Fall is considered by many to be a wonderful and magical time of the year. The weather begins to cool, the leaves begin to change and the air begins to smell of pumpkin and spices. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year when skin problems sometimes pop up in horrifying abundance.
Any change in weather and temperature can wreak havoc on our skin–if we are unprepared for these changes. The wisest thing we can do to help our skin transition smoothly into the fall season ensures that our skincare routine will also transition, providing our skin with what it needs to combat cooler, drier weather. Following are five skin problems that often happen in the fall, and what you can do about them:
1. Dry skin. Colder temperatures often lead to drier skin, especially if we turn on the heater in our office or home and dry out the air in these places. Fortunately, dry skin can usually be handled quite easily by using thicker moisturizers. Try to find ones that are specifically formulated for dry skin and that can be applied several times a day.
2. Eczema. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from even a mild case of eczema, you are probably aware of the fact that cooler fall temperatures can cause your eczema to flare. Some may find that thicker moisturizers help with this, but it’s always important to speak with Dr. Verdiales to find out how best to treat this condition.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis. Commonly known as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis can appear on the scalp, in your eyebrows and even on your face. While specialized shampoos, stress management, and nutritional handlings can help with seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to consult with Dr. Verdiales to find out what treatment will work best for you.
4. Rosacea. Rosacea can flare when an individual moves back and forth between cooler outdoor temperatures and warmer indoor temperatures. Sunscreen can help to control rosacea, and some skin care experts even recommend using skincare products that contain coffee or cherry extracts.
5. Keratosis pilaris. While keratosis pilaris is harmless and not usually itchy or uncomfortable, it can show up as patches of raised skin on your arms. It usually appears more frequently when you wear more clothing, as occurs in the fall. Wearing loose, breathable fabrics and exfoliating regularly can help.
