How to protect your skin during fall season?
Fall season means a transition where trees embrace vibrant colors, while air becomes dry and cooler. Along with the change in weather pattern, you will notice subtle differences in your skin. Loss of moisture leading to dryness occurs due to the shift of warm weather to a cool and windy one. It will result in flakiness or cracks on skin and a dull complexion, if you do not take care of your skin.
Existing skin conditions like eczema can worsen while acne breakouts are also common during fall. So, do not wait thinking that it is normal and start taking special care to protect your skin whilst enjoying the dynamic aura of the fall season.
What can you do to protect your skin during fall season?
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Avoid long hot showers – Hot water can strip your skin of moisture and make it irritated and dehydrated. Skin can get more sensitive and itchy due to dryness. Bathing with hot water worsens the effects on skin due to dry air during the fall. Existing skin conditions may worsen. Therefore, take short showers with lukewarm water.
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Avoid harsh soaps and detergents which can affect your skin. Instead use a mild soap with minimal fragrance. Go for more hydrating soaps or a body wash to prevent dullness of skin.
Moisturize your skin well – Effects of cool and dry weather conditions can be counteracted if you moisturize your skin well. Use a good thick moisturizer which is alcohol and paraben free with minimal fragrance. Look for ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, glycerol, lanolin oil and aqueous cream when selecting a moisturizer.
If you use a lotion, replace it with a cream as it will keep the moisture for a longer time. Apply liberally soon after a bath to lock in the moisture. Reducing the dryness can reduce irritation such as redness and outbreaks of your skin. If there is an exacerbation of eczema, get it treated with steroid creams and adequate emollients. Some natural remedies include colloidal oatmeal baths, applying virgin coconut oil or evening primrose oil on the affected area. Aloe Vera gel can soothe dry, irritated skin.
Continue to apply sun screen as usual – You may think that because it is cooler, you can skip sun screen. But no. The sun will continue to emit harmful UV rays despite the cold weather, rain or cloudy skies. If you get exposed to UV rays frequently, it will accelerate your aging process, giving you fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, always protect your skin with a suitable broad spectrum sun screen and sun protective clothing when you go outdoors.
Use a humidifier – once your heating systems are turned on, inside air will be dryer. This can strip off the moisture from your skin. The humidifier will balance the humidity level indoors and increase hydration, preventing your skin from getting dry.
Continue your daily skin care routines as usual – cleansing and regular exfoliation of skin should be continued to get rid of dead skin layer, so that you can reveal a fresh and a smooth complexion. Gentle exfoliation can get rid of germs and excess oils that clog your skin pores.
Continue to hydrate yourself with plenty of water. Eat a balanced healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veggies and leafy greens.
Rest well – adequate sleep is important for a brighter complexion and to improve tired eyes.
Protect your hands and feet by regular moisturizing.
Wear gloves and mittens and suitable clothes when going out if it is windy.
Let us pay more attention to our skin during the fall season for a healthy glowing skin.