Syosset Dermatologist Gives Tips for Fall-Friendly Skincare During 

As November is National Healthy Skin Awareness Month, dermatologists warn that the transitions into fall is so gradual it can be easy to overlook changing one’s skincare routine. Falling temperatures and going from warm indoors to cold outdoor temperature and back bring about changes in our skin. Dry, irritated and flaky skin my occur if proper care regimens are not followed. Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Navin Arora of Borealis Dermatology of Syosset, NY is sharing his knowledge and recommendations for changing your skincare practices to account for changes in the weather. A dermatologist with 15 years of experience, including 12 years as an Army physician, Dr. Arora has extensive experience helping patients cope with the effects different climates have on their skin. Here are some ways you can protect your skin this fall/winter.

Moisturize frequently with quality products

In the fall and winter, dry, tight, itchy skin is a common affliction. It is important to moisturize frequently and with the right products. Individuals affected by conditions such as psoriasis and eczema may be particularly impacted by the change in seasons and experience burning sensations or increased skin sensitivity during the transition. Hydrating and using of lotions, cream and moisturizers helps overcome these issues. For the best results, check the labels of any moisturizers you’re evaluating for proper use. Be sure to use the correct type of moisturizers for the correct body part. Don't use a thick hand moisturizer on the face, as it may cause other skin issues. Many skincare companies offer products that not only moisturize, but are clinically proven to improve your skin’s appearance.

You should moisturize your body from head to toe. It’s not just your face that will need extra attention as the seasons change. However, excessive application of creams and lotions sometimes leads to oily skin and clogged pores. If you experience this, switching to a moisturizing spray or mist provides lighter coverage that will leave you less greasy.

Treat your skin gently to avoid irritation and dryness

Exfoliants and retinoids exacerbate any underlying dryness your skin is already experiencing due to the change in season. This in turn leads to irritation, redness and scaling. Similarly, soaps with harsh chemical ingredients can aggravate dry or sensitive skin during cooler months. Dry, flaky skin leads to clogged pores and the formation of or worsening of acne. Switch to a soap with mild ingredients to gently cleanse your skin without increasing its sensitivity. Patting yourself dry after you wash up, rather than rubbing with your towel, is another way to help avoid irritation caused by exfoliation.

It is recommended to take shorter, cooler showers with minimal scrubbing. This will help reduce dryness, irritation and potential eczema flares.

Protecting your skin from the sun is still vital

Beach days might not be happening anymore, but that’s no reason to stop wearing sunscreen. A broad-spectrum 30 SPF sunblock should always be part of your skincare routine regardless of the season. Dressing for the weather in long sleeves, scarves and gloves helps to protect your skin from the elements as the weather gets colder, as well as shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Polyester, nylon, wool, silk and denim generally provide the most UV protection. Darker-colored fabrics will absorb more UV rays than lighter colors.

Consider supplementing with Vitamin C, which combats SPF rays that aren’t fully blocked by sunscreen. As an added benefit, Vitamin C also smooths out hyperpigmentation, promoting collagen production which leads to a more radiant complexion.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water! There are many opinions about how much to drink every day, but four to six cups are a good rule of thumb for people that are generally healthy. Your dermatologist may recommend more if you take certain medications or frequently work up a sweat. Another helpful way to stay hydrated is to incorporate foods such as cucumbers, lettuce and strawberries into your diet because they have high water content and low sugar.

Consider investing in a humidifier. While staying out of the cold helps protect your skin, artificial indoor heat is also a problem. Most modern homes and businesses rely on central heating systems that extract moisture from the air. To counter this, skin care experts recommend using a humidifier to keep the air in your home from being excessively dry.

Counterintuitively, bathing can dry out your skin. Taking a nice hot shower or soaking in a tub after coming in from the cold is very enjoyable but isn’t necessarily beneficial to your skin. Hot water, like sunburn, causes skin inflammation and disrupts your skin’s oil production. Cooler, shorter showers help avoid this problem.

Contact Borealis Dermatology to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arora and his team if you need an evaluation or are suffering from seasonal skin flares. Borealis Dermatology offers two convenient locations to provide various treatments for patients in the Queens and Long Island areas. You can experience the highest medical and aesthetic expertise available through our treatment options by visiting our clinic.