The fall season means pumpkin-flavored everything, football, flannels, hayrides—and dry skin. Here are skin-care tips from dermatologists to protect your skin during the fall.
They exfoliate a little less
When your skin begins to get flaky, you may be inclined to exfoliate. Exfoliating every so often is fine, but avoid over-exfoliating as it irritates and over-stimulates the skin. Instead, shorten your showers and cool the water down a few degrees. Switch from citrusy summer soaps to a gentle non-harsh soap like Dove for Sensitive Skin.
They switch from lotion to cream
Creams provide a stronger oily barrier to provide hydration. Keep a jar of moisturizing cream such as Cetaphil or Aveeno Skin Relief Cream in the shower and apply right after patting dry with a towel to help to seal in the moisture and avoid dry, flaky skin.
They might switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo
Not only does your skin tend to get dry, but many people experience a flaky scalp in the fall. Switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo such as Head and Shoulders, helps with increasing scalp dryness.
They don’t forget sunscreen
Summer being over isn’t an excuse to skip the sunscreen. Before hitting the tailgate or going to sporting events, remember to protect your skin from the sun. Wearing sunscreen year-round is a go-to derm secret to looking younger.
They make lip balm part of their routine
Perioral dermatitis, which is acne or rash around the mouth becomes increasingly common as the holiday season gets closer. The increase in using and eating products with artificial red dye such as cinnamon flavored products, which are delicious in the fall season, can cause this. Start moisturizing your lips daily with an SPF lip balm now to prevent dry, cracked lips this winter.
They keep hand cream at the ready
Invest in a hand cream and apply often. Hands often become dry and cracked when the weather gets cooler. Start moisturizing your hands now to ensure soft and healthy hands through the cold winter months. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream, for example, is the perfect combination of cream and ointment and blends well into your hands.
They undo summer damage
Use a lotion with a skin brighter under your makeup to undo uneven pigmentation from summer. SkinMedica Lytera is a non-bleach skin brighter with no hydroquinone. This will prevent your skin from getting dried out and keep your summer glow through the fall.
They mask it up
Applying overnight masks are a great way to help your skin transition into the cooler months. Since your skin is most regenerative while you sleep, using an overnight mask will help you wake up with more plump, vibrant, and hydrated skin.
