Even though I am a proud Gemini, it’s no secret that my favorite month of the year is actually October (which is a part of the reason why I decided to release my third book during that month). Since fall is my favorite season, typically, October brings all of the quintessential autumn weather right along with it (although, if you live in Music City like I do, this year, it’s not until mid-October that the highs will start to be in the mid-60s…UGH).
And y’all know what that means — pretty leaves, shorter days (I actually like that part), and cooler weather for layering. Hell, for some, it might even bring about cuddle season (I rolled a few times at the Cuddle Season series that’s on Tubi right now).
And with the changes that Mother Nature is about to have in store for us, it’s important that you do a bit of tweaking to your skincare regimen (because you do have one of those…right?) so that your skin, from head to toe, can remain just as beautiful as it has all summer long.
With summer ending and fall arriving just days from now, please take a moment to make sure that you’ve got the following things in mind for how to prep (and pamper) your skin before autumn makes its full and official arrival.
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1. Make Sure Your Skin Products Have (More) Water in Them
Even if you live in a climate where it rains more (or seems more humid) during the fall, you still need to up your hydration — both inside and out. As far as your skin goes, it’s because, between colder weather, brisk winds, and dry heat that comes from central heat and air, it becomes easier for your skin to lose the moisture that it needs in order to remain looking supple and moist.
So, as far as your skin products go, this is a good time to switch over to ones that have water (or more water) as their base. Besides buying products that say “water” on the packaging, look on the label to see if/that water is the first ingredient that’s listed in order to check this tip off of your to-do list.
2. Use a Thicker Moisturizer
Speaking of maintaining hydration, in order to “lock in” the moisture that is in your skin, it’s a good idea to go with a thicker moisturizer as well. Some skincare experts say that it’s a good idea to opt for the type of moisturizer that contains ceramides; that’s because they help to increase hydration, literally protect your skin from environmental elements (including outdoor pollution), reduce inflammation, help prevent and/or speed up the healing process of breakouts and work to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles — and you need all of this during the fall season, for sure.
3. Try a Hyaluronic Acid-Based Serum
If you don’t already use hyaluronic acid, please check out, “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday” because I think it will convince you to start. Between at-home chemical peels and this type of acid, I have definitely seen my skin appear brighter and more even-toned.
The reasons why a serum that has hyaluronic acid in it would be ideal for the fall is because it can actually help your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, it can add hydration to your skin, and it can “stretch” it so that any fine lines and wrinkles that you may have won’t appear as prominent. Serums, specifically, are beneficial because they contain other ingredients that can unclog your pores as well as fade out dark spots (just an FYI).
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4. Consider an Overnight Mask (Once a Week)
You probably already know that when you sleep, your body rejuvenates itself — and your skin is no exception. That’s why it’s so important to have a nighttime routine for your skin and that it includes applying some type of moisturizer.
If you want to deeply moisturize your skin (especially your face and neck), consider applying an overnight mask (which is sometimes referred to as a sleep mask) once a week or so.
Not only does it help to moisturize your skin, but an overnight mask can also serve as a barrier to keep dirt, dust, and debris off of your skin while you rest; plus, it nourishes your skin cells as they replicate themselves. If you’ve never tried an overnight mask before, People has a list of options that you can check out here, while Byrdie has a list that you can check out here.
5. DO NOT Heat Up Your Bathwater
If there’s nothing that you enjoy more on a chilly autumn day than to come home, disrobe, and soak in a bathtub of water that’s about as hot as you can stand it, trust me, I totally get it. At the same time, I am going to encourage you to rethink doing that. Why? Well, as tranquil as super-hot water may be, if you indulge so on a constant basis, it can dehydrate your body, which can lead to dry and itchy skin.
That’s why it’s ideal to bathe in a water temperature that is no more than a couple of degrees higher than your body temperature at the most. Your skin will thank you if you do.
6. Pamper with Some Black Spruce Essential Oil
Every chance I get, I try to bring a new (as far as the platform is concerned) kind of essential oil up. That’s because, as I’ve said a billion times before, essential oils are one of my favorite things ever! Well today, I’m curious about if you’ve ever heard of black spruce oil. The fact that the oil comes from the black spruce pine tree kind of makes it fitting for this article since Christmas is (wow) just a few months away.
Anyway, when it comes to reducing stress, improving the quality of your sleep, deeply cleansing your skin, bringing balance to your hormones, and reducing inflammation, this is an essential oil that can make all of that happen for you (just to make sure to dilute it with distilled water or a carrier oil first; essential oils tend to be pretty potent).
7. Wear Cotton, Polyester or Silk in Between Your Wool
Wool can definitely keep you warm. Sometimes, it can be itchy as all get out too; that’s due to the lanolin that’s in the fabric — and when you have a sensitivity to it, that can irritate your skin. Although some people end up with the type of wool allergy that makes it best for them not to wear wool at all, if yours is only minor, there is a workaround.
Do your best to “shield your skin” by putting on something that is made out of cotton, polyester, or silk before putting your wool garment on. That will serve as a buffer and also keep the wool from drying your skin out. Plus, who doesn’t like the layered look? Exactly.
8. Invest in Some Foot Balm and Moisture-Wicking Socks
Your feet are going to be covered up during the fall and winter more than they ever were in the spring and summer seasons; that’s why you definitely need to get some type of foot balm for them. Not only can it help to prevent dry feet and cracked heels, but foot balms are also helpful when it comes to keeping minor foot infections at bay, preventing blisters from occurring, and keeping odor from becoming (too much of) a problem.
