Reset your skincare for fall

After months in the summer sun, your skin might be craving a little extra care. Mandy McPherson, RN, has seen and treated sun damage on skin and offered advice on procedures, product types and more that can help you reset your skincare for fall.

Sun, heat, humidity and time outdoors can leave skin dry and damaged

“Don’t get me wrong, I love time outdoors during summer, but the combination of incredibly hot weather, the humidity we just can’t see to shake during Southern summers and more time making the most of sunny days can lead to visible increases in sunspots, darkening areas of skin, pores taking on a larger appearance with trapped bacteria and new wrinkles,” said McPherson.

She noted that patients commonly come to her when the temperatures finally start to slowly drift back downward toward autumn with concerns about dark spots and new wrinkles.

Can you stop using sunscreen once the sun doesn’t feel as strong?

“Sunscreen is a must-wear all year round,” said McPherson. “No matter the season, leaving your skin unprotected can lead to damage or even skin cancer.”

She does recommend switching up your sunscreen as the weather cools and the punishing humidity starts to lessen. Prioritize hydration and vitamin C for the best results, especially if you have sun damage. McPherson noted that some brands will have products explicitly made for responding to severely dehydrated skin or lips, which can take your skin quickly from a rough, uncomfortable texture to smooth.

Are there treatments or procedures that are more effective during fall and winter?

“Because intense heat and humidity can affect your level of comfort, there are a few procedures that I would recommend in the cooler months,” said McPherson. “Laser treatments, which address skin hyperpigmentation or tightening, is best utilized in those fall and winter months.”

For best results, you need two to four weeks without much in the way of overwhelming heat and to avoid direct sunlight, as sun and heat exposure could cause white striping of the skin or cause more uncomfortable swelling and redness.

What kinds of concerns can laser treatments help with?

“Laser treatments can be really effective when addressing redness and rosacea or acne scarring,” said McPherson. “I also like to recommend them for addressing concerns about fine lines.”

Laser treatments have also been effective at helping to plump or tighten skin and promote the production of collagen to achieve a more youthful look.

Looking ahead to the holidays? Start planning your skin procedures now

“A lot of people want to look their best during all that family time around the winter holidays,” said McPherson. “However, some treatments need time to settle in.”

She recommended scheduling any Botox, laser or microneedling treatments four to six weeks before a planned event. Planning ahead now will save you stress and help support your skin.