Autumn is my absolute favorite season. Summer warmth turns into a crisp breeze and the New England landscape is repainted with vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. You find yourself swapping out tank tops with over-sized cardigans and ditching the iced coffee for Starbucks seasonal drinks. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, it's time to change more than just your wardrobe. To maintain a healthy complexion, your skin care routine should transition as well. Those hot summer days full of heat and humidity cause your skin to produce more oil, but fall’s cool, dry weather can strip your skin of that moisture. Here are some adjustments to consider in order to keep your skin healthy during the summer-to-fall transition:

1. Kick Your Cleanser To The Curb

Everyone’s skin is different, but one thing we can all agree on is that it tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in autumn/winter. During the summer, I typically use a cleanser with salicylic acid for my acne-prone/oily skin. My favorite is Clear Days Ahead™ Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser. Salicylic acid, however, causes increased dryness and can be too harsh for the winter. For that reason, I switch to REN CLEARCALM 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser. This cleanser is a MIRACLE product that has a creamy texture and leaves skin feeling clean and soft. My sister and I first heard about it from Patty J herself and we SWEAR BY IT. 

2.  Exfoliate, Just Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliating is a great way to clear clogged pores and smooth your skin. My favorite is Clinique Exfoliating Scrub. It instantly makes my skin softer and leaves a refreshed, cool feeling. But keep in mind - As the weather cools down, your skin will become drier and more sensitive. Exfoliating too often will leave your skin irritated and could actually be harmful. I recommend exfoliating 2-3 times a week maximum.

3. This One's A Game Changer

Whether your skin is dry or oily, moisturizing is still an essential step in the skin care process, especially as the colder days come around. I am currently using First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer, but if my skin gets too dry, I will switch to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream to get more moisture. It provides that extra hydration my skin sometimes needs without any greasy look or feel.

4. Become A Fan Girl Of....Facial Oil

I'm sure many people can relate when I say that I was extremely hesitant to try an oil at first. Putting oil on my already oily skin sounded like a one-way ticket to breakouts. But I decided to try Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil and it has done wonders for my skin. It's perfect for hydrating and replenishing. I highly recommend incorporating this product into your routine. I combine 3-4 drops with my moisturizer every night. 

5. Repeat After Me - Quality Over Quantity

Take it from the girl who has been through basically every skin care product on the market – Do not waste your money on multiple drugstore face cleansers, moisturizers, etc. In higher priced skin care, you will find higher quality. Splurge a little on a good cleanser and moisturizer that will leave you with noticeable results and healthier skin! I'm not suggesting you go spend your entire paycheck on products, but buy a few good ones that really work well for you rather than 25 lower quality items that might not work. 

More About Stylish RI'er Taylor

I am a social media crazed, animal loving twenty-something pursuing a career in finance to help pay for my Starbucks addiction (Skinny lattes run in my bloodstream!). Aside from reading the latest celebrity gossip, you will find me spending time with friends, watching bad reality television, and indulging in Jacky’s sushi. I’m obsessed with my rescue dog (The beagle in the photo above.) and listening to Taylor Swift on repeat. I believe in exercise as therapy and if that fails, chocolate.

Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Taylor