Dermatology Tips to Remember this Fall

By Bridget Sullivan, PA-C, Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology PCB 

As we enter the fall months and the weather gets cooler, it is important to take into account skin changes that can occur. Fall is an excellent time to reset your skin-care routine and address common concerns before winter arrives. This article will review tips to help with your skin health and appearance during the cooler months.

• Dry Skin – colder weather can mean dry skin, make sure to moisturize your skin twice daily. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after a bath or shower.
• Avoid hot water – on a cold day we typically like to take a hot bath or shower. Hot water temperatures can dry out our skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
• Dry cracked lips – don’t forget to moisturize your lips. Vaseline or Cerave healing lip balm are both great products for dry lips.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen – Even though it’s cold outside, sunscreen application is still important to combat skin cancer and aging.
• Flare up of skin conditions – changes in the weather can flare up inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Be aware of this and prepare ahead of time.
• Ideal time for cosmetic procedures – the fall and winter months are an ideal time for cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, micro needling facials, and laser treatments. After these treatments, there is typically a recovery period where sunlight should be avoided.
• Flaky Scalp – colder weather can sometimes cause our dandruff and dry scalp to flare. Anti- dandruff shampoos containing ingredients such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide may help.
• Dry rough heels and feet – apply creams containing urea to help soften thick, rough skin.
• Get a skin exam and skin cancer screening – fall and winter months are the perfect time to get a skin cancer screening after all the fun in the sun had during the summer.

Fall is the perfect season to give your skin some extra attention and establish habits that will keep it healthy throughout the year. I hope these simple takeaways and tips are helpful to you and your family during the fall and winter months. As always, please consult your dermatology provider for any skin health issues or concerns.