It’s the time of year when leaves change color, the air becomes cooler and crisper, and pumpkin spice season is just around the corner.
As your calendar changes from summer to fall, you may notice your skin changing as well – and that means you should adjust your skin care routine accordingly. Not sure where to start? The board-certified dermatologists at The Derm can recommend a skin care routine that meets all your fall needs.
Keep reading to learn how fall weather affects your skin and what you can do to update your skin care routine in the coming months. You don’t want to “fall” behind!
Fall weather and your skin
As fall approaches, we prepare by switching out our warm-weather wear for fall-friendly sweaters, jeans, boots, and jackets. But your skin care products and skin care routine are in need of a fall update, too – here’s why.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and when temperatures and humidity drop, suddenly your skin must face a whole new set of climate challenges. After the hot, humid air and excess sun exposure your skin has endured all summer, fall brings chilly temperatures, falling humidity levels, more wind, and more time spent in indoor heating.
There is far more moisture in the air during the summer, which means your skin will likely need extra help to stay healthy and hydrated for the coming months. Cooler, crisper fall air can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving you with symptoms like:
Dryness
When humidity is low, the air draws moisture from the top layers of your skin – often leaving dry, flaky skin behind. Indoor heating can dry out your skin even further. So can showering less frequently due to lack of sweat or taking longer, hotter showers to warm up from the cold.
Irritation
Low humidity levels and increased winds also cause moisture to evaporate from your skin, making it more prone to redness, cracking, and other forms of irritation. Cashmere, wool, and other fall fabrics can also cause discomfort for people with sensitive skin.
Ways to update your skin care routine
Fall skin care is all about keeping your skin well-moisturized, ideally before the first signs of the season begin. Here are some simple ways to make your skin care routine more fall-friendly.
Switch to a cream cleanser
Light, foamy cleansers feel refreshing in the summertime. But during the fall, you need a cleanser that can hydrate your skin without stripping away moisture – ideally a cream cleanser that contains emollient ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, and vitamin E to repair and protect your skin.
Use a richer moisturizer
In the summer, less is more when it comes to moisturizer. That’s because summer air contains enough moisture to keep your skin glowing and healthy. With the arrival of cooler weather, your skin craves extra hydration and protection – so you should also switch out your lightweight summer moisturizer for a richer, thicker one.
Exfoliate gently and less often
Summer skin has a better buffer to cushion the irritation that exfoliating can cause. If your skin dries out during the fall, it may be tempting to scrub all that dryness away. However, doing so can lead to even more dryness and irritation. If you must exfoliate this fall, opt for a gentle exfoliant that’s easier on your skin and use it sparingly.
Avoid skin-stripping ingredients
Ingredients like fragrance and alcohol can also strip your skin of any remaining moisture, especially during fall weather. Select products that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, or suitable for sensitive skin to avoid skin-stripping ingredients.
When to see a dermatologist
Fall is an excellent time to visit The Derm for an annual skin check. Excess sun exposure during the summer can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, while fall weather can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and many others.
During your consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin, make skin care routine recommendations, and create a customized treatment plan for you if needed.
Many cosmetic dermatology options that rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles require minimal sun exposure after treatment, making fall an ideal time to take advantage of these procedures as well. Ask your dermatologist to learn more.
Schedule an appointment now
Fall is almost here! So, don’t delay – make plans for your fall appointment today.
The Derm has two state-of-the-art offices conveniently located in Glenview and Park Ridge. To get started, visit us online and schedule an appointment now.
