There’s a chill in the air, that pumpkin spice latte is calling your name, and your favorite cozy sweater is ready to make its debut. While there are plenty of things to love about fall, there’s one thing we’re not so crazy about: dry skin.
Whether it’s on your face or your bod (or both!), we’re here to help you solve your dry skin concerns so you can get back to enjoying everything the season has to offer. We’re breaking down the main causes and signs of dry skin, as well as easy ways to prevent dry skin in the fall.
What are the symptoms of dry skin?
Dry skin is more than just uncomfortable — it can prevent your skin from doing what it does best: protecting you. When your skin dries out, it can lead to cracks, irritation, or even bleeding, making you more prone to infections and irritation.
Here are a few common signs of dry skin to watch for:
- Redness and roughness, especially on the hands
- Flaky or itchy patches
- Skin tightness, especially after bathing or showering
- Peeling or cracking skin that may even bleed
- Increased sensitivity to existing products or fragrances
Where your dry skin happens to pop up can also vary from person to person. Some people experience tightness or peeling on their face when the weather turns cold, while others might deal with cracked hands or heels.
What causes dry skin in the fall?
Dry skin can happen any time, but it tends to get worse in the fall and winter months. There are a few reasons that cold air is such a dry skin culprit:
- Bye-bye humidity. When summer’s hot and humid days disappear, so does moisture in the air, leading to drier skin.
- Flare-ups of skin conditions. Cold air can cause flare-ups of existing dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Turning up the heat. Your cozy indoor heat? It’s also drying out the air — and your skin.
- Extra hand washing. Frequent handwashing during cold and flu season keeps germs at bay, but it also strips your skin of moisture.
5 tips to prevent dry skin in the fall
If you want to reduce skin dryness, you’ll need to take a holistic approach to hydrating your skin, from the amount of water you drink to how much moisture is in your home. With a few small adjustments, you can make dry skin in autumn manageable — and get back to enjoying fall as your most moisturized self. Use these dry skin tips to keep your skin glowing all fall.
1. Shorten those steamy showers (or baths)
We know, we know — few things beat a long, hot shower on a chilly morning. But those steamy sessions could be sucking the moisture out of your skin. Try cutting back your shower time and dialing down the heat a bit. Trust us, your skin will thank you later!
2. Choose non-irritating soaps and detergents
Skin can become more sensitive when exposed to cold, dry air — meaning that certain ingredients in your laundry soap, body wash, and beyond might start to bother your skin in the winter even if they haven’t before. If you notice extra irritation, switch to formulas marketed for sensitive skin, especially those that are fragrance free.
3. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers aren’t just a way to help you breathe better at night; they also increase moisture levels in the air, helping to rehydrate your skin. For an extra calming vibe, try a humidifier that can use essential oils. A drop or two of lavender as you drift off will delight your senses as it fights dry skin.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
As much as we roll our eyes when celebs say their glowing skin is all thanks to “drinking lots of water” — there’s actually some truth to it. Proper hydration can help with skin elasticity and dryness, and it might just be the easiest way to get that healthy, moisturized glow.
Pour yourself an extra glass or two in the autumn months to keep your skin moisturized and your body feeling good.
5. Bundle up when the weather turns cold
Keeping your skin protected from the elements is a crucial part in combatting dry skin. Carry an extra scarf and pair of gloves with you on the go to protect yourself on unexpectedly chilly days. Dry skin on the scalp is extra common during colder months too, so don’t forget to pack a hat!
There’s something else you can do to take care of dry skin in the fall: switching up a few things in your skincare routine! Read on for skincare-focused tips to soothe dry skin concerns.
Best skincare for dry skin
Wouldn’t it be nice if skincare was one of those set-it-and-forget-it things in life? Unfortunately, it needs the occasional tweak — like when the seasons change and your skin needs a bit more TLC.
The products you loved during those hot and sunny months might need to be swapped when the days get colder. Here are our best fall skincare tips, including what swaps to make when the seasons change:
Supercharge your moisturizer
The fall and winter months are not the time to skimp on your skincare routine, particularly the important step of moisturizing. Think of moisturizer like a protective shield that keeps your skin safe from those cold, blustery days. You might consider opting for a thicker, richer formula that gives your skin the added boost it needs during fall. Look for a product with ingredients such as:
- Hylauronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture. (Did you know it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water?)
- Ceramides, a natural component of the skin barrier, which can help prevent dehydration.
- Shea butter and avocado oil, which are emollients found in thicker moisturizers and creams.
Add oils
To soothe dry skin on your body, lotion is always a safe bet. But when the air gets dry and cold, adding an oil can help. Apply the lotion first and then the oil to help seal in the moisture even better. The same rule applies for your face, too — you can layer on a facial oil after your moisturizer for added oomph. (Psst: check out this cheat sheet on what order to apply your skincare products!)
Switch to a gentle cleanser
While the summer months give us plenty of reasons to use cleansers that clean up sweat or tighten our pores, colder weather generally means it’s time to switch to a gentler formula. Shop for oil or gel based products — or even cleansing milks — that can balance the skin without stripping it of moisture. Save the foamy formulas for those summer months when getting rid of sweat or bacteria build up is more crucial.
One more fall skincare tip: Don’t be afraid of your derm
If your dry skin isn’t getting better by trying at-home tips like these, don’t be afraid to book an appointment with a dermatologist. They’ve seen it all — and can help suggest treatments for common skin conditions that might be hard to take care of on your own, like eczema and psoriasis.
Self-care in the form of smooth, happy skin
The best way to prevent dry skin in the fall is to stay on top of your skincare routine. Keeping your skin moisturized and switching up products if you need to is a way to show yourself — and your skin — that you deserve daily care. While you’re at it, why not book your next wax to keep your skin smooth all autumn long?
