6 Simple Tips for Preventing Dry Skin This Fall
As the leaves dry up this coming autumn, so might your skin. Don’t let all that effort you put into maintaining well-hydrated, smooth, radiant summer skin go to waste. Here are our top six simple tips for preventing dry skin this fall.
How to Prevent Dry Skin
1. Maintain Your Summer Sunscreen Routine
It’s no secret that many of us associate sunscreen solely with summertime. However, even as the days shorten and temperatures drop, the sun remains a threat to your skin’s health and appearance. Some sun exposure can deliver key nutrients to your body and skin, but too much will dry it out. Sun damage can still occur if you spend most of your time indoors, as ultraviolet radiation can penetrate windows. So, to avoid dry, sun damaged skin this fall, keep wearing sunscreen (30+ SPF) each and every day, making sure to leave no areas of bare skin unprotected.
2. Don’t Rely on Long Hot Showers to Keep Warm
Colder weather can tempt us to take our time in the shower and crank the heat. However, hot water will dry out your skin, and the longer and more frequently you apply hot water to your skin, the drier it will get. To avoid irritation, redness, dry skin rash, etc., shorten your showers and try to keep the water lukewarm.
3. Invest in Seasonal Moisturizing Products
Moisturizing should be an integral part of your skincare routine year-round to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. It’s important to find the right kinds of products for your skin type, as some are more suited for drier or oilier skin. Additionally, you might consider adjusting your moisturizing routine to account for seasonal changes. For instance, to avoid getting dry skin in the fall, you might go with a thicker, cream-based moisturizer featuring peptides. Your dermatologist can help you find the optimal moisturizer products for the season and your skin type.
4. Don’t Let Your Home Dry Out
Your immediate environment also plays a role in mitigating or exacerbating dry skin. Dry air can trigger or worsen your eczema and acne, chap your lips, and simply dry out your skin overall. Fortunately, you can control the climate of your home or apartment in various ways. Obviously, when it’s cold outside you want to keep warm by turning up the heat, but this can dry out the air further. To combat a dry internal climate, you can install humidifiers in key areas, such as your bedroom and living room. Doing so will release vapor into the air, helping to hydrate your skin.
5. Keep Drinking Water
One of the best parts of autumn has to be all the rich, warm seasonal food and beverages. Tea, cocoa, and lattes are a few of these favorites, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging every now and then. However, note that these warm delights can quickly dehydrate your body and your skin. As such, make sure you drink plenty of water this fall, too.
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine — certain things should stay the same,, like continuing to wear sunscreen and drinking lots of water, but you may want to adjust some of the skincare products you use to better suit the change in weather. Once again, dermatology experts like those at Premier Dermatology Partners can help you cultivate the optimal skincare regimen for preventing dry skin this fall. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.