While you’re at it, make sure to get yourself some moisture-wicking socks, especially if your feet have a tendency to sweat a lot. The cool thing about moisture-wicking fabrics is not only can they keep sweat from irritating you, but they also work to keep your feet nice and dry during inclement weather.
9. Sip on Some White Tea
If herbal tea is totally your thing and you’ve got some hair goals that you want to reach over the next several months, check out “10 Teas That Are Great For The Fall Season — As Far As Hair Growth Is Concerned.” As far as your skin goes, a tea that you need to add to your collection is white tea.
From an overall health standpoint, white tea is good for you because it is loaded with antioxidants, fights oral decay, and reduces your risk of heart disease. The reason why it’s great for your skin is because the antioxidants that are in it can help fight off free radicals, boost the production of collagen, and slow down the signs of aging.
10. Roll Out That Humidifier
I’m actually a big fan of humidifiers. So much, in fact, that I once penned an entire piece that was devoted to them (check out “10 Really Good Reasons To Get Yourself A Humidifier This Fall”). I’m closing this fall skin prep list by shouting humidifiers out because if your HVAC unit is drying the hell out of your hair, a humidifier will put moisture back in so that your skin remains hydrated while you’re indoors. That way, your skin can remain moist and keep that youthful glow right into the coldest months of the year. Perfect.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
My main motive? Mostly, I hope that it will serve as a solid reminder to embrace all of the things that you adore about this time of year, so long as you do it in moderation and you weigh the costs.
Especially as far as drinking alcohol is concerned.
PRO: Manages Blood Sugar Levels
GiphyHere’s something that you may have never seen coming. Were you aware of the fact that alcohol can actually help to stabilize your blood sugar? Yep, according to the American Diabetes Association, so long as you leave it to no more than 1-2 cocktails a day, alcohol may be able to lower your A1C levels. Pretty cool, right?
CON: It’s a Carcinogen
GiphyAlcohol is a carcinogen. The reason why this should somewhat alarm you is because carcinogens are things (like tobacco, UV rays, processed meats, etc.) that can increase your chances of being diagnosed with cancer (especially mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and breast cancer). There are various ways this happens including the fact that alcohol, specifically, can hinder your body from breaking down certain nutrients, it can cause your estrogen levels to spike and alcohol can also cause certain toxins to damage your DNA and certain bodily proteins over time.
PRO: Cultivates Euphoric Feelings
GiphyIf you find yourself feeling more euphoric while you’re enjoying a drink, it’s not all up in your head. Although, for the more part, alcohol is considered to be a depressant, when consumed in small amounts, it can provide a stimulant effect. This happens due to the fact that when you first start to consume alcohol, it causes the production of the feel-good hormone known as dopamine to increase — and since dopamine makes us all feel more relaxed and confident while heightening our senses of pleasure too…well, there you have it.
CON: May Increase Anxiety/Depression
GiphyAs they say, “what goes up, most come down” at some point — and that is what you have to be careful of when it comes to alcohol consumption. For instance, when you drink alcohol, although it tends to initially cause your dopamine levels to uptick, because it is a temporary bodily response, sometimes the dips are lower than the rises…and that is when anxiety starts to kick in. A similar point is made with depression because oftentimes, people with depression-related symptoms, will use alcohol as a way to deflect from what’s really going on with them — and that can make them feel even worse than ever once the buzz of alcohol starts to wear off.
PRO: Has Some Heart-Related Benefits
GiphyWhen it comes to your heart, there are interesting findings surrounding its relationship to alcohol. For instance, some research states that, so long as the consumption is moderate, alcohol can actually help to increase the good cholesterol in your system while also breaking down proteins that can potentially lead to blood clots; both of these factors alone can reduce your chances of dying from heart disease.
CON: Packs on Pounds
GiphyIt’s no secret that alcohol tends to contain quite a few calories. That’s why, it’s not uncommon for people who’ve lost weight to mention “I’ve stopped drinking” as one of the causes for the shed pounds. That’s not to say that there aren’t some alcoholic beverages that have less calories than others including vodka (133 calories per serving), white wine (148 calories per serving) and tequila (99 calories per shot). Just keep in mind that the more you drink, the more calories get into your system and the more weight you stand to gain.
PRO: Lowers Inhibitions
GiphyAlthough you really should only be uninhibited around people who you absolutely trust, if that person is your partner and you’re looking to have a pretty — eh hem — active evening, alcohol can certainly help to make that happen. The science of it all is the prefrontal cortex of your brain is what regulates your inhibitions and levels of self-control. Meanwhile, alcohol suppresses your inhibitions which can cause you to be more spontaneous and open to trying things that you might not immediately do if you were sober. And with the right individual, that can be sexually beneficial (emphasis on “right person”).
CON: Makes It Harder to Orgasm
GiphyOn the other hand, as odd as it may seem (in light of what I just said), if you have too much alcohol in your system, it could make climaxing difficult. That’s because orgasms happen, in part, due to your nervous system being stimulated — and since alcohol is technically a depressant…well, it could reduce nerve sensitivity (especially as far as your clitoris goes) for you while making it challenging for your partner to remain erect or have consistent stamina. And yeah, that sucks.
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‘Tis the season. And with that, if some wassails or hot buttered rums are in your immediate future — hey, don’t let me stop you — not even a lil’ bit.
All I’m saying is now that you know what alcoholic drinks have to offer (both ways), you can know exactly how to incorporate them into your holiday plans. Enjoy!
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