Once the summer is over, your skin may be left feeling neglected. After the long days of soaking up the sun and swimming in chlorine-laden pools, your skin needs extra TLC to get it looking beautiful again. Your skincare routine, like the clothes that are in style, should be seasonal. Once the cooler months roll around, you’ll need to help your skin recover and protect it from the elements.

Exfoliate Well, Then Exfoliate Less

During the summer, your skin typically builds up dead skin cells. Also, because of the amount of products we use in the summer time, the skin typically has a lot of residue build-up. Because of this, you’ll want to exfoliate the skin very well before fall rolls around. This will remove some of the build-up and slough off the dead skin. A light body exfoliant is ideal.

Once you exfoliate one good time, you’ll want to switch to exfoliating less as the months cool down. Light scrubbing twice a week should be enough to keep your skin looking radiant. For more exfoliant choices check out proven skincare brands such as Exuviance and Babor.

Implement Vitamin C and Retinol

Topical Vitamin C serums are a must-have for any fall skin care routine. This serum will help to keep your skin radiant and prevent any damage from the sun and the wind. If you’re looking for a little lift, products with retinol will help to increase collagen production and keep your skin tone and taut.

Don’t Skimp on Moisturizing

Keeping your skin moisturized is absolutely critical during the months when humidity is at its lowest. When your skin is dry, not only does it look and feel unhealthy, but it also becomes more susceptible to further damage from the elements.

It’s advised that you combine your body and facial moisturizer with a body serum or an oil to lock in moisture and protect your skin.

Don’t Dry Out Your Lips

During the fall, your lips will likely become dry and chapped, so it’s imperative that you invest in a high-quality lip balm and/or protectant. Choose a lip balm that contains natural ingredients guaranteed to keep your lips moisturized and soft.

Lubricate Those Legs

Shaving in the fall can lead to dry skin and irritation, thanks to the little moisture in the air. To prevent this, switch to a shaving cream or gel with a high-moisture content that also contains natural ingredients and oils to seal-in moisture. Even though you may not be showing off your legs in the winter, you’ll still want to take care of the skin so that it’s smooth and ready for spring next year.

Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean you should no longer worry about how your skin looks and feels. Keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the fall will have it primed and ready once winter is over and spring rolls around again.