Fall has officially arrived. Gone are the days of sunbathing and swimming – now’s the time to bust out the sweaters, grab a pumpkin spice latte and get cozy around the bonfire with friends and family. But while your wardrobe and daily agenda will inevitably change, now’s a good time to start considering a revamp of your skincare routine.
“As the weather starts to cool down, you may notice that your skin produces less oil,” NYC cosmetic dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD told Business Insider. “Depending on your skin type, this may be a good or bad thing.”
To keep up with these changes in your complexion, consider the following tips for changing your skincare regimen for fall:
1. Switch to cleaning oil
Your traditional cleanser can make your skin more prone to drying out as fall rolls in, according to skincare expert Julie Kim. Using a cleansing oil is the easiest way to save your complexion.
“This will help when you start to do the layering of hydration, and as you go into winter, make the change to a heavier moisturizer in addition to a cleansing oil would be a good step,” she told InStyle magazine.
2. Take shorter showers
While a nice long, hot shower after a rough day at work can be relaxing, it’s not so soothing for your skin as the temperatures begin to drop. This is the quickest way to dry out your skin, so stick to quicker showers – about 10 minutes long – with warm water. Also, never wipe your skin dry, rather, blot away the wetness with a soft towel and don’t forget to moisturize your entire body.
“After bathing, blot, don’t rub, your skin dry and immediately apply a thick cream or ointment while your skin is still slightly damp,” Shah told Business Insider.
3. Moisturize your hands and lips often
Your complexion isn’t the only thing that’s going to go through some changes this fall. According to Vogue, the dry and cool air that comes with autumn can make your lips and hands more cracked than usual. Apply a rich moisturizing cream to your hands throughout the day to get them back to their smooth and supple state. Your lips can benefit from medicated balm as well. Keep these products in your purse or backpack so you can re-apply throughout the day when necessary.
4. Don’t stop wearing sun protection
While the sun won’t be shining as brightly as it was during the summertime, that doesn’t mean you should stop wearing sun protection. Sure, the sun’s harmful UV rays are most concentrated between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during late spring and early summer, but you still need to prioritize UV ray protection year-round, according to the American Skin Association. Those UV rays can still peak out during overcast days in the fall, and even on the snowy ones during the winter. Start using foundation with at least SPF 15 or apply sunscreen as a part of your morning skincare routine.
5. Visit Maryland Plastic Surgery
If you’ve changed up your skincare regimen and your complexion isn’t reacting well, perhaps an advanced medical and cosmetic dermatological treatment. A visit with Maryland Plastic Surgery can help you mitigate serious issues with your skin that can’t be solved with a new skincare routine. Our services include body checks, acne treatment, lesion and mole removal, as well as rash and eczema treatment.
To learn more about our services, or if you have any questions and concerns relating to a skin condition, contact us today.