What Are Some Ways to Autumn-Proof Your Skin?
Want to maintain healthy, glowing skin as the seasons change? You can do this by knowing the best, expert-approved tips for skin care. Jersey City, NJ’s Burnett Plastic Surgery team explains that seasonal changes in temperature and humidity—along with strong winds during the changeover from summer to fall and beyond—can often wreak havoc on the complexion. Although fall can be a lovely season when the leaves change color and the holiday season isn’t too far away, one of the drawbacks of this time of the year is the effect it can have on your skin.
As the weather becomes cooler, it’s common to experience dullness, a sallow skin tone, sunspots, dryness, and cracked, itchy, and flaky skin, along with flare-ups of eczema and other conditions like rosacea. The dry, stale air during fall—along with the dry heat from radiators and other indoor heating options—cause the skin to lose moisture and its barrier to be disrupted.
That said, it’s possible to keep your skin radiant and glowing despite the weather changes. Want to keep seasonal skin “disasters” at bay? There’s no need to do anything drastic! You’ll need to reassess your routine and make minor tweaks to your regimen for the new season. Our skin needs additional nourishment and protection during these months because of all of the new challenges that pop up. Continue reading for some of the best ways to keep your skin in great condition throughout the cooler season.
Start Using a Heavier Moisturizer
As environmental changes kick in, it’s a good idea to switch to a heavier moisturizer. You need to replenish the moisture that has been lost. The lightweight, oil-free moisturizer you may have been using during the summer won’t be enough anymore. Apply a heavy cream that’s rich in ceramides, which are essential fatty acids your skin produces naturally. Ceramides provide support for your skin, and when they are depleted, the skin barrier becomes compromised. Give your skin an extra moisture boost with a sheet mask or hyaluronic acid-based serum.
Moisturize Other Areas of the Face
Using a lip moisturizer and an eye cream will be vital during fall if you weren’t already doing so. It’s important to keep your lips and the skin around your eyes hydrated because this will help with the transition into colder weather.
Remember to Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure
Your skin can be affected by UV radiation throughout the four seasons, even on cloudy or colder days. Sun exposure can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Get a Humidifier
The dry heat in your home and office can be harmful to the moisture barrier of the skin. In addition to your regular skin care routine, try investing in a humidifier to improve hydration at home.
Don’t Exfoliate as Often
Exfoliation is considered to be an essential part of any good skin care routine, in addition to cleansing and moisturizing. It helps to remove the dead, dry skin that lingers on the surface. Exfoliating can give washed-out and uneven skin a more glowing and smooth appearance. It also will reduce the risk of acne breakouts. Be careful about using strong ingredients like exfoliants during fall. You should use less exfoliants and retinols at this time of the year because the drier, colder weather makes your skin more likely to be irritated by these treatments. If you exfoliate too often, it could result in tiny cracks in the skin barrier, inflammation, and increased hydration loss.
If you want more advice about caring for your appearance during the cooler months of autumn and winter, contact Burnett Plastic Surgery. Their team can explain more about how to adjust your skin care routine for the season. Call 908.233.0200 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to learn more about skin care products and cosmetic treatments.