I dedicated two weeks to developing a Fall Beauty Curriculum—9 expert-backed steps to rejuvenate your skin, hair, and nails.

      I enjoy summer, but it can be tough on my hair, skin, and nails. They have faced salt water, chlorine, heat styling, and continuous gel manicures... you name it. As autumn approaches, I need a significant beauty reset. Fortunately, my decade of experience in the beauty industry has prepared me for this, and it won’t break the bank. Besides a haircut and color touch-up (which is an essential pre-booked appointment), I’m skipping all other professional treatments and opting for at-home solutions instead. Here are the nine steps I'm taking to rejuvenate my skin, hair, and nails, which I consider my personal fall glow-up guide.

      1. (Re-)Introduce Retinoids

      I paused my use of retinol serums over the summer for two reasons. First, I simplified my skincare routine due to some unwanted rosacea flare-ups, which led to my retinol being excluded. Second, retinol accelerates cell turnover, increasing the skin’s vulnerability to sun damage. Despite my diligent sunscreen usage, I wanted to avoid risking that, especially with all the time I spent at the beach. Now that days are getting shorter and the weather cooler, I’m ready to recommit to my reliable retinol. Dermatologists advise starting slowly, typically using it once or twice a week at night, and gradually increasing. I plan to start with twice weekly, applying a pea-sized amount to my dry face, allowing it to absorb for a few minutes, then layering on moisturizer. This approach is ideal for minimizing irritation, dryness, and redness. Over time, I'm eager to see results like reduced lines and wrinkles, fewer breakouts and clogged pores, faded sun damage, and smoother skin texture—just what my post-summer skin needs. Recently, I've been enjoying Prequel's Retinal Renew ($29), which features a stable retinaldehyde (a potent, nonprescription form of vitamin A), along with soothing ectoin and bio-enhanced cica to reduce dryness and irritation. I also like Obagi's Medical Retinol ($90). If you’re new to retinoids, I recommend The Inkey List's Starter Retinol Serum ($15), a gentle option.

      2. Replace Lightweight Gels with Mid-Weight Moisturizers

      As the temperature and humidity decrease, the lightweight gel moisturizer that served me well over the summer may not be sufficient. For fall, I desire—and need—a moisturizer that traps moisture in my skin without clogging pores, in other words, a mid-weight moisturizer. These formulas are perfectly balanced—neither too rich nor too light—and, in my opinion, work best under makeup. I’ve recently been enjoying Prequel's new AM/PM Moisturizer ($18), which is smooth, hydrating, and not greasy. I appreciate its affordability, too. I have relied on Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream ($39) for years, and Peach & Lily's Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream ($25) never lets me down.

      3. Invest in an LED Mask

      I’m a strong advocate for LED masks, and here’s why: They can eliminate acne-causing bacteria, promote collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular energy. As someone who struggles with dull, irritated skin (thanks to rosacea) and is noticing signs of aging at 31, I can't think of a better nightly ritual than using my LED mask. I aim to use it five nights a week, and with the sun damage I accumulated over summer, I’m determined to stick to this routine. Most masks take about 15 minutes to use, depending on the model, and they yield significant visible results over time. Plus, they’re convenient to wear while cooking, watching Netflix, or unwinding before bed.

      4. Apply a Hair Mask

      I've just written a comprehensive guide on repairing summer hair damage (it's at the forefront of my mind). My hair has become incredibly dry and damaged, showing signs like breakage, roughness, dullness, and split ends. One standout piece of advice I received from the experts was to integrate a rich, moisturizing hair mask into my routine as an easy fix for summer damage. According to them, I should apply it to my mid-lengths and ends, clip my hair up, and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour for optimal results.

      5. Utilize a Bond-Strengthening Treatment

      Another valuable suggestion from experts was to use a bond-strengthening treatment. These products repair the chemical bonds within the hair shaft, enhancing strength and damage resistance. I was advised to apply an at-home treatment weekly to prevent breakage and seal split ends, making my hair look shinier and healthier. I’m more than willing to take this advice.

      6. Incorporate a Growth-Boosting Scalp Serum

      Did you know that hair shedding peaks from late summer to fall? Yes, experts confirm that seasonal hair loss is real. Thankfully, you don’t