One chilly fall morning, I was catching up with a friend over coffee, venting about how my skin always seemed to take a hit when the weather turned colder. Dry patches, dullness—no matter what I did, my skin just couldn’t keep up. That’s when she leaned in and asked, “Have you tried adding Vitamin C to your routine?” I’ll admit, I hadn’t thought much about it before. Plus, I have super sensitive skin, and I always thought Vitamin C would irritate my skin and make it worse. She assured me, however, that it was a game-changer, especially during fall and winter. That simple chat turned out to be a turning point in my skincare journey. I started incorporating Vitamin C into my routine and saw my skin transform, even in the harshest months.
As stunning as the changing leaves are, the transition to fall and winter brings some challenges for our skin. The crisp, cold air and the constant blast of central heating can strip moisture, leaving our skin feeling parched, flaky, and even a bit irritated. On top of that, indulging in rich, comforting foods (hello, pumpkin pie!) can lead to breakouts and a lackluster complexion. For us fabulous women in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, these seasonal changes can be even more pronounced, as our skin naturally loses elasticity and moisture. But fear not; with a little extra care, we can keep our skin glowing all season long!
But don’t fret! Prepping your skin for the season doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t start painting a masterpiece on a dusty canvas, right? Your skin’s the same—it deserves a fresh, clean start before layering on the good stuff. A simple, consistent morning and evening routine is all it takes to keep your skin happy, hydrated, and glowing through the season. So, let’s get back to basics and build a strong foundation! Here’s your guide to a season-ready skincare routine that’ll have you looking radiant all winter long.
Morning Routine: Start Your Day with a Radiant Glow
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser
Start your day with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove impurities without stripping moisture. Look for formulas with hydratiwww.freepik.comng ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin plump.
- Budget Pick: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($14)
Step 2: Hydrating Toner
A toner is a lovely way to add a refreshing layer of hydration. Look for ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel to soothe the skin without alcohol, which can be drying.
- Budget Pick: Neutrogena Alcohol Free Fragrance Free Toner ($7)
Step 3: Brightening Serum 
To keep skin radiant, especially on those darker, colder mornings, use a Vitamin C serum. This brightens your complexion and protects against environmental stressors.
- Budget Pick: I alternate between RoC Multi Correxion Revive +
- Glow Vitamin C Serum and Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Serum
Step 4: Rich Moisturizer
A thicker moisturizer locks in hydration and strengthens your skin’s barrier, which is essential as the temperatures drop. Look for ceramides and fatty acids.
- Budget Pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($16)
Step5: SPF (Yes, Even in Winter!)
The sun
may not feel as strong, but UV rays can still damage your skin. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. For whatever reason, many people can be allergic to the zinc oxide in many sunscreen. I am no different. But, I found a goldmine at my local Trader Joe’s. Their Daily Facial Sunscreen (SPF 40) , works like magic!
- Additional Budget Pick: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 ($18)
Night Routine: Restore While You Rest
Step 1: Double Cleanse
At the end of a long day, start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, then follow with a gentle cleanser to clean your skin thoroughly.
- Budget Pick: Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil ($12)
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 times a week)
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to work more effectively. Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant with glycolic acid for smoother skin.
- Budget Pick: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($10}
Step 3: Repair Serum
Nighttime is when your skin goes into full recovery mode, making it the perfect time to nourish it with powerful ingredients for repair and renewal. A good serum with retinol or peptides is like a mini-makeover in your sleep—retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, supports cell turnover, smoothing texture, evening out tone, and softening fine lines, while peptides stimulate collagen and elastin to keep skin firm and resilient. Start with a low concentration of retinol if you’re new to it, and let these potent ingredients work their magic, so you wake up to fresher, softer skin that’s ready to take on the day!
- Budget Pick: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane ($8)
Step 4: Rich Night Cream
Choose a nourishing night cream that restores moisture and supports skin repair overnight. Look for ingredients like shea butter and peptides. Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to moisturize your skin to hydrate and rejuvenate.
- Budget Pick: e.l.f. Nourishing Night Cream ($12)
Step 5: Eye Cream
Hydrate the delicate under-eye area to prevent puffiness and fine lines. A simple, nourishing eye cream with avocado oil can do wonders!
- Budget Pick: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream ($13)
Beyond Skincare
A healthy diet and hydration go hand-in-hand with skincare, especially in the colder months. Foods rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), omega-3s (like salmon or flaxseeds), and vitamins A and C all work to boost your skin’s radiance. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Hydrated skin is happy skin, and these small diet tweaks can make a big difference.
As busy humans, it’s all too easy to let our skincare routines slip. But taking a few minutes each morning and evening to care for our skin is more than a beauty ritual—it’s an act of self-care that helps us feel good in our own skin. With just a few products and steps, you can tackle the chillier seasons with confidence, embracing the radiant, healthy glow you deserve.
So here’s to celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of moms everywhere. Let’s keep shining through fall and winter with skin as radiant as our spirits!
