With fall in full swing and the holidays just around the corner, many people ignore the drastic changes in the weather. If you don’t take the right precautions, the cold air and brisk winds can wreak havoc on your skin. This autumn, refresh your skin care routine to prevent future damage. Here are some skin care tips to get you started:
- Switch to a hydrating cleanser. Instead of using an old-fashioned bar of soap, start using a hydrating cleanser to wash your face. As the temperature drops, your skin will dry out more easily. One of the best ways to keep it hydrated is a gentle cleanser. Micellar waters, or water made up of tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules, have become very popular and also can act as a makeup remover.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. If there is one thing you must do with your skin come fall, it is moisturizing. In the summertime, you may use a light daily moisturizer but when the cold weather rolls around, it’s time to switch to heavier cream. Also, work a night cream into your skin care routine if you aren’t using one already. Look for a nighttime cream that has plenty of retinol in it.
- Don’t put the sunblock away. Temperatures may be dropping, but the UV Index is not. You still need to wear sunscreen daily in the fall, especially if you are going to be spending time outdoors. An easy way to make sure you don’t forget this very important step in your skin care routine is to get a moisturizer that has SPF in it already. Hybrid products are a great way to simplify to your fall skin care routine while covering all of your bases!
- Continue exfoliating. Wearing sweaters and pants are no excuse to stop exfoliating. Though less of your body is on display, your skin can still be dry and flaky during the summer months. Use an oil-based scrub to gently remove dead skin cells. Doing so will allow your skin to absorb moisturizers better.
- Clean out your pores. The hot temperatures in the summer can do a number on your pores, including causing them to enlarge and become more oily. When the seasons change, take the time now to clean them out. Look for a peel or serum with salicylic acid to help start the process. Face masks and pore cleansing strips are also helpful in combating large, clogged pores.
- Find a lip scrub. Are your lips dry, cracked and peeling? Exfoliating goes beyond your face and body. Your lips need a good scrub to remain soft and smooth. Create an easy at-home version of lip scrub by mixing brown sugar and lemon juice. Then, stock up on lip balm or chapstick to keep your lips moisturized all season long.
- Don’t neglect your feet and hands. After a summer of bare feet and exposed hands, these parts of your body need extra love. End the season with a pedicure to remove any dead or peeling the skin from your feet. Moisturize your hands and feet heavily before bed each night to keep them from peeling during the cold winter months.
Your skin responds to the environment, so as the weather changes, so should your skincare routine. Develop a skin care plan that is personalized to your needs. Get your skin back on track with these fall skin care tips, brought to you by Brinton Lake Dermatology, cosmetic dermatologists in Delaware County.