Now that the summer season is coming to an end, it’s time to put away the sleeveless tops and flip-flops and haul out the bomber jacket and those fur-trimmed boots you bought on sale last year.
While you change up your fall wardrobe, don’t forget to alter your skin care regimen as well. Wearing more clothes doesn’t automatically protect your skin.
Cooler temperatures, drier winds, and just turning up the heat in the house can cause skin to become dry, tight, itchy and irritated.
You don’t want skin that looks like the last leaf dangling from the tree, do you? Ok, so check out these tips to keep your skin looking and feeling like the day you were born ... well, almost.
The Face
No matter how many layers of clothing you wear during the autumn months, your face will be exposed to the elements and needs protecting as much as or more than the rest of your body.
Your fall face regimen should include using a mild face wash with lukewarm water. This is the time of year you want to preserve the natural oils of your skin.
After cleansing, apply a heavy moisturizer with SPF protection. UV rays are forever present and can affect the skin even when you’re not feeling the heat.
The moisturizing cream will also prevent the skin from drying out, which can also cause wrinkles. Invest in a good PM moisturizer as well.
Keep your exfoliating cleanser nearby to use once or twice a week. Exfoliating the skin once in a while is good for removing all the dead skin cells and rejuvenating new ones.
This can make your skin feel softer and smoother. It's especially beneficial if you have a tenacity to break out.
The Body
Ditch the sweet-smelling body scrubs and gels that are great after a sweaty game of beach volley ball. Fall weather skin needs hydrating, so replace the summertime products with a soap-free cleanser or creamy body wash in your shower for the drier months.
Body creams have heavier emollients that provide stronger body armor for your skin than lighter lotions. You want an oily barrier for the outer layer of skin to hold in the moisture.
Continue your exfoliating routine, especially around those extra dry and flaky areas like elbows and knees. But, for this time of year, use an oil-based scrub that promises to hydrate as well as exfoliate.
The Lips
"Lips are mucous membranes, so they have very thin surface layers of skin," said Los Angeles dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Southern California (USC) Medical Center.
“When compared to the skin on the rest of your face,” Wu said, “lips are the most vulnerable to drying out. In fact, research shows you lose up to 10 times more moisture through your lips than you do elsewhere on the face or body.”
In the summer, you want your lips to feel light and moist, but once the autumn winds blow in, you’ll need added protection for those smackers by smearing on a petroleum based lip balm. Apply before and after your favorite lipstick.
The Hands
We forget about how often our hands and feet are exposed to cooler, drier weather. Start using moisturizing hand cream often to avoid dry, cracked skin on hands and around nails.
During the drier months, substitute antibacterial gels with moisturizing variety. Check out your favorite bath and body shops for their latest fall line.
The Feet
Just because your feet are covered up during the fall season, that's no excuse to neglect them. Use exfoliates to remove the dead skin and calluses, then slather on heavier stuff that contains petroleum jelly or glycerin instead.
Apply your favorite emollient first thing in the morning. Do the same before bed and cover with your favorite fluffy socks.
Daily Reminders
Drink plenty of water to maintain your skin’s hydration and elasticity.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to any exposed parts of your body.
Enjoy the fall season, knowing your skin is fully protected.
Sources:
Fall Skin Care Tips. BecomeGorgeous.com. Web. 22, September, 2012
http://www.becomegorgeous.com/body-and-skin/tips_for_great_complexion/fall_skin_care_tips-1141.html
Healthy Fall Skin Tips. Realbeauty.com. Web. 22, September, 2012
http://www.realbeauty.com/skin/tiptool/summer-fall-skin-tips
Ten Winter Skin Care Tips. WebMD. Web. 22, September, 2012
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/ten-winter-skin-care-tips?page=2
Why Your Lips Are Chapped. WebMD. Web. 22, September, 2012
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/why-your-lips-are-chapped
Reviewed September 24, 2012
by MIchele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith