Sweaters, Cider, and Your Skin

Ah, Fall! The time of year when we pull out the hoodies and stock up the wood pile for those cozy nights around the fireplace. Who isn’t ready for Fall, with all of its colors and tasty treats? We’ll tell you who may not be ready – your skin. You may have heard that your skin would benefit from a little shake-up in your normal skin care routine as the seasons change, but maybe you didn’t buy into the hoopla. Here, we will look at what happens to the skin as temperatures drop, and what you can do about it.

1. It is still reeling from the summer sun. You may not be a self-proclaimed beach bum, but your skin has, in fact, sustained a fair amount of damage over the past several months of heat and humidity. This may show up as a muddled appearance, or as brown spots on areas that were most exposed to UVA rays. To give your skin the best chance at renewal, talk with your dermatologist about a gentle chemical peel, and also about adding a quality retinol product like Retin-A to your daily or weekly routine.
2. It’s still susceptible to UV damage. We are in a unique position during the cooler months, especially Fall, due to the fact that it follows the hottest months of the year. At this time, we may view cooler temperatures as kinder to the skin. Not so. Remember that UVA radiation can affect your skin no matter how hot or cold it is outside. This means that sunscreen remains an important aspect of your morning skin care regimen.
3. It has become stagnant. The vibrancy and overall health of your skin relies partially on blood flow. As Fall transitions into winter, and the thermometer continually drops, a certain degree of constriction may develop in the blood vessels beneath the skin. To promote healthy circulation and glowing skin, look for a toner containing peppermint, rosemary, or ginseng extract.

These are just a few of the ways that the wonderful change in weather can affect your skin. To explore how we can help you move into Fall with beautiful skin, call (201) 836-9696.