Caring for Your Skin During Fall

Florida’s intense climate can be problematic on your skin, even if you’ve lived here for years. During fall, daylight decreases, temperatures drop, and the air turns drier. Your skin also starts to dry out as well. Believe it or not, in addition to your wardrobe changing with the new season, your skin care regimen should also change. Below are some trouble-free skin care suggestions for fall:

• Assess Your Skin Type – With the cooler temperatures, many people notice their skin types starting to change. You may have used certain skin care products in the summer that just aren’t working for you anymore. For example, you might have had oily skin to treat, but now that the weather is changing you may notice that you’re especially dry and need extra moisturizers.
• Sunscreen – It’s extremely important to remember to continue using sunscreen during the fall and winter seasons. In the fall, the temperatures are dropping, the days are shortening and are often overcast, but the sun still has strong ultra violet rays that will burn you. You still need to protect yourself by applying sunscreen every day. Don’t forget to reapply after being in the sun for two hours, and make sure you’re using a SPF with at least 15. Sunscreen can also double up as a moisturizer so if you’re prone to dry skin during the cooler seasons, this will double benefit you. Applying sunscreen is one easy habit that really pays off by means of reducing the signs of aging and preventing skin cancer.
• Exfoliate – Since dry skin is more prominent during the cooler seasons, you’ll definitely want to exfoliate regularly. Start out a couple of times per week, and if irritation occurs, cut back to once per week. If your skin really likes the exfoliation, you can do it more often, however just remember to moisturize afterwards. This is particularly imperative if you’re prone to acne. Exfoliation can encourage the skin to retain lost moisture in the form of comedogenic oils. Well moisturized skin heals quicker than skin that’s stripped and dried out. This will really fight the extra dryness you’re experiencing and will help balance the texture of your skin.
• Moisturize Daily – Another important suggestion is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. When you wake up in the morning, apply your sunscreen. After the shower, apply moisturizer within a few minutes of getting out to help seal in moisture. Before going to bed, apply a moisturizer again so that your skin will stay hydrated throughout the night.
• Use Cuticle Oil – Cuticles tend to dry out the most, even if you moisturize your hands regularly. Applying a cuticle oil will help soften them and prevent cracks.
• Cosmetic Procedures – Fall is an ideal time for facial cosmetic procedures, because you will be out in the sun less. Also, if you decide to get cosmetic procedures done in the fall, you will look fresh and revamped for the holidays! Susan H Weinkle, MD offers many cosmetic procedures including fillers, Botox, and chemical peels. Please call the office to schedule your appointment (941) 794-5432.
• Up Your Water Intake – Changes in the climate can dry out your skin, especially when it starts to get cooler outside. Hydrated skin starts from within, so add some fruit into your water bottle for a more flavorful drink. This should encourage you to up your water intake.