Skincare Through Seasonal Changes

As temperatures and humidity levels plummet during the fall, your skin will likely react to adjust to the atmosphere. The cooler, drier environment may cause your skin to become dry, dull, and flaky, especially if you don’t take the necessary steps to properly prepare and treat it.

Adjusting your skincare routine for fall may take some trial and error, but there are ways you can simplify the process. To help, here are five easy ways you can maintain and improve the health of your skin through the seasonal transition: 

Don’t Skimp on SPF

Summer has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you should stow away your sunscreen. While the sun’s rays tend to weaken come fall, your skin is susceptible to UV damage year-round, even when there’s cloud coverage. This damage can accumulate over time, leading to more serious skin conditions, such as pigmentary disorders, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. That’s why you should wear sunscreen during the fall and beyond. 

As you transition to fall, make sun protection a staple part of your beauty routine. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of your body, such as your hands, face, and neck to ensure you’re always protected. In addition, incorporate sun safety best practices to help mitigate your risk of skin damage. 

Try a Face Mask

Whether you’re looking to combat your dull end-of-summer complexion or simply in need of a quick hydration boost, there are face masks for every skin condition. Face masks provide immediate results for a multitude of skin concerns, such as acne, premature aging, and uneven complexion. 

If you want to address more than one skincare concern at a time, try multimasking to optimize your skincare benefits. Multimasking involves using different face masks on specific areas of your face. For instance, if your t-zone tends to be oily but your cheeks are flaky and dry, you may not want to use the same treatment on your entire face. In this case, you would apply an oil-free deep cleansing mask to your t-zone and a hydrating mask to your cheeks. 

Correct Sun Damage

As your tan fades, you may notice signs of sun damage, such as melasma, age spots, and textural changes in commonly exposed areas, such as your face and neck. Aside from being unsightly, these conditions can also indicate unhealthy or dead skin. Fortunately, sun damage is usually easy to repair and can sometimes even be reversed. 

Common options to help alleviate the visible signs of sun damage include microneedling, laser treatments, and creams or serums that contain antioxidants, retinol, and glycolic. Starting corrective skincare treatments for these conditions during the fall will give your skin enough time to recover and restore its vibrancy in time for the next season.

Upgrade Your Moisturizer

A lightweight moisturizer may have been sufficient during the summer months, but as the temperatures cool down, you may want to consider switching to a heavier moisturizer. Using a thicker moisturizer will help boost your skin’s barrier against the harsh elements and retain much-needed moisture.

The dryer autumn air and heaters can strip your skin of its oils, leaving it dull, dry, and prone to cracking. To compensate, consider using a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, cholesterol, and fatty acids as these provide optimal nourishment and help attract moisture into your skin for a fuller, healthier complexion. 

Visit Your Dermatologist 

Your skin can tell a lot about your physical health. It’s your body’s first line of defense and largest organ, which is why it’s important to monitor and address any changes your skin as soon as they appear. Pay close attention to any abnormal growths, discoloration, or changes in texture, as these are signs that may indicate an underlying skin issue. 

If you notice that over-the-counter treatments, sunscreen, and moisturizers aren’t helping to improve these conditions, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to diagnose any medical ailments and prescribe the appropriate skin care treatment for your needs. 

As the seasons change, so do your skincare needs. Consider these tips as you head into fall to ensure you keep your skin healthy and vibrant as the seasons change. 

Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.