Fall is finally here, which means you’re probably swapping out your shorts for sweaters. However, your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you’ll want to reconsider. As the seasons change, it’s important to change up your beauty routine, too. 

To ensure a smooth transition, treat yourself to some new skin and hair care products, and make the necessary adjustments to your beauty routine. Here are eight ways you can continue looking and feeling your best between seasons: 

1. Switch Up Your Skincare 

Seasonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold temperatures may cause your skin to become dry, flaky, or irritated, which is why you may need to swap out some of your products or add new ones to your routine. For instance, you may want to use a heavy-duty moisturizer to help compensate for the dry autumn air. In addition, you should look for products that contain peptides, antioxidants, and ceramides, as these ingredients help seal in moisture.

Fall is also a great time to restore your natural complexion and treat any sun damage you may have endured during the summer. If you notice any sun-induced skin conditions, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or premature aging, you may want to consult your dermatologist about adding a prescribed skincare treatment to your daily routine. Doing so in the fall will give you enough time to reverse signs of damage during the off-season. 

1. Go Easy on the Tap

As the weather gets cooler, it may be tempting to crank up the water temperature. However, piping hot water can dry out your skin and strip your hair of its natural oils. With the fall’s elements already working against you, using hot water can actually worsen conditions. 

While it may feel uncomfortable at first, there are cosmetic and health benefits of taking cold showers. Showering in tepid water can help flatten your hair cuticles and preserve moisture to prevent breakage. In addition, it can help tighten pores and constrict blood circulation to minimize puffiness while giving your face a healthy glow. 

1. Maintain Your Sun-Kissed Skin

The sun may not be in full-force in the months following summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your tan. Of course, your tan will fade over time. However, there are ways you can keep your skin glowing long into the next season. For instance, if you notice your skin starting to peel, try applying an oil-based moisturizer to help restore hydration and preserve your tan. 

Using a self-tanner is another great way to maintain a bronzed look as you head into fall. Before applying a tanning mist, mousse, or spray, it’s important to go through your normal skincare routine first. By moisturizing and exfoliating all areas of your body prior to self-tanning, you’ll ensure your tanner doesn’t appear streaky or fade unevenly.

1. Satisfy Your Strands  

In between seasons, you may notice that you’re losing a few more strands than usual. However, seasonal hair loss is common and often only temporary. Hair thinning, shedding, and even loss may occur due to the rapid changes in temperature or from previous sun damage. Without proper treatment, your hair may become dry and brittle when exposed to colder temperatures. 

You can easily counter the effects of seasonal hair loss by applying a hair growth oil or incorporating foods that support healthy hair growth, such as eggs, fish, and nuts, into your diet. You should also wear your hair down whenever possible, and avoid applying heat to mitigate excess shedding.

1. Don’t Forget Sun Protection 

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can both impact the health of your skin. While the rays that cause sunburn (UVB) are often weaker during the fall, the rays responsible for fine lines and premature aging (UVA) are just as strong in the winter as they are during the summer. That’s why it’s important to make sun protection a staple part of your beauty routine, even during the colder months. 

Fortunately, there are simple ways you can incorporate suncare into your day-to-day. As many common beauty products now contain SPF, such as lip balms, foundations, and moisturizers, you can protect yourself from the sun without making any major adjustments to your normal routine. For optimal protection, look for multi-purpose beauty products that contain an SPF of at least 30. 

1. Invest in a Humidifier 

As humidity levels drop during the fall, you’ll need to find creative ways to keep your hair and skin hydrated. While lathering on lotion may help in the short-term, using a humidifier is an easy way to promote many aspects of your health without a second thought.  

By using a humidifier, you can ensure an atmosphere that hydrates your body and promotes your overall well-being, even in cold weather. Simply place one in your bedroom, and apply a lotion that contains a humectant like glycerin to reduce moisture loss. Humectants work by attracting moisture from the air into your complexion, keeping your skin hydrated. 

1. Stay Hydrated

No matter the time of year, drinking enough water is essential to maintaining skin and hair health. As you transition into fall, be sure to keep up your water intake. Staying hydrated will ensure essential nutrients are reaching all areas of your body. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you drink at least eight cups of water per day. 

You can make regular hydration a habit by logging your intake with an app or in a journal. Or you can invest in a reusable bottle that tracks your intake so you know you’re always getting enough. If you find the taste of water to be too plain, try infusing your drinks with fruit. During the cooler months, you can also add hot soups with higher water content to your diet as these can also count toward your daily intake. 

1. Update Your Color Palette

Now is the perfect time to retire your bright summer shades of coral and lilac and update your makeup for fall. As the weather cools down, you won’t have to worry as much about your makeup running or melting off your face. That’s why autumn is a great time to experiment with richer formulas and bolder pigments.

Fall also marks the transition from your summer to your winter shade, so you may need to switch the type of foundation you use. Or you can combine your two shades together to create a formula that matches your skin tone. As most women prefer to wear makeup that mirrors the season, consider swapping out your bright lipstick for darker, berry hues. For more fall beauty inspiration, check out these simple summer to fall makeup swaps.

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Easing into a fall beauty routine may take some adjustments, but the changes don’t have to be drastic. With these tips, you’ll feel more confident and best prepare your hair and skin to take on the cold season.