With the 4th hottest summer in US history ending (NOAA), cool weather is just around the corner, along with earlier sunsets and drier air. But with this welcomed weather change, comes some undesired effects on our Skincare Tips, such as making it drier, flakier, and itchier. According to many dermatologists, this time of year is when acne and eczema flair-ups are at their worst.

Stay in the know and learn about some new ways to combat these seasonal skin problems. But first, let us talk about why these problems persist in the fall and winter.

What Is It About Fall, That Makes My Skin So Dry?

During fall and wintertime, we tend to take hotter showers, use indoor heaters, and even sit around the fireplace. All of these activities — added to the cooler weather and lower humidity — cause of dry skin to out easier. This causes damage to the skin barrier, which eventually leads to cracks, skin dehydration, and inflammation.

But how exactly does this all happen? Cold temperature, mixed with low humidity, causes dry air. That dry air, then, draws moisture from the skin, resulting in dehydration. In turn, the Skincare Tips can become cracked, causing irritation and inflammation — even bleeding. Due to this, some skin disorders, such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis have been known to flair up, worse than usual, leaving many people unsure of how to treat it.

Doctors have long been prescribing and recommending products, to protect our skin from the harsh effects of cold weather; evidenced by ChapStick®️, which was invented almost 150 years ago, in the 1880’s, by a physician named Dr. Charles Browne Fleet. Today, we now have even more ways to keep our skin healthy, with doctor-approved companies like ZO®️ Skin Health.

Sunscreen and Moisturizer

At this time of year, it is essential to keep your skin moisturized and well-hydrated. Skincare specialists from around the world recommend getting into a skincare routine, that can be incorporated easily into your daily regimen, to combat the dryness, sensitivity, and additional breakouts, that this cooler weather can bring.

One easy step is beginning your day with a generous application of moisturizer, to maintain the skin’s hydration throughout the day. To further prevent damage, applying the skin with sunscreen frequently (preferably SPF 50 or higher), will block harmful UV rays from the sun.

A common misconception is that sunscreen is only effective when utilized during the summer season, however, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say we should be using sunscreen every day, even indoors, especially for people with sensitive skin.

The folks at Real Simple provided a 7-step dermatologist-approved skincare regimen, specific for the fall season. These steps include:

• For Super-Sensitive Skin, Hydrate with Elastin, Collagen, or Aloe
• Switch to a Thicker Moisturizer
• Use a Lip Moisturizer and Add Eye Creams
• Do not Use Exfoliants and Retinoids as Frequently
• Continue Using Sunscreen
• Add Vitamin C to Your Regimen
• Add a Humidifier into the Mix

Dr. Julia Tzu, founder & medical director of Wall Street Dermatology, recommends using a thick moisturizer before bed, every night, to help retain moisture and hydration. A daily product, we should also be using — not just at night — is lip moisturizer or lip balm, which is in line with this routine.

Use Products from Doctor-Trusted Sources

Top surgeons also recommend facial creams and moisturizers for their patients. One of best facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Joseph Russell, from South Carolina, gave us the opportunity to sit down and directly ask him several questions about how cold weather can affect us, and what he recommends for his patients.

Question: “I understand you recommend ZO®️ Skin Health for your patients; is there a particular product from their line that you recommend for helping combat the effects of cold weather on our skin?”  The Daily Power Defense is a great choice for all year, but especially for cold weather, it replenishes lipids in the skin to optimize the barrier function of the skin and supports the skin’s natural repair processes.

Question: “Do these cold-combative products offer protection from the effects of aging, like wrinkles and lines, as well?”  Yes, the Daily Power Defense is great for all year, since it boosts collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin, which helps to improve the signs of aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.   For patient looking for additional anti-aging support, the Growth Factor Serum Plus will further boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production.

Question: “What does cold weather do the skin, as we age? Does it affect us worse as we get older? If so, why?”  It does the same thing to everyone, but as we age, the skin becomes thinner and drier, so the effects of cold weather become more noticeable, as the skin essentially has less reserves to combat the drying effects of the weather.

With this advice, take control and protect your skin from the effects of Mother Nature.

Content presented by American Residential Services, Inc., a heating system repair company