A good skincare routine should not remain static throughout the year. Each season brings new elements that can affect our skin. In summer that might mean more sun exposure and in fall and winter, it usually means colder, drier air.

Figuring out what your skin needs and changing up your routine each season can seem intimidating. Especially with all the creams and lotions and serums marketed at us each day. In reality though, skin care can be much simpler to navigate if you just focus on the key elements.

At Beauty Obsession Salon and Spa, our team of skin experts have decades of combined experience working with all skin types in all kinds of weather. Here are our top tips and advice on keeping your skin healthy and glowing as the season changes and the weather gets colder.

Understand How the Weather Affects Your Skin

To start, it can help to understand a bit of the science behind why our skin changes so much come fall and winter.

First, there are the colder temperatures. Whether your skin falls on the oily or dry side, as temperatures drop, we all tend to produce less oil. OIl glands are designed to cut production when exposed to colder air. With less oil, our skin is more prone to water loss leading to dry, dehydrated skin.

Second, there is the issue of low humidity levels, especially indoors. While your home may feel nice and toasty, the lack of moisture is doing serious damage to your skin. Indoor heaters suck moisture out of the air – which is why you might use a humidifier during the colder months. The same thing is happening to our skin. Moisture is being pulled out leaving the skin dry and parched.

Finally, if we are exposed to the cold, dry air for long enough our skin jumps into overdrive to compensate. Oil production is increased but this only adds oil, not actual water hydration, the lack of which is the real issue. The final result – your skin is likely to feel tight and look dull all fall and winter long.

Here is how to help.

Moisturize and Hydrate

To stay healthy and glowy, your skin needs both oil and water – which means hydrating and moisturizing. Thankfully most products combine these two goals into their ingredient list.

Look for products that mention hydration or moisturizing. Some brands have developed special formulations specifically for the colder, drier months. While you might avoid facial oils in the summer if you have oily skin, in winter and fall you might be able to incorporate them into your routine.

Keep Wearing SPF

Whatever you do, don’t stop wearing sunscreen! A lot of people feel like with less sun and drier, tighter skin, it’s ok to skip on the SPF. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sun damage can occur anytime you are outside or even near a window. Even on a cloudy day, sun rays are bouncing around and landing on your face. A sunburn is just going to exasperate the already dry and parched nature of autumn and winter skin. Avoid the issue by always applying sunscreen – everyday!

Consider Professional Treatments and Facials

Getting a facial or professional skin treatment is not just about relaxing. It is in fact one of the best ways to target and address seasonal skin issues.

While you might spend weeks figuring out your fall and winter skincare routine, a trained and certified esthetician will be able to much more quickly identify and address your skin issues.

At Beauty Obsession Salon and Spa, our certified specialists are trained in all skin types and conditions. We offer a number of luxurious, moisturizing, and hydrating facial options including a 24-karat gold facial, an acne deep pore facial, a microdermabrasion facial, and many more.

Stop by our South Brooklyn based spa for a free consultation or to book your preferred fall treatment.