Fall skincare is such a popular topic of discussion everywhere. Long, tedious routines with 8-step, 10-step, and 15-step products like toners, serums, face oils, masks and so much more are common. Such is this season — dry, cool, crisp, going towards cold. But what about those of us who are used to quick and fuss-free skincare? Or those who enjoy minimalist skincare through the rest of the year?

For all of those women, here’s a carefully curated routine. Read on for a minimalist’s fall skincare guide.

1. Cleanse

Summer heat and humidity are all but gone. So you can dispense with the oil-free, anti-acne cleansers that are harsher on your skin’s texture. Instead, opt for a more gentle formulation for your daily cleansing, one that also has some exfoliating beads and hydrating ingredients. Do not let any regular soap or body wash touch your skin. With the number of hot showers you may be taking during this cool season, it may be tempting to just use your soap on your face. However, that may strip your skin of its natural oils, making it even drier in this dry weather. Instead, keep a tube of your cleanser in your bathroom stall as well as on your sink.

2. Exfoliate

The most important part of your minimalist fall skincare routine is exfoliation. Fall season means dry skin, dead skin cells forming a thick layer and a flaking surface that may turn red or itchy. Prolonged dead skin layers can lead to breakouts, dull skin, clogged pores and accelerated signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. All of these can be remedied easily by a regular exfoliation routine. It is a simple step and doesn’t take much of your time if you do it every day. Only, be careful with your product. Since you are exfoliating every day or every alternate day in the fall, use a mild exfoliant. And apply gentle pressure while scrubbing your skin. Rest assured, you will inevitably enjoy healthy, smooth and radiant skin every day.

3. Hydrate

Think of your skin during the fall season like a parched man in a desert. The dry air sucks all the moisture out, leaving your skin looking paleand dull. That is why this minimalist’s fall skincare guide has a rich, thick and creamy moisturiser as the superhero of hydration. You must get a moisturiser that suits your skin, so if you have oily or acne-prone skin then gel moisturiser is a good idea. For all other skin types, a heavy creamy formulation works. Be generous with the application and pay attention to what your skin needs. Some people may find their skin is happy with just a single application in a day, while others may need to go for periodic refreshes. A good moisturiser also provides a good base for your makeup.

The other way to supplement moisture to your skin is by using a serum. Most hydrating serums are nighttime products, but they do work wonders. You can choose a face oil too if your skin is very dry and demands added moisture. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, Vitamin C etc are essentially present in these products.

Also, drink a lot of water!

4. Sunscreen

A no-brainer as far as skincare is concerned! Use a sunscreen, be it summer, winter, spring or fall. It is such a great defender against sun damage, which includes harmful UVA and UVB rays. The immediate effects of this damage may be sunburns and tanning (usually seen in summer). But the long-term effects include sun spots, age spots, dull complexion, signs of aging and skin cancer. The fall sun may look mild and harmless, but it does contribute to your skin damage.

So as a rule of thumb — if it is daytime, wear your sunscreen. You may reduce the SPF from 50 to 30 in the fall.

5. And Some More!

The above 4-step skincare routine is more than enough for a minimalist’s skincare in the fall. But if you want to go above and beyond, then apply a relaxing face mask from time to time (once a week). You can even skip the face mask and just book a monthly facial appointment. With the above minimalist routine and a simple custom facial done under professional hands, your skin will be happy and radiant all through fall. Any nutrients lost by your skin during the month will be supplemented in the facial, along with a thorough clean-up and massage to stimulate blood circulation.

So what are you waiting for? Clean your vanity of all extra products, keep only 4 bottles on your sink, and book your facial appointment with Savarnas Beauty Spa now.