As summer winds down and cool fall weather creeps in, you’re probably packing away the shorts and swimsuits in your closet to make room for jeans and sweaters. Sweltering beach days are behind us, and you’ll start layering up as temperatures drop.
But what are you doing for your skin this fall? Just like your wardrobe, your skincare regimen needs an update with each new season. Dry, dull, flaky skin is all too common in the autumn. Protect your skin this fall with SkyMD’s 6 essential tips:
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Looking forward to those crisp, cool autumn days? Autumn air is temperate and dry, which can feel glorious after a hot and sticky summer. But dry air and brisk temperatures means less ambient hydration for your skin. If you want to steer clear of irritating dryness, hydrate your skin on a daily basis.
Apply moisturizer in the morning and evening if possible (especially after bathing) to lock in your hydration around the clock. If you use a lighter lotion in the summer, you may want to seek out a more heavy-duty cream based product for autumn. Creams provide a stronger barrier, simultaneously providing hydration and reducing water loss from the outer layer of your skin.
There are products out there for every skin type, so find what works best for you. Even those of you with more oily skin will need to think about moisturizing in the fall.
2. Mind your hands
Your hands are most susceptible to getting rough and parched this season, and washing leaves them especially dry. Dry cuticles and cracked knuckles can become brittle and even cause pain. Bottom line: your hands need even more moisturizing than the rest of your skin. Arm yourself with a hand cream when you’re out and about to keep them soft and supple.
3. Sun protection: you aren’t off the hook
Whether you’re expecting blue skies or a grey fall day, sun protection is still a must. Exposure to UV rays causes visible signs of aging and is a major risk factor for most skin cancers. Lather up exposed skin if you’ll be spending any significant amount of time outdoors. And don’t forget about your lips! Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent dry, cracked lips with the added benefit of sun protection.
4. Change up your cleanser
Soapy scrubs are great for keeping clean during the summer, but they leave your skin dried out. Look for a cream-based, hydrating shower gel to use through the fall and winter. Soap free and sulfate free is best, particularly if your skin is usually on the dry side.
5. Exfoliate the healthy way
A key to keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant through the fall? Exfoliate. Believe it or not, gentle exfoliation is great even when your skin feels parched. Once again, keep moisture in mind when choosing your products here. Try an oil-based scrub for your face and body to both exfoliate and hydrate at once.
6. Know your skin and have a game plan
The fall months are some of the most hectic. Stress builds up, and that stress can show in your dermal health. Seasons change – and so, inevitably, does your skin. No single skincare routine will work year round. As you adjust your schedule and your wardrobe, don’t forget to fine-tune your skincare habits too.
Unsure of what your skin needs? What works for you will depend on a range of factors – skin type, age, lifestyle, and even the specific climate you live in. If you’re suffering from skin irritation, dryness, breakouts, or other skin, hair, and nail issues, consult with a dermatologist!
You can start an online visit with a SkyMD dermatologist anytime. This fall, great skincare is just a click away.