CONCORD, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Summer is officially over, and with all that great time spent outdoors soaking up the sun, there is no doubt that the countless exposure to UV rays, chlorine, sweat, and oil has contributed to some level of skin damage. Just like the clothes in your closet, it’s important to transition skin care routines from summer to fall as the season change brings new challenges to all types of skin. Dr. W. Elliot Love, Board-Certified Dermatologist and fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeon, shares new needs the skin requires once the cold weather approaches.
“The skin likes consistency, so when factors, like weather, change so quickly, it's like a shock to the system. For example, as we shift from summer to fall, temperature and humidity will drop, so the skin will have to work harder to maintain adequate hydration as cold weather and wind start to kick in.”
Dr. Love discusses why weather changes can mess with your skin and how you can defeat those common fall woes:
Hydration Station. With higher levels of heat and humidity during the summer months, the skin is prone to dehydration just like the rest of the body, thus disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier since it cannot protect itself from external stressors. When putting together a fall skin care routine, key ingredients to look out for during the colder months are those that help to support the skin barrier to work to prevent moisture loss. Consider hydration with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which boasts many benefits, including anti-aging and hydrating, since its main function is to retain water to keep your skin moist and improve its appearance.
Maintain a Healthy Diet. With the cooler temperatures approaching, it may be tempting to reach for that comfort food. However, when it comes to protecting the skin against seasonal elements, maintaining a healthy diet is essential and increasing your vitamin C intake will help with discoloration and evening out your complexion if you start to notice dark spots or an uneven skin tone. Green vegetables and oily fish also support the skin from the inside with essential vitamins and antioxidants, along with taking a supplement, like vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin, & Nails gummies which includes vitamin E and vitamin C, known to improve skin health and appearance that can give your body a boost from the inside out.
Sun Damage Recovery. All the UV exposure over the summer months can amass on the face, causing sun damage, but don't think you can get away with skipping sunscreen this season! Just because summer is over doesn’t mean those damaging rays are gone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate the skin. Therefore, sticking to a sun protection routine all year round is vital. Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product on the market and. Mad Rabbit Defend – Tattoo Sunscreen is a great option, as it is a lightweight, greaseless formulation with SPF 30. Whether you have tattoos or not, it acts as a nourishing moisturizer to prevent burning, dryness, and irritation whilst restoring already sun-damaged skin.
Rejuvenating Dry Skin. It’s not just the leaves that change with the welcoming of fall—the skin does, too. The cooler weather and other environmental irritants can disrupt the protective barrier of the skin and make it dry and irritable. Cooler temps can cause the skin to grow more sensitive, and those with seasonal allergies may also notice conditions like eczema flaring. So, it is important to use a laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic and gentle on skin, like Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear, which is dermatologist-tested and specifically formulated for sensitive skin. After the summer months, just about every part of the body becomes drier, including the lips. The best solution to keep lips soft and hydrated is to apply lip balm frequently, along with drinking lots of water. This provides the body hydration from within, helping to fight the discomfort of chapped lips.
Return to Retinol. Though retinoids can be used year-round, some tend to ease back on the ingredient during the summer as it can make skin more sun-sensitizing. As we transition into fall, it's the perfect time to add this back into your routine if you took a break, as retinoids are one of the most clinically proven ingredients for improving skin texture and tone.
As Dr. Love suggests, “While the weather is uncontrollable, skin health is not. Pay attention to the state of your skin and switch up your routine as the seasons change. If you're noticing persistentconcerns, visit your dermatologist to determine a plan of action together.”