As the weather starts to cool off and you are trading your shorts and t-shirts for sweaters and jeans, it is a great time to make some changes to your skin-care routine. The aftermath of the summer sun, as well as the cool, dry air associated with fall can leave skin looking rough, dry, dehydrated, and drab. Think of autumn as a time of renewal for your skin and consider the following fall skin-care tips to keep you skin looking refreshed and revitalized well into the new season.
1. Moisturize To repair your damaged summer skin and prepare it for winter, you will need to modify your moisturizing regimen. Select a creamier cleanser to provide additional moisture to your entire body while you are showering. Select a body wash that is creamy, but also gentle enough to not clog your pores that will add extra moisture and protect your skin from the environment. Your skin needs richer, creamier lotions that will keep the skin hydrated. Use mildly hydrating toners to finalize the cleansing process, balance your skin’s tone and lock in moisture. You can also hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eating plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Continue to Use Sunscreen “As the weather is starting to cool down, it is still very important to protect your skin from the sun, especially during the peak daylight hours of 10 AM and 4 PM,” according to Zain Husain, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Vienna, VA. Although sun radiation is less intense, you should continue protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. Use daily a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and remember to re-apply it every two hours.
3. Don’t Forget About Your Hands and Your Lips Hands can become very dry and cracked during fall and winter. Start moisturizing your hands now with a thick, creamy moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure soft, conditioned hands all winter long. Use a moisturizing, non-petroleum based, protective lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day if. Lips receive more sun exposure than any other part of the body and need a lot of extra moisture as the weather starts to become dry. Start moisturizing your lips at the beginning of the season to prevent dry, cracked lips into the fall and winter.
4. Exfoliate The summer sun, heat, sand, chlorine and other elements of the season may have left your skin feeling dry and flaky. Like other fall-friendly skincare products, your exfoliating products should be designed for dry skin and help it retain its moisture. Try seasonal scrubs like pumpkin spice and brown sugar to get in the mood for fall! Oil-based sugar scrubs gently remove old skin cells without stripping your skin of its moisture.
5. Rejuvenate If summer has left your skin feeling dull or with sun damage, such as fine lines and dark spots, there are many spa and cosmetic treatment options that can reverse the seasonal damage and improve the look of wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Fall can also be a very busy time of year with back-to-school, adjusting to a new schedule and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. While you are getting used to your new schedule and the changes in weather, remember that stress can take a toll on your skin too. Take time to schedule a soothing spa treatment, such an exfoliating facial or a full-body scrub to keep stress at bay and leave your skin glowing into the holidays.
Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology Can Help Whatever your current skin-care needs, your local board-certified dermatologists at Forefront Dermatology have an effective treatment option for you. Find the Forefront physician nearest you or learn more about our available skin care treatments.
