Under the Weather, On Top of Skincare?

With record-breaking temps across the country and smoky atmospheres due to wildfires in places like California (where we're based), the Skindie team has noticed increasingly unpredictable changes in our skin – including dryness and more breakouts of conditions like rosacea. A variety of environmental stressors seem to be catching up to us. Is it climate change, or just autumn? 

There does seem to be some evidence of climate change impacting skin. Increased UV radiation and pollution that contribute to free radical damage can speed up the signs of aging and are associated with increased skin cancer incidence. Additionally, higher temperatures and humidity may trigger flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis. Combined with upcoming drier and colder weather in some parts of the country, it can get a little complicated, especially for those with existing skin conditions. As always, it's wise to use sunscreen, be mindful of air quality, get regular skin check-ups with a dermatologist, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to manage any side effects of unpredictable weather or seasonal transitions.

So as we head into autumn and keep in mind the changes around us, we've been following the routine below to minimize the impact on our combination, rosacea-prone skin. While these products aren't making pollution-combating or similar marketing claims, we've found them helpful in alleviating irritated or dry skin. We're focused on nourishing oil-based cleansers, exfoliating treatments on an alternating basis, effective moisturizers, and a few extras that make our ritual feel more indulgent and cozier than usual. 

The Cleansers 

Among the many oil cleansers we own and use, it was a feat to be surprised. But surprised we were by Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser (5 oz, $38), which has sat on shelves for years without much hype. It's rich in synthetic and plant-based emollients – featuring a combination of microalgae, avocado, olive, and bilberry seed oils. The texture is creamy yet jelly-like, which is becoming popular in the oil-cleanser game (this product is ahead of its time), and it has a mild fragrance that we find oh-so soothing. For an unscented option, we’ve also been loving Naturium’s Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil (3.5 oz, $20).

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash (13.5 oz, $14.99) has also been a pleasant surprise. If you already love the brand's Lipikar AP+ Body Lotion, you'll love this. Unlike other hydrating foaming washes we've used in the past, we could wait several minutes after using this before applying moisturizer without any dry or tight feeling. With a creamy lather, this formula is also soap, fragrance, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. It has a drugstore classic written all over it.

The Treatments

We're never aggressive with our treatment lotions and potions, usually only applying them 1-2 times a week. Our current rotation is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream (1 oz, $10). Azelaic acid can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate rosacea, and in this iteration, we love the formulation's simplicity and price point – a true bang for your buck. 

We're cautious with chemical exfoliants, but the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400 has found a place in our routine for mild, weekly exfoliation with a gentle blend of glycerin, niacinamide, and lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids (no phenol). Unlike the original P50 formulas, this is odorless and leaves no stinging sensation. 

The Eye Cream 

We've become attached to the new Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Eye Balm (0.5 oz, $76). Texture-wise, this isn't a balm. It's more of a thick, non-greasy cream that absorbs quickly. We've found our under-eye skin to feel more hydrated, moisturized, and protected after using this, even the next day. So while we aren't entirely sold on all the power ingredients and marketing claims, it's doing something that made it worth the splurge.

The Moisturizers

Eucerin Redness Relief Night Cream (1.7 oz, $10.79) has been a lifesaver for our skin's angriest days. Like the cleanser from this line (which we also love), licorice root extract (Licochalcone or Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract) is the critical ingredient to help soothe sensitive and redness-prone skin. This product could be an efficacious formula for any skin type, especially if you've overdone it with exfoliation or potent active ingredients.

In the market for a bit more luxury? We're enjoying the True Botanicals Chebula Extreme Cream (1.7 oz, $110). A fellow Skindie team member is already a fan of the brand's Chebula Serum, and this features the same star ingredient in a lush, emollient base that we can only describe as a non-greasy marshmallow. It screams, "winter is coming," and we're here for it. 

Another winner is Biba De Souza Cream Barrier (1.7 oz, $95), known to give one Skindie the coveted glaze donut skin. The magic comes from beeswax, which provides a creamy, dense texture unlike no other, and serves as a solid emollient and protective layer. The formula also features Aquaxyl (a moisturizing complex of plant-based sugars), which makes this a highly recommended formula for super dry and dehydrated skin types. 

The SPF

We already shared a roundup of our favorite mineral sunscreens, but there are new SPF launches daily. Of the latest crop, we're partial to Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SPF 30 (1.7 oz, $38). It's the perfect cross between LiveTinted Hueguard Sunscreen and Tatcha Silk Pore Perfecting Sunscreen in tint (no white cast whatsoever on our medium-tan skin tone), texture, and feel. It sits nicely under makeup as well as alone. Although 10% non-nano zinc oxide is low compared to many mineral sunscreen formulas on the market, this was a more sensorial-based pick that we still find adequate for minimal direct sunlight exposure.

The Lip Treatment

We've been into a moisture sandwich for the lips of late. But hasn't everyone? Enter Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen Lip (0.5 oz, $29), a dual-phase serum featuring the brand's patented Alguronic Acid, vegan collagen, and microalgae oil we enjoyed in the Melting Cleanser. It feels like a typical hyaluronic acid serum – which we often use on our lips under a more emollient layer of Lucas Paw Paw or Cerave Healing Ointment. But as a targeted product for the lips, this seems to be doing more than either of those alone, and it's a go-to to repair chapped lips and prepare for the changing seasons.

Another great option is the Nuxe Reve De Miel Honey Lip Balm (15 g, $18), a French pharmacy classic that cushions the lips with a combination of lavender honey, propolis oleoactive (a bee-derived ingredient known for its antiseptic and antioxidant properties), and shea butter. Because beeswax imparts a finish closer to Chapstick, this one is for you if you don't love the slip and shine of traditional balms. 

The Oil

We've been a fan of Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil (1 oz, $68) for years. There are less expensive marula oils out there, but we've always preferred the exceptionally lightweight texture of this one. It's elegant and efficient and comes in a mini size that will last forever. 

Conclusion

We think there's something for everyone here – regardless of gender identity, skin type, and budget. And if it weren't for our love of skincare and trying the latest and greatest for you, we could see ourselves sticking with this routine for a looong time. Stay tuned for more product recs this season and as always, let us know what skincare you’re loving in the comments below. 

As a note: We were not incentivized to use any of the products featured in this article. However, we may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase through any of the links above.