Summer’s over, which means you finally get a break from the heat and humidity. While fall’s cooler temperatures might be welcome, the drier air can mean you need to change your skincare routine slightly. With the hustle and bustle of summer vacation finally over, fall can be a great time to schedule a skincare treatment you put off, such as laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel. Keep your skin looking great throughout the fall, and even into winter with these tips.
Exfoliate and Resurface
No matter how you spent your summer — chasing after kids, lounging about on the beach, or putting in 40 hours or more a week at the office — odds are, it left a lasting impact on your skin, the form of dry, dead skin cells. A fresher complexion is waiting beneath those dead cells, which are most likely making your skin look dull and dry.
The best thing to do is to exfoliate to slough off the dead cells. You have a few options when it comes to exfoliating. One is to take the DIY route and use a scrub or brush when you wash your face. There are drawbacks to trying to exfoliate yourself, though, mainly that you can over-exfoliate, and irritate the skin.
Another option is to schedule a chemical peel. Chemical peels are available in a range of strengths, from very mild to very deep. They help peel away that top layer of dead skin cells, revealing a fresher look beneath. Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation. You can find superficial chemical peels available over-the-counter. But if you want a peel that will really do something, without causing damage or injury, your best bet is to see a medical professional or surgeon for your peel.
Laser skin resurfacing, using an erbium laser or carbon dioxide laser, is another way to exfoliate the skin for the fall. A laser treatment is often a bit more involved than a chemical peel or at-home treatment. Depending on the depth of the laser and the amount of skin treated, you might need to take several days off from work while you recover.
There are a few benefits for scheduling laser skin resurfacing in the fall. After treatment, you’ll want to avoid sun exposure. Since autumn days are shorter, and you’re more likely to be indoors at work, there is less of a chance that you’ll be spending a significant amount of time outdoors. If you have children, they’ll most likely be back at school, giving you a chance to recover at home in peace.
Rethink Your Moisturizer
Plenty of people switch to a lighter weight moisturizer in the summer, to compensate for the heat and for the extra oil their skin might produce. But, as temperatures drop, it might be time to re-evaluate your moisturizer. Consider switching to a creamier lotion or thicker moisturizer, especially if you notice that your skin is feeling drier or is showing signs of irritation and dryness, such as flaking.
Keep Up With the Sunscreen
Shorter days and less sunlight don’t mean you can skimp on the sunscreen. You need it all year around, even if the sun hides for days on end. Using sunscreen is especially important if you’ve had laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel or another in-office skin treatment. If you’re unsure which SPF to use or which sunscreen is best for you, your surgeon can provide guidance and help you find the product that’s most appropriate for your needs.
Remember Beauty From the Inside Out
For some, fall means the return of apples and pumpkins. Take advantage of the harvest season and do your best to get as many seasonal vegetables and fruits in your diet as possible. Produce that is usually in season in autumn, such as sweet potatoes, apples and cranberries, are usually full of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help keep skin smooth, firm and elastic.
No matter what shape your skin is in as the seasons change, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your routine. You might find that you need to adjust your facial cleanser, as well as your moisturizer. If you decide you want a more intensive treatment to get your skin ready for the colder weather, Dr. Jessica Kulak, a skincare specialist in Virginia and Maryland, can help. To learn more about your options when it comes to chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and other treatments, call (703) 481-0002 in Virginia or (301) 222-2020 in Maryland for an appointment today.
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