On the heels of scorching temperatures and humid days, fall’s arrival is often a welcome relief. But while your skin may see less sweat, sun, and saltwater this season, autumn weather brings its own set of challenges.
Fall skincare calls for a different approach, and we have you covered with all the tips you’ll need here.
Why Does My Skin Change in the Fall?
Warm air can hold more moisture, so summer weather typically goes hand-in-hand with higher humidity. When it cools off in the fall, the air becomes drier and moisture evaporates off your skin more quickly. Reduced atmospheric moisture can lead to a number of dermatological issues, including:
- Dry skin
- Flakiness
- Inflammation
And while breakouts are common in the summer due to excess sweat and moisture, don’t be surprised if they creep up in the fall, too. As dry skin accumulates and blocks your pores, and sebum levels increase to compensate for new seasonal dryness, you may notice an increase in blemishes. Tweaking your skincare routine to align with the weather changes can help.
How to Build a Solid Fall Skincare Routine
Rethink Hydration
Lightweight moisturizers work best when the air is humid, but your skin may be craving more hydration as dry weather arrives. Emollients will lubricate the skin to lock in moisture, with the added bonus of reducing fine lines. Other ingredients to look for are occlusives like shea butter, which beat moisture loss by bolstering your skin’s natural barrier, and humectants like hyaluronic acid, which promotes your skin’s flexibility. Find these nourishing properties in the moisturizing products available in our online shop.
Stick to Lukewarm Water
A hot shower can be soothing on a cool day, but water temperatures should stay relatively lukewarm, in order not to dry out your skin out and cause inflammation. Any water that’s cooler than your body temperature might feel a bit chilly, so we don’t blame you if you dial the heat above 85 just a tad. But do try to keep it especially cool while washing the sensitive skin on your face.
Exfoliate Less Often
Regular exfoliating sloughs away dead skin cells and leaves your face looking fresh. But exfoliating too often can actually dry your skin out more, so you may not need to do it as frequently when the humidity is lower. Cut out one or two weekly sessions to see how your skin responds.
Correct Cosmetic Issues
From sun spots to other types of discoloration and fine lines, skin woes may become more prominent with increased dryness. Address cosmetic concerns with specially formulated products. For example, consider eye serums for puffiness, dark circles, or crow’s feet, or try a brightening serum to banish dullness. Vitamin C serum is another power player to add to the autumn mix: loaded with antioxidants, this salve can combat wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and ramp up your skin’s collagen production. Or, get an even more targeted treatment by booking a chemical or laser peel for issues like wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Continue Practicing Sun Safety
Sunblock is non-negotiable no matter the season, so continue applying SPF of at least 30 each day, year-round. Now is also an ideal time for skin cancer screenings: even if you lather on sunscreen each day, it’s still possible to experience UV damage if you spend a lot of time outdoors through the summer.
Schedule an Appointment With Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics Providers
From skin cancer screenings to personalized product and treatment recommendations, our dermatologists can address all of your skincare needs through this season and beyond. Book your appointment online with our self-scheduler or by calling (404) 355-5484.
