As the leaves change and temperatures drop, our skin often faces unique challenges during fall and winter. The shift in weather can lead to dryness, irritation, and various skin concerns that may catch us off guard.

Consider this your official guide to navigating some of the most common skin issues that arise during the cold months! Whether you're battling sun damage or hyperpigmentation, dull, dehydrated skin, hand dermatitis, chapped lips or breakouts—we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to keep your skin looking its best all season long.

Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation

Treating sun damage and hyperpigmentation in the fall involves a combination of skincare practices and preventive measures. Here are some effective tips…

1. Gentle Exfoliation: To improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, use chemical exfoliants like AHAs to help slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Try adding a gentle exfoliating serum like The Multitasker to your nightly routine, made with 15% fruit acids. You can also incorporate a 5% glycolic acid solution, like these Joah Daily Peel Pads.
2. Vitamin C Serum: Incorporate a vitamin C serum, like The Fresh Start Face Oil, into your daily routine to brighten your skin and help reduce dark spots. Even better? It also provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
3. Sunscreen: Even in the fall, it's crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Aim for at least SPF 30. Besides preventing melanoma, sunscreen is a must if you want to reduce hyperpigmentation. While it’s not an ingredient that actually fades sun damage, it prevents further damage and allows your skin to tolerate many of the above ingredients, without causing more hyperpigmentation issues.
4. Targeted Treatments: Consider products containing ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, or retinoids, which can help fade dark spots over time. These powerhouse ingredients can be found in The Multitasker Night Serum and The No Regrets Eye Cream.
5. Professional Treatments: If at-home treatments aren’t enough, consult a dermatologist for options like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling—which can effectively address sun damage and pigmentation issues.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support skin health from the inside out. Hydration helps maintain the skin's elasticity and overall health, making it more resilient to damage and irritation, which can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. Plus, proper hydration supports the body's natural processes, including skin cell turnover. This can help in fading dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone.

Read More: How to Treat & Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Dull & Dehydrated Skin

Treating dull and dehydrated skin involves a combination of hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation. Here are some effective tips…

1. Hydrating Cleansers: Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides, like in The Good Day Face Cleanser. Ceramides are lipids in your skin’s barrier. These fat molecules help your skin retain moisture, allowing it to function properly. And FYI, your skin barrier needs to be super healthy because it helps to protect your skin from harsh environmental conditions, pollution and irritants.
2. Exfoliation: Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your routine one to two times a week. Use chemical exfoliants, like AHAs or BHAs, to remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter complexion.
3. Hydrating Serums: Consider using a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, like in The Go-Getter Day Serum. Also known as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid (or HA for short) is a polysaccharide that naturally occurs in our body’s tissues. Its claim to fame? Hydration, stability and lubrication, aka it makes your skin feel and appear dewy, plump and healthy.
4. Facial Oils: Adding a facial oil can help seal in moisture and provide a radiant glow. Look for oils like grapeseed, squalane, or rosehip, found in The Fresh Start Face Oil.
5. Masks: Use hydrating masks once or twice a week for an extra boost. Look for masks containing aloe vera, honey, or avocado.
6. Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture levels in the air, especially during dry, cooler months.
7. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in water content, like fruits and vegetables, to support your skin's hydration from the inside.
8. Limit Hot Showers: Avoid scalding hot showers, which can strip your skin of moisture. Opt for lukewarm water instead. If you struggle with dry skin on your body, try applying a body oil to damp skin after getting out of the shower.

Read More: Here’s the Single Best Ingredient for Your Skin Concern

Hand Dermatitis

Treating hand dermatitis in the fall and winter requires a combination of protective measures and effective treatments. Here are some helpful tips…

1. Gentle Cleansing & Limited Handwashing: Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap for handwashing. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip your skin of natural oils. Keep in mind, while it's important to wash your hands, excessive washing can worsen dermatitis. Use a hypochlorous acid spray like this one instead to reduce the need for washing.
2. Use Gloves & Moisturizer: Try adding a thick layer of moisturizer or Cerave Healing Ointment to your hands at night and apply a clean pair of white cotton gloves. This will help repair and restore your skin barrier at night while you sleep.
3. Humidify Your Environment: Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent skin from becoming overly dry.
4. Avoid Hot Water: Use lukewarm water for handwashing, as hot water can strip moisture from the skin.

Read More: How to Transition Your Skincare with the Fall Season

Dry, Chapped Lips & Angular Cheilitis

Treating chapped lips and angular cheilitis requires a combination of moisturizing, healing, and preventing further irritation. Here are effective strategies for both…

Chapped Lips

1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside out.
2. Use Lip Balm: Apply a moisturizing lip balm regularly, preferably one containing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin. Avoid products with irritants like menthol or strong fragrances.
3. Exfoliate Gently: Occasionally exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a homemade sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells.
4. Avoid Licking Your Lips: Saliva can dry out your lips further, so try to resist the urge to lick them.
5. Protect Against Weather: In cold or windy conditions, cover your lips with a scarf and use a balm with SPF in sunny weather.
6. Humidifier: Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air, especially in dry winter months.

Angular Cheilitis

1. Keep the Area Dry: Gently pat the corners of your mouth dry after eating or drinking to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Moisturize: Apply a healing ointment or barrier cream to the affected areas, such as petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide cream.
3. Topical Treatments: Use over-the-counter antifungal creams if you suspect a fungal infection. If bacterial, a topical antibiotic may be necessary. Sometimes mixing a polysporin and anti-fungal cream together and applying at night for three to five nights can be helpful. If you see no improvement after five days, consult your dermatologist.
4. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from products that may irritate the area, including certain lip balms or toothpaste with strong flavors, especially strong mints and cinnamon.
5. Nutritional Support: Ensure you're getting enough vitamins, particularly B vitamins and iron, which can help prevent recurrence.
6. Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, see a dermatologist or healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options.

Read More: The 6 Best Lip Balms to Keep Your Dry, Chapped Lips Moisturized All Winter Long

Breakouts

Breakouts often flare up in the fall due to heavier, moisturizing skincare products, leading to clogged pores and blemishes. Not only that, improving breakouts in the cooler months can be challenging due to changes in temperature and humidity. Here are some effective tips to help manage and reduce breakouts this fall and winter…

1. Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Also, be sure to avoid harsh soaps that can irritate your skin.
2. Moisturize Wisely: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to maintain hydration without clogging pores. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help without being too heavy!
3. Exfoliate Regularly: Incorporate gentle exfoliation one to two times a week using chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) to help clear dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
4. Targeted Treatments: Use spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to target breakouts directly. Apply them to affected areas as needed.
5. Avoid Heavy Makeup: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup products. Consider mineral foundations that are less likely to irritate your skin.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support skin health from within.
7. Limit Hot Showers: Scalding hot water can dry out your skin, leading to irritation and potential breakouts. Use lukewarm water instead.
8. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to a regular skincare routine to keep your complexion balanced. Avoid switching products too frequently, as this can cause irritation.
9. Consult a Dermatologist: If breakouts persist or worsen, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized treatment options, which may include prescription medications or professional treatments.

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