There are plenty of autumn hallmarks—football, holidays on the horizon, and of course, pumpkin spice everything. Our changing social calendars can be so consuming that we forget about the part of the season mother nature is responsible for: the actual weather changing. Along with the new nip in the air comes a shift in the way your skin responds to the air, so here are a few tips from our providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to help your skin manage the transition.

1. Moisturize…the right way.

Summer air has plenty of humidity, but with the fall comes drier air, which in turn can dry out your skin, so moisturizing will be key for the next several months. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your hydration:

• Choose the right moisturizer based on your skin type and the other concerns you have (e.g., aging, acne, etc.).
• Hydrate from the outside as well as the inside by drinking plenty of water.
• Consider switching to a heavier moisturizer than the one you used during the summer.
• Avoid long, hot showers, as this can lead to dry skin.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your hands to lock in the moisture.
• Wear gloves when you use cleaning products or wash dishes.

2. Exfoliate regularly.

Getting rid of dry, flaky skin can restore that bright glow you enjoyed during the warmer months, so try an exfoliation product. Most people should exfoliate between one and three times per week, though it varies based on your individual needs, so ask one of our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants or licensed estheticians for their recommendation.

3. Be cautious about the material in your scarves.

Your skin may react differently to various types of fabric, so keep an eye on whether your neck or chest becomes irritated after you wear certain scarves and avoid that type of fabric in the future.

4. Don’t lock away your sunscreen.

The need for sun protection may be more obvious during the summer when we can feel the sun’s heat every day, but the ultraviolet rays can do just as much damage (medically and aesthetically) during the fall, so continue to include sunscreen as part of your daily routine.

5. Have lip balm accessible.

As with the rest of your skin, lips can be dried out by the cooling air, so always have lip balm ready for use. Just like moisturizer, lip balm is most successful when it can lock in existing moisture, so apply it as soon as you get out of the shower and remember to re-apply as needed.

6. Consider a moisturizing cleanser.

With the summer humidity, many people with oily or acne-prone skin tend to opt for stronger cleansers during the warmer months. But as fall moves in, these cleansers often prove to be overly harsh, depleting your skin of the minimal moisture it already has. Try switching to a gentler moisturizing cleanser for the next few months instead.

7. Take advantage of the perfect season for laser treatments.

Before and after any laser treatment (whether it’s laser hair removal, fractionated laser skin resurfacing, or one of the many other options we offer) it’s important to avoid sun exposure because it increases the risk of side effects. To make this precaution easier and more convenient, most patients prefer to have their cosmetic laser treatments performed during the fall and/or winter.

These tips can help you get started with updating your skin care routine, but remember, every person’s skin is unique and it responds to the weather in its own way, so it’s important to seek the guidance of a specialized professional like our medical staff. If you want to discuss your unique dermatology needs, schedule a consultation with us. Or, for more great skin care tips, the latest in dermatology news, and to stay up-to-date on all of our monthly specials and upcoming events, follow Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.