It’s fall, y’all! Here’s how to transition your skincare from summer to fall

As we transition from summer to the fall season, we will soon experience the leaves changing colors, the holidays, cooler temperatures and dry air. Along with these changes, it’s essential to update our skincare. Dr. Ida Orengo, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, shares tips on how we can transition our skincare from summer to fall and a healthy skin routine that is best to use year-round.

“In the fall, there’s a lot less humidity in the air, so you’re going to have to change your skincare a little bit,” Orengo said. “You’re not going to want to use products with ingredients that can dry your skin out.”

First, Orengo says to get rid of harsh soaps. Transition to using soaps that have more moisture in them and can help replenish the oils that might be missing from our skin.

“Also, take lukewarm showers and use soap that has moisturizer in it,” she said.

Second, continue to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. We won’t get as much sun in the fall season due to the change from daylight saving time, but the sun during the middle of the day, the hottest time of day, can still be intense.

“A lot of people will switch from using sunscreens with drying ingredients like gels and sprays to ones that contain more creamy lotion,” Orengo said.

Don’t forget about your lips! If your lips are dry due to the air outside, don’t lick them.

“A lot of people make the mistake of licking their lips thinking that they are hydrating them, but in reality, they are drying out their lips even more,” Orengo said. “Use a moisturizing ointment or cream during the drier and cooler months.”

For a good skincare routine to have year-round, Orengo recommends:

• Washing your skin at least once a day with a lukewarm shower (extremely hot showers can strip your skin of essential oils).
• Using a moisturizing soap.
• Moisturizing your skin when you get out of the shower.
• Drinking lots of water.
• Eating fruits and vegetables.

“The antioxidants are great at keeping your skin healthy. The omega-3 fatty acids are really great, too,” said Orengo.

Learn more about Baylor Medicine Dermatology.

By Taylor Barnes