The Fall Season officially began September 23^rd.  In Los Angeles, we are at that weird time of year where mornings and evenings are chilly and the afternoons are warm.  We have experienced fires, windy weather and hot air pressure which makes for bothersome allergies, including itchy eyes and dry, cracking skin.

The corners of my mouth were repeatedly splitting last month.  This not only looked unattractive, but aroused pain whenever I ate or spoke.  The skin on my face was also peeling, looking and feeling dry.  Despite my daily moisturizing regimen (see previous blog post), my face often reflected an ashy appearance – my sunscreen was not absorbing into my skin and my face cream was not providing sufficient moisture at night and during the day.

Therefore, I decided to switch up my routine in two ways.  Firstly, I stopped washing my face in the morning and instead just rinsed with water.  Secondly, after washing my face at night, I rubbed a papaya fruit mixture on my face.  I let it absorb into my skin before retiring to bed.  I noticed that my face felt better hydrated when I arose in the morning just from switching to the papaya mix from the face cream.  I researched why this might be and learned papaya is rich in vitamins and antioxidants which protect cells from free radicals and aid in moisture retention which softens the skin.  By rinsing and not washing my face in the morning I am helping to retain my skin’s moisture as soap can dry the skin.

Now on occasion I will wash my face when I start my day but it is not a daily basis – at least for this season.  I am also using sugar scrubs on my lips to remove the dead skin to remedy my chapped lips.  I apply petroleum jelly or shea butter at night and lip balm during the day.  Since employing my new regimen, I have noticed a difference in the softness of my skin and lips.  The key is finding what your skin needs to feel comfortable, healthy and supple.

Here is a link to the recipe my mother used to make the papaya mixture.

Have you made changes to your face care regimen this fall?  What is your fall skin regimen?  Do you have suggestions to make skin soft and supple?  Please comment and share on this post.  Thank you!