Summer To Fall Skincare Tips A Dermatologist's Routine

Autumn brings cooler weather (I love boots and sweaters) and a drop in the temperatures and humidity in the air.

The drier air can lead to drier skin. Here are my dermatologist recommended tips to go from summer to fall skin.

SWITCH YOUR MOISTURIZER

Perfect time to switch from lighter oil-free moisturizer that are usually lotions and move to creams.

A cream is thicker and more emollient than a lotion. I like creams with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are the essential for your skin barrier to protect the skin and occur naturally in the skin but need to be replenished during the colder months.

DON'T FORGET YOUR BODY and HANDS

We often focus on the skin on our face, but what about your body and hands.

The summer air has humidity, as that humidity decreases the skin may start to feel dry and itchy.

I recommend, at least once or twice a day, moisturizers from head to toe, especially if you have dry or eczema prone skin.

With the increased hand washing measures don’t forget to moisturize your hands and apply a thick cream overnight to allow the skin barrier to be repaired. If creams don’t work consider ointments or a visit with your Board Certified Dermatologist.

Most dermatologists are offering Tele-dermatology visits so you can be seen safely from your own home.

HUMIDIFIER FOR HYDRATION

You can increase the hydration in your home by adding a humidifier.

For best results, once you start using heat in your home you can start using it to add some moisture to your air.

USE A LIP MOISTURIZER and ADD EYE CREAMS

These are must haves during the cooler months. Just as you should switch to a thicker moisturizer, adding these products moisturizes your lips and the skin around your eyes. For lips, something as simple as Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is great.

DECREASE FREQUENCY OF USE OF EXFOLIANTS and RETINOIDS

Decrease the use of retinoids and exfoliants during the drier and colder months. Humidity and warm temperatures usually help with the effects of exfoliants and retinoids.

CONTINUE SUNSCREEN

While UV radiation is greater during the summertime, it’s still present throughout the year. Sunscreen should be used all year round. UV radiation accelerates and increases the risk of skin cancer and photodamage to your skin causing lines and wrinkles. I recommend an SPF or 50 or greater.

ADD VITAMIN C TO YOUR REGIMEN

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps to cover SPF rays that aren’t fully blocked by your sunscreen.It also evens skin pigmentation, which helps to boost collagen production resulting in a brighter complexion. My favorites are Skinceuticals CE Ferrulic Acid and Elizabeth Arden's Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules.