Up the Ante on Autumn Skincare

September is upon us, and although the changing colors makes for a beautiful outdoor scene, changes in skin can be less than appealing. The shifts in weather while seasons change can wreak havoc on skin. As the air outside becomes more crisp and cool, it also tends to dehydrate skin. For any skin type, this can mean flakiness, dry patches, and in some cases, even cracking of the skin. Luckily, there are plenty of preventative measures everyone can use to make sure their skin stays smooth as we ease toward the equinox. This week’s blog covers some of the simplest ways to keep your face flake free this fall.

Humidifier

The main reason skin tends to dry out during autumn is due to the dry air. Having a humidifier in your home and office can prevent some of the damage caused by dry air because, as their name suggests, they add humidity to the air. This process eases the symptoms of many common seasonal skin conditions. To get the most out of a humidifier, place it next to your bed at night and shut your bedroom door. This will help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep without interrupting your day.

Make Water a Priority

It seems obvious, but drinking extra water is crucial when your skin is feeling dry. However, you can add water to your diet in a number of ways. Greens like spinach and lettuce, seasonal fruits like apples and pomegranates, and healthy fats like avocados and olives can all help add and retain moisture within the body. Maintaining a balanced diet is the first step to making sure your skin stays healthy and hydrated.

New Moisturizer

When dry weather strikes, it may be time for a new moisturizer to keep skin from painful flaking and cracking. A thicker, creamier formula may be necessary to make sure you don’t experience anything out of the ordinary for your skin type. Special formulas meant for dry skin may also be useful while your skin adjusts to the change in climate.

Nourishing Mask

If a thicker moisturizer isn’t doing enough, try applying a facial mask at home to affected areas. You can buy one at the store or easily make one yourself. Coconut oil, avocado, banana, egg, and lemon juice are common ingredients you can find at the grocery store which can decrease dryness and increase brightness and hydration.

Microdermabrasion/Microneedling

Another way to increase hydration is to increase bloodflow to the surface of the skin. Treatments from the dermatologist may be helpful for those with mild or severe symptoms due to changing weather. Both microdermabrasion and microneedling agitate the skin’s surface slightly, causing increased blood flow to heal small wounds caused by abrasive materials or needles depending which treatment you choose. In either case, the increased blood flow will lead to healthier, more hydrated, and more vibrant skin.