Ahhhh, fall. Apple cider, pumpkin spice, and… dry skin?

Unfortunately, the cool air of fall can mean challenges for your skin. But never fear: changing your skincare products and routines can help you and your skin enjoy the fall.

Why does your skin change in the fall?

Your skin would be perfectly happy if its environment could remain at 70 degrees and 50 percent humidity all the time. Whenever the environment around you changes, your skin needs to adapt, which may cause temporary complexion problems.

As summer turns to fall, the air gets colder and dryer. After having a perfect moisture balance all summer, your skin may now struggle to stay adequately hydrated. Insufficiently moisturized skin can crack and appear red, irritated, and inflamed.

Lifestyle changes in colder weather can further influence your skin. Central heating can dry your skin out even more, and long hot showers can actually cause greater irritation and inflammation.

How can you respond to these changes?

The most appropriate response to dryness is, of course, moisture. As the weather gets colder, you should switch your moisturizer to one that’s thicker and more nourishing. Look for hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture, and ceramides to keep a healthy barrier between your skin and the elements. Similarly, switch your cleanser to a gentler product: one that won’t dry your skin out and cause further irritation.

It is also a good idea to end the summer with a gentle chemical peel, available in our Med Spa. The sweat and oil production of summer can lead to clogged pores and dull-looking skin. Look for AHAs and/or retinols to exfoliate dead skin cells and pore blockage, revealing skin that’s refreshed and ready for the new season.