While you didn’t hold back on beach time this summer, you took every precaution when it came to
smart skin care—and it shows. And just as we adjust our wardrobe to suit the cooler months, our daily beauty routine should be adapted accordingly to the season. To help determine our fall beauty routine— what summer products to keep, what to ditch and the must-try treatments for fall,— we chatted with Dr. Martie S. Gidon, cosmetic dermatologist of Toronto’s Gidon Aesthetics and MediSpa
< gidonaesthetics.com>. Here are her top beauty dos and don’t this fall (wearing white not included).

Skin care myth #1: Lightweight summer moisturizers can last into next season.

Fall beauty fact: “With a decrease in temperature, there is a decrease in humidity, which is drying to our skin,” says Gidon. “It is important to replace moisture in our skin so drink plenty of water and use more moisturizers or a richer moisturizer than in the summer.”


DO:
Eat up: ”Increase the intake of essential fatty acids in the diet by eating olive oil, avocado, and omega-3 fatty acids which are found in salmon, walnuts and flaxseed.”

JUST DON’T: “Don’t even think about maintaining a tan by visiting a tanning parlor, use a self-tanner instead if you must have colour.”

TRY: Smashbox Camera Ready 5-in-1 Beauty Balm ($50), at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora.


Skin care myth #2: Ditch the SPF after Labour Day.

Fall beauty fact: “UVA rays are present year round, although there is not as much UVB during the winter in Canada,” she says. Not just for laying on your beach towel: “UV rays reflect off the sidewalk, water and snow, and also penetrates through glass.”

DO: “It is important to use a sunscreen daily throughout the year to protect skin.”

BUT: “Sunscreens will have an expiry date stamped on them, usually at least one year. If the sunscreen is kept indoors in a cool, dry place it should be effective until the expiry date. If you are using sunscreen regularly and a sufficient amount of it, it should be used up fairly quickly and not last the year.”

TRY: Even after soaking up the sun slathered in SPF, try a soothing after-sun treatment in case the rays got a little too close for comfort.



Summer beauty rescue: Best SPF lip balms

For more Fall beauty skin care beauty myths busted, read on to the next page…
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Skin care myth #3: Oily skin needs not a moisturizer.

Fall beauty fact: “It is not necessary to moisturize with oily or greasy products. Oil-free products are available so you can add moisture without oil. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin that retain moisture in the skin without oil.”

DO: “Wash morning and night with a gentle cleanser appropriate for one’s skin type— dry, sensitive, oily. I advise antioxidant serums in the morning followed by
sunscreen that can be light-textured or more moisturizing, depending on the skin type. An anti-aging eye cream should be used twice a day.”

P.M. ROUTINE: “After cleansing in the evening, one should use a retinol product if tolerated, alternating with an AHA. Moisturizer can be applied on top if needed.”

Skin care myth #4: When it comes to our summer skin care, everything must go.

Fall beauty fact: “We can continue to use our moisturizer as long as the skin does not start to feel dry. If so, start using a more hydrating moisturizer with a cream base, which is more moisturizing than a lotion base.”

MUST DO: “Continue to use sunscreen. You should use products that help reverse the sun-damage that occurred during the summer. Retinols, glycolic acids and antioxidants are important to use.”

TRY: “Consider seeing a dermatologist for a skin analysis, microdermabrasion, light chemical peels, IPL or laser treatments to make skin healthier and more attractive.”

Expert tip: “Moisturizers containing ceramides have become very popular. Ceramides are lipid molecules that are normally found in our skin cells. They maintain our skin barrier function so that moisture is retained in the skin.”

Skin care myth #5: Our skin woes are all our own.

Fall beauty fact: “Although everyone should monitor their skin, you should visit a dermatologist yearly for a skin check-up. “

DO: “Prescription retinoid cream can be used if appropriate. If there is sun damage, several treatments are available to help
reverse the damage.”

Derm treatment breakdown: “Photodynamic therapy uses a medication called ALA and visible blue light to destroy damaged skin cells. Intense pulsed light fades brown spots. Laser treatments such as the Clear and Brilliant laser or Fraxel laser—as well as light chemical peels—smooth skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. SilkPeel microdermabrasion infuses various serums into the skin, depending on individual needs. The serum can be
hydrating, lightening or brightening. “

Read more:
Why sun care and sunscreen isn’t summertime exclusive
The best streak-free bronzers
Summer beauty save: The best after-sun products

Beauty essential: The best facial sunscreen