5 Easy Tips to Manage Dry Skin in Autumn (Fall)

Combat dry skin this autumn with these simple tips.

Tips to Manage Dry Skin in Autumn.

(Photo: iStock)

Tips to Manage Dry Skin in Autumn: As autumn arrives and the air turns crisp and dry, many people find themselves struggling with dry skin. As humidity drops and temperatures cool, moisture evaporates more quickly from the skin, leaving it tight, dry, and irritated.

Dry skin is a common concern during the fall and winter months. The cold, dry air can lead to red, rough, raw, and itchy skin. This is because the water content of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, tends to reflect the level of humidity around it.

Fortunately, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to combat dry skin during autumn and winter. These tips can help individuals in all climates maintain soft, healthy skin.

5 Impressive Tips to Manage Dry Skin in Autumn

1. Stay Hydrated: As the seasons change and autumn sets in, it's essential to maintain proper hydration for healthy skin. While the cooler weather might make you crave warmer beverages, experts emphasize the importance of staying adequately hydrated by drinking water. Drinking sufficient water is vital for keeping skin cells hydrated from within. Water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and melons can also help the body retain moisture and prevent dryness-related skin problems.

2. Exfoliate Gently: With the arrival of autumn, skincare becomes essential. Skincare experts advise adjusting your exfoliation routine to suit the changing weather. While exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells and promoting better moisturizer absorption, experts caution against over-exfoliating during the fall months. Over-exfoliation can lead to further dryness and irritation, especially as the weather becomes cooler and drier. To avoid this, experts recommend limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week and opting for gentle methods. Harsh physical scrubs with large, rough particles should be avoided, as they can damage the skin. Instead, skincare experts suggest using mild chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid, which provides both exfoliation and hydration.

3. Moisturize Heavily: Your skin requires increased protection when the temperature drops. Replace your summertime lotions with heavier, thicker creams or ointments. Seek nourishing moisturizers that contain components like avocado oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter to establish a protective barrier against the dry autumn air and deliver deep hydration. Use occlusives, such as lanolin or petrolatum, to help seal in moisture if your skin is really dry.

4. Use Good Sunscreen: Contrary to popular belief, summer's end does not signal the end of sunscreen season. Experts emphasize the importance of continued sunscreen use throughout the cooler months, citing the ongoing presence of UV rays and their contribution to skin damage and premature aging. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, even on cloudy days. This will help protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays and prevent moisture loss by shielding the skin's outer layer.

5. Use a Mild Cleanser: As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. With the cooler, drier months of fall approaching, it's time to swap out your summer cleanser for a more hydrating option. Harsh cleansers that work well for the warmer months can be too drying for the delicate balance of fall skin. Experts recommend switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Cream-based or oil-based cleansers are ideal for this season as they effectively cleanse without over-drying. Look for cleansers that are free from harsh sulfates, alcohol, and fragrances, which can further dry out your skin.

(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight).