The change of seasons often comes with to-do lists: update your wardrobe, clean out the gutters, and swap out seasonal home décor. Another important task to add to your list for fall is assessing your skincare regimen. As the weather cools off, here’s how you can readjust your routine to better fit the needs of fall skincare.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening
While there’s never a wrong time to go for a skin cancer screening, it makes sense to schedule it for fall. During the summer, most people spend more time outdoors, which increases exposure to the UV rays that cause skin cancer.
You can expect the exam to last around ten minutes. Prepare by removing any nail polish and wearing your hair down so the dermatologist can inspect your scalp. If any moles have changed recently, be sure to mention this to the doctor.
Skin cancer screening recommendations vary for everyone. For instance, people with a personal or family history of skin cancer may be advised to have screenings twice a year, while low-risk patients may only need annual screenings. The doctor will discuss your individual risk factors with you to determine an appropriate schedule.
Step Up the Hydration
During especially humid weather, you may not need as much moisturizer as you normally would. Humid air can help the skin retain moisture and support elasticity. But when there’s a drop in humidity, you may need to moisturize more. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help lock in essential moisture, and are often well-tolerated by most skin types. Our online shop offers a number of moisturizer products to fit in your fall skincare routine.
Keep Up With Your SPF
Sunscreen should be a key component of your skincare arsenal no matter the time of year. UV rays are still strong enough to cause damage throughout the fall and winter, so continue using a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Now that the weather is a little cooler, it’s also a comfortable time to wear sun protective clothing to keep your skin covered. Check out our online shop to see a wide range of effective sunscreen products.
Cut Back on Exfoliants
When the skin is well-hydrated, it can tolerate exfoliating well. If there’s less humidity, however, you may find that exfoliating too frequently can leave your skin dry and dull. You may not need to slough away dead skin cells as often as you did in the height of the summer, so cut back and see how your skin responds.
Employ Vitamin C
If you’re not already using a daily vitamin C serum, consider adding it to your routine. Vitamin C contains antioxidants which could help offset UV damage, smooth wrinkles, combat dark spots, and boost collagen production.
Avoid Hot Water
While it makes sense to avoid especially steamy showers on the hottest days of the year, and warmer showers may be tempting in cooler weather, keep your water at a mild temperature when you bathe and wash your face. Hot water can dry out your skin, leading to inflammation and decreased production of natural oils.
Address Cosmetic Damage
Even if you’re diligent about sunscreen, it’s still possible to experience some sun damage if you spend a lot of time outdoors. If you’re dealing with unwanted cosmetic issues from a summer of outdoor adventures, consider a treatment such as a chemical or laser peel. From wrinkles to uneven skin tone, these treatments can combat a host of sun-related skin issues.
Whether you’re due for a skin exam or you have seasonal cosmetic goals, Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics has all of your skincare needs covered. Book your appointment online or call us directly at (404) 355-5484.
