While we love autumn’s crisp vibe, colorful leaves, and earthy feel, for some of us this time of year also carries the struggle of a redder and ruddier complexion. Some may also deal with eczema or psoriasis flare ups which lead to discomfort. In the fall, there’s a sudden dryness in the air that sucks the moisture from our bodies, and in turn our skin may seem angrier or less predictable. Today we’re going to tackle some products and tips to combat that autumnal flush.
Before we break down how to respond to the skin, it’s helpful to understand the why. What is causing this sudden change in our bodies? While triggers for eczema and rosacea can vary from person to person, in general the changes in temperature and humidity are at the core of this issue. Dry winds chap the skin and pull moisture.
Specifically in Minnesota and this region of the Midwest, you’re unfortunately not only dealing with a gradual dip in temperature—cold mornings followed by warm afternoons followed by damp, chilly evenings put our skin through additional stressors. If you add in dry winds, indoor heating, and hotter showers, your skin is drier and potentially stripped of natural oils that help maintain hydration.
And hydration is the name of the game when it comes to combatting fall skin symptoms. It should be your first priority to help support the issue at its source. Drinking water helps, of course, but also consider where you’re losing moisture. If you’re indulging in a hot bath that may strip the skin of those oils, follow it immediately with lotion. If your skin is still damp, it can be even better as it’ll help lock some of that moisture in.
Hydration helps so many aspects of our health in general, but for skincare it's paramount. Not only does it help alleviate pain and appearance of eczema and psoriasis, but if you also deal with keratosis pilaris (commonly called “strawberry skin”), moisturizing is truly one of the best things to do to reduce that redness and avoid further buildup. Bringing in additional humidity into your home through a humidifier is a low maintenance way to improve conditions drastically.
Red light therapy is another method we might not consider, but through consistent use this therapy strengthens the skin barrier to make it tougher during harsh, cold weather. It directly combats irritation and redness through its anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, red light improves local blood circulation, meaning oxygen and essential nutrients can be more actively delivered to help the skin stay plump and resilient.
These lifestyle adjustments can help support your skin during the shifting seasons, but they work best in conjunction with products designed to amplify hydration and recovery. While all skin needs are different, overall we love our Laurel products for this time of the year due to their high hydration concentrations and natural, calming ingredients. Here are our top recommendations for what can address your autumnal flush skin concerns.
Recovery Balm
Great for eczema, psoriasis, along with cuts and burns. Recovery Balm calms inflamed, reactive skin and features medicinal herbs to restore barrier health and promote skin repair.
Hydrating Elixir I
This serum-mist hybrid addresses dryness, dehydration, and dull skin. When we say hydration is the name of the game, this is your ace up your sleeve. Deeply hydrating with whole-plant flavonoids that support elasticity and firmness, Hydrating Elixir I is one of Laurel’s best-sellers for a reason. Total whole plant medicine hydration.
Effortless Cleanser
The Effortless Cleanser is a great product to cleanse the skin during a season where we’re trying to be gentle to avoid harsh stripping of oils. The effortless cleanser lifts impurities and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, all while nourishing and hydrating to restore your skin to its most glowing state.
Unburden Serum
This lipid-based facial serum and moisturizer is designed for those with chronic inflammation and skin sensitivity. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation, stagnation, and redness. Unburden Serum is all about pacifying redness and supporting the skin’s ability to recover and heal. A great product for redness, but especially those dealing with chronic inflammation.
Soothe Compound
This one is called the Soothe Compound for a reason—it’s soothing for everything. From inflammation to acne to redness, this topical supplement packs a punch for imbalanced skin. Formulated to relieve skin dysregulation, you can expect barrier repair, fewer signs of inflammation and irritation, and microbial harmony for a clear complexion.
While it’s been said a few times already, it’s worth saying again: hydration is your best friend during this season. Vigilance too—our skin reacts quickly to constant slight shifts in the weather, so paying attention to how your skin is feeling and noting the causes when possible is beneficial for grasping your skins’ needs. The quicker you can respond to what’s ailing you, the quicker it can be resolved and less likely to worsen. There’s no reason autumn shouldn’t be filled with a good glow coming straight from you and your skin!