Fall’s cool, crisp weather might feel refreshing after sweltering summer temps, but your skin could be begging to differ, especially as winter approaches. So, it’s time to show your skin a little bit of extra attention!
Just as you switch your wardrobe out with the change of seasons, it’s also important to change your skincare routine, allowing your skin to stay healthy and protected throughout the cold-weather months ahead.
The biggest reason your skin might feel drier and more irritated these days is because there’s less humidity. Dry air, though generally more comfortable, tends to strip our skin of its natural moisture. This is exacerbated by further dryness created by indoor heating—and if you’re taking long hot showers to warm up after being out in the cold, the hot water can deplete your skin of its oils that act as a natural barrier to the elements.
With all of these factors at play, some of the skincare you do throughout the summer could end up being too harsh on your skin in the winter. Your moisturizing practice, on the other hand, might not be enough.
So, to protect your skin when the weather turns cool, there are a few changes you can consider making:
Cleanse Gently
You want a cleanser that is formulated to cleanse your skin without stripping away too much natural oil, ideally one made with glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which make for mild, creamy cleansers that maintain moisture in your skin.
Exfoliate Less
Exfoliation improves skin health by removing dead skin cells and other debris, but it can exacerbate dryness if you’re doing it too frequently or if you’re using a physical exfoliant (products that are usually marketed as some kind of “scrub”). Instead, choose a chemical exfoliant, and stick to using it only two to three times per week.
Use a Richer Moisturizer
You likely already think of moisturizing as the go-to practice for maintaining healthy skin, and for the colder months, you want something that is heavier and richer than what you use in the summertime. Look for any products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils, as these ingredients work to strengthen your skin’s barrier and improve its ability to retain moisture.
Stay Hydrated
Your body needs fluids! Don’t cut back on hydration just because summer is over. Remember that staying hydrated by drinking water (and avoiding too many caffeinated beverages) will go a long way in preventing dryness. Also, while you’re taking care with the fluids you put in your body, see whether you can also improve the moisture levels of the air around you—a humidifier can help you maintain indoor humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent, ideal for your skin health.
Be proactive with your skin—if you make the switch as soon as the weather starts to change, you can avoid any dryness and maintain a healthy epidermis as autumn makes its way into winter.
