Don’t Let Your Skin Dry Out This Fall: Try These Tips!
Summer is over, which means colder weather is on its way. While fall is a beautiful season, it also comes with the possibility of dry skin. If you’re worried about dry skin this fall, here are a few important skin care tips to help you manage.
Use a Dry Skin Moisturizer
Warm air tends to hold more moisture, which means you typically need lighter moisturizer in the summer and less of it while it’s hot outside. The arrival of cool fall air changes that. If your summer moisturizer is pretty light, consider switching to a thicker moisturizer for the colder months. An oil-based moisturizer is great if you already know you have dry skin that needs some extra help during the colder months. For extra dry skin, consider investing in an eczema cream specifically designed to combat chapped skin. Your dermatologist can help you find a moisturizer that’s best suited to your specific dry skin rash needs. Always make sure you’re moisturizing multiple times daily, especially after washing your hands or bathing. For facial moisturizers, find something with SPF that isn’t as oily, but can still add plenty of moisture to the skin. This is especially important after shaving or before going outside.
Skip the Long Showers
Long showers might feel nice after enjoying the crisp autumn weather, but your skin might not see it that way once you’re done. That dry autumn air is going to wreak havoc on your skin, and if you’re already dealing with chapped or dry skin, your long showers could make it even worse. Water that’s too hot can strip your skin of the natural oils and lubricants it needs to stay moisturized. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to take cold showers all autumn long. Simply turn the temperature down a little bit and look for ways to shorten the time you spend in the shower.
Be Mindful When Shaving
When you feel it’s time to shave, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to protect your skin both before and afterward. First, make sure your razor is clean and sharp. A dirty razor can cause all kinds of problems for your skin, especially if you have an open cut in the area you need to shave. A dull razor means you’ll need to go over the same spot multiple times, which can result in even more skin irritation. Whether you’re shaving your legs or facial hair, a clean and fresh razor is always the best option. In addition, make sure you use some kind of lubricant like shaving cream or gel. This can help eliminate friction between your razor and your skin, which could exacerbate dryness. Once you’re done shaving, make sure you pat your skin dry and moisturize as soon as possible after that.
Fall is a wonderful time of year, and taking care to prevent dry skin can help you keep it that way. If you have questions about the best way to prevent dry skin this fall, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment at North Pacific Dermatology Specialists today.