Hi! I’m Kayli, Master Esthetician at Vue Medical Spa, and fall is officially here. That means cozy sweaters, changing leaves, pumpkin everything… and apparently my skin deciding it needed a change too.
So I thought I’d bring you along and share what my skin has been going through lately, what I’ve added to my routine, and what’s been helping me feel a little more like myself again. Because even as an esthetician, my skin definitely has its moments.
My skin lately
Going into fall, my skin has been dry, more sensitive, and dealing with some pretty stubborn hormonal breakouts, especially around my chin and jawline. Add in some pigmentation left over from summer, and my skin has definitely been asking for a little extra attention.
And I’ll be honest, the hormonal acne has been frustrating. At 25, I’ve definitely caught myself looking in the mirror thinking, Why am I still breaking out like this? There’s something especially frustrating about dealing with breakouts as an adult. They can affect your confidence at any age, and when you feel like you’re doing all the things you’re supposed to be doing, it can be discouraging when your skin still doesn’t seem to cooperate.
I’ll be the first to admit that it has affected my confidence. But it’s also reminded me of something I tell my clients all the time: our skin changes.
Hormones change. Seasons change. Stress changes. Our environment changes. And sometimes the routine that worked perfectly for us a few months ago just isn’t what our skin needs today.
So instead of getting frustrated with my skin, I’m trying to listen to it.
What I’m reaching for this fall
Here are a few of the products I’ve been reaching for this fall and why they’ve made sense for my skin right now.
ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads
Why I’m using them: Hormonal breakouts + congestion.
With the hormonal breakouts I’ve been experiencing, I wanted something in my routine specifically focused on helping with excess oil and congestion.
At the same time, my skin has been much drier lately, so I’m learning that treating acne doesn’t have to mean drying my skin out even more. It’s all about finding that balance and paying attention to how my skin responds.
ALASTIN C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum
Why I’m using it: Brightening + antioxidant support.
After summer, I really want to focus on bringing some brightness back into my skin and supporting a more even-looking complexion. I love incorporating vitamin C into my morning routine for antioxidant support, especially after months of summer sun. It’s an easy step that helps my skin feel like it’s getting a little extra love and protection in the morning.
ALASTIN A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum
Why I’m using it: The pigmentation summer left behind.
My summer tan may be fading, but apparently some of the pigmentation wanted to stick around. Uneven pigmentation is one of my biggest concerns right now, so I love having something in my routine that intentionally targets the appearance of discoloration. I’m not expecting everything to disappear overnight (skincare takes consistency), but I’m excited to see those gradual changes over time.
ALASTIN Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer
Why I’m using it: Dry fall skin needs a little extra love.
As the weather gets colder and the air gets drier, I’ve been focusing much more on keeping my skin moisturized and supporting my skin barrier. Especially while I’m treating breakouts and pigmentation, I don’t want to forget that my skin also needs hydration.
When my skin is hydrated, I’ve noticed it looks plumper and healthier, but more importantly, it just feels better. Sometimes my skin doesn’t need another aggressive product. Sometimes it just needs a little extra comfort.
ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Why I’m using it: Because SPF doesn’t have a season.
Yes, even when it’s cold. Yes, even when it’s cloudy. And yes, even when I’m bundled up in a sweater and would rather pretend the sun no longer exists until June. SPF is still important.
HydraTint gives me daily mineral SPF protection while also giving my skin a beautiful tint and glow, something I especially appreciate on the days when my breakouts have me wanting a little extra confidence. And because I’m working on pigmentation, protecting my skin from UV exposure is just as important to me as the products I’m using to improve its appearance.
I’m starting to feel like myself again
My skin isn’t suddenly perfect. I’m still working through hormonal breakouts. I’m still working on pigmentation. I still have dry days, good skin days, and days where a new breakout shows up at the worst possible time.
But I’m starting to see changes. More importantly, I’m starting to feel more confident in my skin again.
And going through this myself has reminded me why I love what I do. When someone sits in my treatment room frustrated because they’re suddenly breaking out, the products they’ve always used aren’t working anymore, or they simply don’t know where to begin, I understand that feeling. Because I’ve felt it too.
We’re figuring it out together
The biggest thing I want you to take away from my routine isn’t that you need to go home and buy every product I’m using. You don’t. This is what makes sense for my skin right now.
Your skin might be oily while mine is dry. You might be dealing with acne, redness, pigmentation, texture, sensitivity, or maybe you looked at your bathroom counter this morning and realized you have seven serums and absolutely no idea what any of them actually do. We’ve all been there.
And honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts about being an esthetician. We get to figure it out together.
You don’t need perfect skin before you come see me. You don’t need to know what products you need. And you definitely don’t need to have your routine figured out already. Sometimes you don’t need ten new products. You just need someone to look at your skin, listen to what’s been bothering you, and help you understand what it actually needs. That’s what I’m here for.
So if your skin has been changing right along with mine and the weather, you’re not alone. Sometimes our skincare routine just needs to change with it.
At Vue Medical Spa, we’re here to help create a routine that makes sense for your skin, your concerns, and the season you’re in. We’ll talk about what’s going on, what you’re currently using, and what your goals are, and build something that actually feels realistic for you.
Because everyone’s skin is different. And just like the seasons, our skin changes too. Sometimes a new season is exactly what it needs!
XO,
Kayli
Master Esthetician | Vue Medical Spa
