As the days grow shorter, the temperature decreases, and the air becomes drier, the skin loses moisture. You may not want to believe it, but fall is right around the corner. Yes, the leaves are beautiful and the cooler weather is refreshing but there’s definitely something sad about putting away your shorts and taking out your sweaters. It is universally understood that clothing varies by season (especially here in the Northeast), but your skin care regimen should also change with each season. Here are some simple skin care tips for the fall season:
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- Evaluate Your Skin Type – With the cooler weather, many observe a change in their skin type. Whether previously normal skin becomes dry or oily turns to normal, the skin care products you used all summer may actually make your skin worse in the winter. If you have any doubts about your skin type, our dermatologists would be glad to assist you.
- Sunscreen – Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over. Although you are no longer going to the beach, the sun’s ultraviolet rays still exist elsewhere. Use a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Make sure that the sunscreen contains an SPF of at least 15. Regardless of the weather, sunscreen is a must.
- Update your Routine – In cold weather, use a more moisturizing cleanser. Since exfoliation and certain other skin care techniques may cause exfoliation if done too frequently, it is important to remember when you have done each step. Set aside specific days for each skin care task to keep a routine and avoid irritation. While this should be done year-round, it is especially important in the fall and winter seasons, when dry skin typically occurs.
- Moisturize Daily – To avoid dryness, your skin requires constant hydration. Use a moisturizer every day to keep your skin moist and smooth. It is best to apply moisturizer after a shower or bath, once you have dried off. Start moisturizing now to prevent cracked lips and dry skin.
- Get Cuticle Oil – When it comes to dry skin, the cuticles tend to suffer the most. Even if you use hand cream religiously, it may not be enough to moisten the cuticles. Purchase a cuticle oil and use a few times a week to relieve cracked, painful cuticles.
- Replace your Body Wash – Fragrant, soapy body wash might feel good after a day at the beach, but they will leave your skin dry during the winter. To prevent dry skin, replace your body wash with something that is hydrating and soap-free. If you’ve been using a shower gel in the summer, you may want to switch to a moisturizing body wash for the fall.
- Get a New Hand Cream – Hands often become dry and cracked during fall and winter. When it comes to dry skin, your hands take the brunt of it, as they are constantly exposed to water. It is therefore important to moisturize your hands more often than the rest of your body. Pack a hand cream with you for when you’re on the go.
- Exfoliate with Oil-Based Scrub – The summer sun and chlorine may leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. The fall is an excellent time for oil-based scrubs, as they simultaneously hydrate and exfoliate your skin. There is a dizzying array of oil-based scrubs, each containing a different amount of oil. You should have no trouble finding an oil-based scrub that’s right for you.
- Cosmetic Procedures – Fall is the best time for facial cosmetic procedures, as your face will be exposed to the sun much less compared to summertime. In addition, with the holidays not too far away, undergoing your procedure now will ensure that you look youthful and refreshed in front of family and friends.
Have Any Skin Concerns? Contact Us Today!
If you are experiencing any skin concerns, contact us today to schedule a consultation. At Advanced Dermatology, PC, our board-certified dermatologists are experts at treating all concerns of the skin, hair and nails. We also offer the latest minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. Our conveniently located offices welcome patients from Queens (Bayside, Flushing), Long Island – Nassau/Suffolk (Roslyn Heights, West Islip, Commack, East Setauket), New York City (Upper West Side, Upper East Side), Brooklyn (Park Slope) Westchester County (Ossining, Briarcliff Manor), Bergen County, NJ, Union County, NJ, and all surrounding areas.