Fall is here, which means shorter days, pumpkin patches, treat or treating, and a fading summer glow. Many people look forward to the cooler weather as a break from all that humidity. More important than keeping that summer tan going into fall though, is keeping it looking and feeling healthy. So here are six tips to healthier-looking skin this fall. 1. Water, Water, and More WaterRain, fog, and more rain, but the most critical water in fall is the water you drink. Of course during summer it’s easier to remember because of the hot weather, but it is just as important in fall. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is key to maintaining healthy skin year round. You should also drink an extra glass of water for every alcoholic or caffeinated beverage you consume. 2. Check Your Home EnvironmentYour home environment can play a big role in your skin’s health. If it’s too humid or too dry in your home, your skin will feel the effects. Making sure your home’s HVAC unit doesn’t dry out your skin should also something your check each season. Simple tasks to maintain your HVAC unit, including regularly changing the filters and timely follow through on repairs, can help ensure your unit is cooling your skin without drying it out. You can also add a whole house humidifier if the air is seeming very dry. And don’t forget to change filters monthly, year round. We had a separate furnace and AC unit in our previous home because central air was installed later on. I didn’t realize that the filters on the HVAC needed to be changed in our new home until we got a new AC installed a few weeks ago. Whoops! Think about getting the air ducts cleaned on a yearly basis, too! 3. Pick Your ProductsSome of the most important skin decisions each season include choosing which moisturizer and sunscreen to use. I always switch mine up because my skin changes throughout the year depending on the weather. Brands aside, you want to consider function. Just as we swap tank tops for cozy sweaters each fall, you also want to swap out your lightweight summer moisturizer for something a little more moisturizing. The fall air is more drying than summer winter, and lightweight moisturizer might not cut it anymore as humidity and temperatures decrease. Also, consider the ingredients in the products you are using, and if they are suited to your skin type and to the job you need them to do. For instance, if you are trying to eliminate dark spots or discolored skin, you will want a product that contains polyphenols as they are reducing agents and can help to reverse signs of aging like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. 4. Maintain a RoutineCreating and sticking to a comprehensive skincare routine is time well spent. It not only keeps your skin healthy and moisturized in the moment but also promotes long term skin health by preventing the damage caused from overexposure to the sun and the elements. In addition to re-applying SPF every two hours when in the sun, consider making these products the foundation of your morning routine:
5. Set LimitsThe colloquial “too much of a good thing” certainly applies to the sun. Some of the long-term side effects of overexposure include accelerated aging, increased risk of cancer, and skin discoloration. If you’re planning an outdoor excursion even in the fall, take breaks to sit in the shade, avoid the midday sun, and cover your head and face with a hat. Many people out picking apples or spending time playing soccer or running don’t think about the sun as much in the fall because the temps aren’t as high. But you still need to be careful and protect yourself! 6. RepairIf you find yourself with a sunburn, there are helpful, in-the-moment remedies you can try, such as using aloe, applying moisturizer, and drinking fluids. But if you are seeing effects from this summer’s exposure to sun when you look in the mirror now, start to try and repair what you can. For chronic overexposure or significant sun damage, consider consulting a dermatologist who can recommend more intensive treatments. There are other over-the-counter products that can also help decrease sun spots and fine lines, too. As the seasons change, make sure your skin care routine changes, too! |