While you're swapping out your wardrobe for the cooler weather, don't forget your skincare routine needs a little seasonal upgrade, too. Fall and winter bring their own set of skin issues—dryness, irritation, and the dreaded breakouts. 

Whether you're after that fresh, glowing look or just want to avoid breakouts, we'll show you how to adjust your skin so it stays on point all season.

Switch to a gentle cleanser
Your skin produces less oil during colder months, so the foaming or gel cleansers you use during the sweaty summer may become too harsh. Opt for a cream-based or hydrating cleanser. These products will remove dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture.

What to look for: Hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or aloe vera.

Avoid Cleansers with strong astringents like salicylic acid or alcohol that can dry you out more in cooler weather.

Step up your moisturizer game
Summer's lightweight lotions won't cut it when the temperature drops. Your skin needs a heavier moisturizer to act as a barrier against cold winds and dry indoor heating. Cream-based products offer more hydration and help lock in moisture for longer.

What to look for: Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or squalane.

Apply moisturizer right after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in the moisture.

Add a hydrating serum
Do you have annoying dry patches or dull-looking skin? A hydrating serum can help. Serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid are moisture magnets, pulling hydration into your skin and giving it that fresh, healthy look.

Apply a few drops of serum before your moisturizer morning and night. The extra layer provides hydration, protection, and smoothness.

Don't forget sunscreen
Don't let the cloudy, dark skies fool you—sunscreen is still necessary. 

The sun's UV rays are active, even on cloudy days. Sun damage is one of the main reasons for early aging, and trust us, it's way easier to prevent than to fix. Bottom line: don't ditch the SPF.

Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. If you're looking to save time, try a moisturizer with SPF for a two-in-one combo.

Go Chemical?
Exfoliating is essential to remove dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull, but overdoing it in the winter can lead to irritation. If you've been using a harsh scrub with beads, it's time to switch to a more gentle exfoliant like a chemical exfoliator..

What to look for: Exfoliants with lactic acid or glycolic acid that gently resurface the skin.

Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week to avoid aggravating your skin. Think of exfoliation as a reset button, not a daily task.

Keep your skin glowing this winter.
Transitioning your skincare routine for the colder months doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on adding moisture, using gentler products, and protecting your skin from the elements. With a few tweaks, you'll keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and ready to handle whatever fall and winter throw at you.

- Forte team