As an olive oil sommelier, I’ve learned how harvest timing, ripeness, and weather shape an oil’s aroma, flavor, and chemistry. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a similar rhythm in beauty—seasonal shifts impact our skin and hair, too, and require us to adapt our routines.
Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and it’s also a season when our bodies need extra care. Cooler air outside and heating indoors can leave skin and hair parched, so here are a few of my go-to tips and products to stay hydrated and glowing:
Boost Your Hydration
Olive oil is the foundation of all Susan Julia products for a reason. Its high levels of oleic acid, squalene, and vitamin E make it an incredible natural moisturizer. It softens and smooths, while also locking in hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. It’s my seasonal staple for face, body, and hair.
Face
For my face, I always start gentle. Our Glowing Face Cleanser washes away impurities without stripping natural oils, thanks to rose hydrosol and organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Together they hydrate on the surface and then help seal that moisture in. After cleansing, I layer our Glowing Vitamin C Serum under moisturizer. It strengthens the skin’s barrier so hydration stays put, brightens tone, and helps repair lingering summer sun damage. The vitamin C also supports collagen production, giving skin a firmer, more resilient look over time.
Body
Fall is also the season when exfoliation becomes essential. By brushing or scrubbing away dead skin cells with a dry brush, loofah, or our Exfoliating Sisal Pouch, I’m creating a clean canvas for moisture to sink in more effectively (side note: the sisal pouch is not only great for home use, but super convenient for travel). Post-shower, while my skin is still damp, I apply Ultra Rich Crema or Silk Crema to lock in hydration. Plus, the aromatherapy benefits are a welcome bonus during cozy fall evenings.
Hair
Hair has its own seasonal cycle, and fall often brings more shedding, dryness, and frizz. I use the same Revitalizing Body Oil I use on my body as my multitasking hair hero. The white camellia ingredient smooths, strengthens, and adds shine, while bergamot stimulates circulation, supports growth, and helps combat dandruff. A single drop smoothed onto the ends tames frizz, but when my scalp feels tight or flaky, I use it as an overnight treatment—massaging it into my scalp starting from back of my neck to top of my scalp and from the temples upwards to create blood flow while imparting this healthy elixir into your scalp. The gentle aroma of natural essential oils promote a sense of peace as I finish the rest of my nighttime routine, leaving the oil on while I sleep, and rinsing out in the morning.
Lips & Hands
Since lips and hands don’t have oil glands, they’re the first to chap in colder months. That’s why I always keep our Olive Oil Lip Balm—crafted with 49.5% organic extra virgin olive oil—and my Revitalizing Body Oil within reach to stop dryness before it starts. With constant travel, events, and frequent hand washing, my hands need extra care. One ritual that’s made a huge difference is carrying the Revitalizing Body Oil in my bag to reapply throughout the day. Unlike lotions, oils sink deeper into the skin, boosting suppleness, elasticity, and lasting hydration while preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation—leaving skin soft, nourished, and healthy.
Seasonal shifts remind me that nature is always in motion. Just like olives respond to climate and timing, our skin and hair respond to the world around us. By adjusting our routines with the rhythm of the seasons, we can look—and feel—our very best.