Fall brings cozy sweaters and festive holidays, but it also often means dry skin. As temperatures drop, many of us find our skin becoming more parched.
Unfortunately, you might be contributing to the issue without realizing it. Identifying and adjusting certain habits can significantly improve your skin's hydration during this season.
Here are six common practices that could be making your skin even drier, along with tips to stop them.
1. Spending Too Long in Hot Showers
A steamy shower feels great, especially on a cold morning. However, that lengthy soak may not be doing your skin any favors.
Your skin's natural lipids form a protective moisture barrier that keeps hydration locked in. Hot water strips these essential fats away, leading to increased dryness.
To combat this, lower your shower temperature to warm rather than hot. Additionally, try to keep your shower time short. If you struggle to finish your routine in under ten minutes, consider washing your hair at the sink instead.
After showering, apply a body and facial moisturizer immediately to help seal in the remaining moisture.
2. Rubbing Your Skin with a Towel
How do you dry off after your shower? If you're scrubbing your skin with a towel, you could be exacerbating the dryness.
The friction from rubbing damages your moisture barrier. Instead, gently pat your skin dry to avoid irritation.
3. Choosing Scented Soaps and Cleansers
Fragrant soaps might seem appealing, but they can be harsh on your skin.
Fragrances can irritate your skin and disrupt your moisture barrier, leading to increased dryness. During the cooler months, opt for unscented soaps and cleansers to help maintain your skin's hydration.
4. Not Drinking Enough Water
Your skin relies on hydration from within, and that comes from the water you consume. While there's no one-size-fits-all rule, a good guideline is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for about 75 ounces of water each day.
5. Overdoing Exfoliation
In an attempt to combat dryness, many people exfoliate more, but this can backfire. Excessive exfoliation breaks down your moisture barrier, leading to even drier skin.
During fall and winter, limit exfoliation to no more than twice a week and choose gentle exfoliants to avoid irritating your skin further.
6. Sticking to Summer Moisturizers
It's tempting to continue using your favorite lightweight moisturizer year-round, but your skin's needs change with the seasons.
As the air turns cooler and drier, switch to a richer moisturizer that offers better hydration and protection against the elements.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated This Fall
As you enjoy the fall festivities, remember to prioritize your skin's health. By eliminating these drying habits, you can ensure your skin stays soft and hydrated this season. Happy fall!
