin tends more to the ‘normal’ type, or those with normal skin might consider their skin is suddenly dry.
Watch your skin as the weather turns cold to see if you need to change up your skin care routine and products and switch them accordingly. Unfortunately, what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. If you have problematic skin or seasonal changes exaggerate your skin issues and switching routines does little to help, you may have to fiddle with your diet and lifestyle to find out what may be further triggering to your skin. Either way, remember that skincare is an important supplement to whatever other changes you make!
The change in seasons can wreak havoc on your complexion, leaving it feeling dull, dry and dehydrated. To ease the transition, try these Paleo friendly skin care products to make your skin’s transition from summer to fall flawless
Cleansing
Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is an essential all-in-one skincare tool. Simply dampen warm water to exfoliate, remove makeup, and keep your skin clean. No expensive chemical products necessary!
Oil Cleansing
Fall may leave your skin needing a little more nourishment than the microfiber alone can provide. Oil cleansing will leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and without the need for extra moisturizer.
Using a coconut oil or castor oil (or a mixture of the 2) pour a small amount, roughly the size of a quarter, into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth it over your dry face. Begin massaging your cleansing oil into your face. Keep massaging the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. Once you are satisfied that you have dissolved the grime soak your microfiber washcloth in clean, steamy water. Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse thoroughly, and repeat two or three more times, avoiding any temptation to scrub,
If you have oily skin, this method actually helps your skin’s natural balance restore itself. Usually, your body over-produces oil in response to the products you use that strip the oil from your skin. With the oil cleansing method, those natural oils get replenished rather than simply stripped away.
Use this method once per day; night is best. In the morning, you should be able to just wash your face with warm water and go.
You can pre-mix your oil in batches as even add an essential oil of your choice, such as lavender or tea tree, which can help soothe skin and ward off acne.
Exfoliating
If your skin has become extra-dry you may want to exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells. Try mixing approximately one tablespoon of baking soda with some water and a small amount of liquid soap or coconut oil.
Wet your face with warm water and then apply the baking soda blend with your fingertips. Rub in gentle circular motions. Keep it out of your eyes! Rinse off with warm water and pat gently to dry.
Toning
An apple cider vinegar rinse can help act as a toner. Make a solution of your ACV with some water. Start with a small amount and increase the amount of vinegar you use as your skin gets used to it. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth and apply it after cleansing your face at night. Pat dry.
Moisturizing
Once you begin using the oil cleansing routine and your skin adjusts and begins to balance its sebum levels, you may discover your need to moisturize is reduced. During the transition to the drier fall and winter months, it is recommended to add a moisturizer to your routine regardless. You can try finishing with a small amount of coconut oil, alone or blended with a small amount on jojoba or almond oil. Be aware that you only need a really small amount, a little goes a long way!
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing can be very effective in helping to help to remove dead skin cells from the rest of you body. You will need a natural fiber brush or an exfoliating mitt. Start at feet and move in circular movements. Do one leg at a time. When you get to your torso, start over at your neck and work your way down towards your heart. Do the same with your arms. Not only will this improve the texture of your skin and feel great, but the benefits of skin brushing include cell regeneration and increased blood flow!
Protecting
Just because you may not be laying on the beach does by no means imply you can forget the sunscreen for the next 6 months. Sunscreen is a daily essential, so make a point not to set it aside.
Check out our recommendations on preparing your skin for the summer – use the same protection during the fall and winter months.
Please visit our friends at BeautyCounter for cleaner, naturally derived, healthy skincare products to support all your Paleo skincare needs.
Troubleshooting
The change in seasons can result in more acne than normal for the first few weeks or even months. After that, you might find that your skin is really dry or its texture really uneven. This could be because your body is producing less sebum or is just reacting to other factors in your environment.
BeautyCounter, our trusted and recommended brand (see why here) have an entire line to support your skin through its more challenging times. You can take back control of your skin with their Countercontrol line, an effective collection for oily and blemish-prone skin that creates a more mtt complexion and clears without dryness and irritation.
Products to try include Clear Pore Cleanser, All Over Acne Treatment and the breakthrough SOS Acne Spot Treatment to reduce blemishes and clear skin.
For Your Best Fall Skin
- Notice how your skin reacts to the change in weather
- Notice how your skin looks throughout the day
- Adjust your skin care routine to match what you’re needing
Remember that anytime you add a product or change your routine, your skin will need time to adapt. Use your new routine for at least a couple weeks before determining whether it is effective and working for you, or not.
Make product changes gradually. Start with just changing your cleansing routine, giving that a week or so before adjusting how you are toning and watch how your skin responds with each change. Give it the time it needs to level out before you make your next change.
Fall always seems to sneak up on us – take time to begin adjusting your skin routine and keep that glow all through the season.