Why Does Skin Change in the Fall Months?

The skin is always exposed to the environment, which means it’s much more vulnerable to changes in that environment than other organs in the body.

The water in the air affects the balance of water (hydration) in your skin. A humid climate can soften skin and make it easy to maintain fullness, but a dryer climate can dehydrate the skin, making more likely to show fine lines and wrinkles.

As far as the affects of climate on skin goes, there are advantages and disadvantages to every season. In the summer, skin can be easier to manage because the air is more humid than it is in the winter (even in dryer climates). The summer lifestyle can also help skin thrive, as we’re more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, and stay active, which increases circulation and helps skin stay healthy.

Summer months aren’t so great in other ways, though. We tend to get too much exposure to the sun, which can accelerate the appearance of aging, and if we spend time in the pool the exposure to chlorine or salt can cause drying and temporary irritation. Increased air conditioning dries out skin while excess heat means more sweating, which can lead to clogged pores.

Fall brings colder, more turbulent weather. Winds blow more fiercely and the temperature may vary greatly from one day to the next with hot, humid days and cool, dryer nights. With this shift in weather our skin has to adapt, so our skin care routine has to change along with it.

three keys to your best skin

Keep in mind the three keys to your best skin this fall:

• Notice how your skin reacts to the change in weather
• Notice how your skin looks throughout the day
• Adjust your skin care routine to match what you’re needing

Remember that anytime you add a product or change your routine, your skin will need time to adapt. Use any new routine for at least a couple weeks before determining if it is, or is not working.

Make product changes gradually. Start with just changing your cleanser and give that a week or so then change your toner and watch how your skin responds with each change. Give it the time it needs to level out before you make your next change.