Fall is finally here! That means cozy sweaters, colder weather, and pumpkin spice lattes! However, with all the fun of the season comes the unfortunate beginning of drier skin. Dermatologists have recommended that you slowly transition your skin care routine from summer to fall to keep your skin looking good and healthy.
Here are some of our tips on beating the harsh cold weather during this time of year!
1. Moisturize Your Skin
During the harsh colder weathers, it is important to keep your skin from drying out. The cold weather can damage your skin and cause your skin to tighten up or crack. If your skin feels tight or dry you might not be moisturizing enough. If you do moisturize but your skin still tends to dry out easily, you might want to upgrade your moisturizer. Using a thicker moisturizer can make a huge difference in your skin as it allows it to retain more moisture. Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin for maximum moisturization.
While it is important to moisturize your skin, it is also possible to moisturize too much. If you apply more heavy cream and lotions on your skin than necessary, your skin can begin to feel oily and your pores may get clogged. The overall use of moisturizers are situational, so test it out before you fully commit to a product!
2. Apply SPF
Although the hot summer heat isn't penetrating the skin, it is still important to wear SPF. It is agreed by every dermatologist that it is essential to wear SPF on a daily basis no matter what the weather is. While the sun is stronger during the summer, it still is emitting UV radiation during all seasons. A good 30 SPF sunblock should be part of your skin care routine and should always be reapplied every two hours.
3. Add Vitamin C to Your Routine
Vitamin C is known to improve the production of collagen, however it is also a great product to use during the colder months. Vitamin C works to help combat SPF rays that aren’t fully blocked by your sunblock. Not only does it add an extra layer of protection, it is overall great for our health. As temperatures drop, our immune system gets weaker and our mood drops and skin and hair dry out. The use of vitamin C can aid in healthy cell growth and repair certain parts of our body. It also is a great immunity booster and can encourage the production of white-blood cells to fight against infections.
4. Exfoliate with a Purpose
Depending on your skin type, you may be more prone to flakiness. This layer of dead and flaky skin may look unappealing and the best way to get rid of it is by exfoliating. While it is important to exfoliate all year round, it becomes more important in the colder seasons due to the weather making the air extra dry. When exfoliating it is important to keep in mind that if you do it too often you can do more damage to your skin. Over-exfoliating can lead to more dryness, redness, and wind burns from outside. Exfoliate every so often and make sure to always moisturize after every exfoliating session.
5. Drink Water
Drinking water is the simplest way to keep your skin hydrated. Drinking four to six cups of water a day is a good way to maintain hydration within your body and skin. If you work out or take any medication, consider drinking more than the recommended! If you have trouble remembering to drink water, try and incorporate foods that promote hydration. Cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon all contain a high water content and are low in sugar, which is great for the skin.