How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin (and What to Do About It)

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, your skin may start to feel the effects of the shifting seasons. Cooler weather, lower humidity, and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. But don’t worry—adapting your skincare routine to match the season can help you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all year round!

Here’s how seasonal changes impact your skin and what you can do to keep it looking its best this fall and winter.

How Fall and Winter Impact Your Skin

1. Dryness and Dehydration
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels in the fall and winter pull moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and tight. Add indoor heating to the mix, and your skin may struggle to stay hydrated.

2. Flakiness and Dullness
Dry skin often leads to flaking, which can make your complexion look dull and uneven. Without regular exfoliation and hydration, dead skin cells can build up, leaving your skin feeling rough.

3. Increased Sensitivity
Cold winds and harsh weather can strip your skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

4. Chapped Lips
The delicate skin on your lips is particularly prone to dryness and cracking in cold weather, making it essential to give them extra care.

Adapting Your Skincare Routine for Fall and Winter

1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Foaming or gel-based cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils, especially during colder months. Swap them out for a creamy or hydrating cleanser that cleans without drying.

2. Amp Up the Hydration
Use a richer moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. Look for ingredients like:

Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains water in your skin.
Ceramides: Strengthen your skin barrier.
Shea Butter: Provides deep hydration and soothes dryness.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
UV rays are still present in fall and winter, even on cloudy days. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from sun damage.

4. Add a Humidifier to Your Home
Combat indoor dryness caused by heaters with a humidifier. It helps maintain moisture in the air, keeping your skin hydrated while you’re inside.

5. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves the absorption of moisturizers, but overdoing it can irritate already sensitive skin. Stick to a gentle exfoliant 1-2 times a week.

6. Protect Your Lips
Use a hydrating lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping and cracking. Reapply throughout the day, especially before heading outside.

7. Use Overnight Masks
Hydrating overnight masks can give your skin an extra boost while you sleep, leaving it refreshed and plump by morning.

8. Opt for Lukewarm Water
Hot showers and face washing may feel comforting in cold weather, but they can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water instead.

Additional Tips for Seasonal Skin Care

1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is just as important in fall and winter as it is in summer. Keep a water bottle handy and aim to drink 8 glasses a day.

2. Adjust Your Diet
Foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon and walnuts, and hydrating fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers and oranges, can help support your skin from the inside out.

3. Layer Your Skincare Products
Apply products from lightest to heaviest—start with serums, then moisturizers, and finish with sunscreen during the day. At night, seal in hydration with an oil or heavy cream.

When to See a Dermatologist

The changing seasons don’t have to derail your skincare routine. By making small adjustments and focusing on hydration and protection, you can keep your skin healthy, radiant, and resilient through the fall and winter months!

Need help crafting a skincare routine tailored to your needs? Schedule a consultation with the team at New River Dermatology. We’ll help you create a plan to keep your skin glowing year-round.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin (and What to Do About It)