Here in Northeast Ohio, the weather is starting to take its annual tumble from hot and humid to cold and blustery—a switch your skin has likely noticed. No, you’re not imagining it. Your skin, which is your body’s largest organ, is more susceptible to seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity because it’s more exposed than any of your other organs. It might start to look and feel drier, rougher, and duller. Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and others may flare up because of these seasonal changes too. In fact, seasonal changes can be so harsh on the skin, that the American Academy of Dermatology has declared November National Healthy Skin Month to draw attention to the fact that we all need to adapt our skincare routines as the seasons change. So, if you’re feeling these seasonal skin discomforts, take heart and change up your fall skincare routine to bolster and rejuvenate skin barrier protections against winter’s worst.
So, why do so many people struggle with skin problems as the seasons change from summer to fall, and from fall into winter?
These weather and environmental changes can cause numerous uncomfortable skin problems:
Shorter days, cooler temperatures, and dry indoor heating can sap the skin barrier of moisture, leaving the skin looking dull instead of radiant.
“Dryness is perhaps the most common issue,” explains Mahoney, “The combination of cold air and low humidity strips moisture from the skin’s surface. This can lead to rough patches and flakiness.” Indoor heating especially strips moisture away from the skin, so it’s important to replace it.
As with dullness and dryness, the seasonal changes in indoor and outdoor air humidity and temperature can exacerbate existing pigmentation concerns and expand rough patches on the skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you probably cringe at the change of any season, knowing that your skin will go through an unpleasant transition. You are not alone, especially here in Northeast Ohio!
“Many people experience increased sensitivity due to the harsh conditions of the Cleveland winters,” says Mahoney. “This can result in redness and irritation, making it important to adopt a gentle skincare routine.”
Whenever the weather changes, your skin barrier can be compromised by a lack of moisture or sharp temperature changes common here in the fall and winter.
Excessive dryness can cause dead skin cells to accumulate, leaving patches of rough, flaky skin. This can be an especially difficult season for people struggling with psoriasis for that reason.
“Chapped lips are another common problem,” says Mahoney. “The lips lack oil glands and are particularly susceptible to dryness and cracking.” The combination of cool, dry air and indoor heating can strip your lips of moisture, just like the rest of your skin.
People with eczema have a more tenuous skin barrier than people who don’t, so they are more sensitive to these seasonal changes. They may experience more frequent flare-ups in response to colder, dryer conditions.
When your skin is dry, it can also start to itch. Many people complain of dry and itchy skin in the same breath, especially on areas often exposed to the air, like the hands and the face.
You’d think drier air would help with acne, but many people discover that just the opposite is the case. As Mahoney explains, “As people shift from lighter summer skincare routines to heavier moisturizers or makeup, clogged pores and breakouts can become more common.”
If you’ve ever wondered why dark circles seem more pronounced as the weather gets colder, there is a reason! The cooler months can cause a lack of circulation to exposed skin, especially on the face. This is why you may see more pronounced dark circles under the eyes in colder weather.
Not only do the residual effects of summer sun exposure remain well after fall temperatures start to dip, but issues like hyperpigmentation can become more pronounced as the skin dries out and becomes more irritated during the fall transition. And as Mahoney reminds us, “Even low fall and winter levels of UV exposure can contribute to skin aging, pigmentation issues, and increase the risk of skin cancer.” That means you should continue using sunscreen, even through the winter.
All of these common fall skin problems can be disheartening, but there is a lot you can do to take control of your skin health right now to ensure that your skin remains fresh, radiant, and ready for the holidays. Enter Healthy Skin Month…
The American Academy of Dermatology first proclaimed November as Healthy Skin Month back in 1997. Here at Apex Skin, we heartily participate by encouraging everyone to level up their skincare game to advance their skin health while avoiding anything that could harm this critical, protective organ. The timing was not coincidental, by the way:
Establishing and following a healthy skincare regimen is important any time of year, of course, but because cooler, dryer air can tax your protective skin barrier, it’s critical to rejuvenate skin health with the right routine and skin treatments.
The following tips are essential for helping bolster your skin barrier and helping you rejuvenate dull, dry skin into fresh, vibrant, smooth skin. Start now and continue these tips throughout the winter:
Protect your skin’s protective barrier by generously hydrating with good moisturizers from head to toe in the cooler months. We recommend using richer moisturizers than you use in the summer. Look for moisturizers with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. Apply a richer night cream overnight and use a hydrating serum or mist during the day to keep the skin hydrated. If you can’t find a moisturizer you like, talk to your dermatology provider for a personalized recommendation that fits your skin type. “An in-depth consultation is a great way for us to figure out what products will be best for you in the winter,” says Mahoney.
Using a gentle exfoliation scrub once or twice a week is a good way to remove dead skin and allow moisturizers to penetrate more deeply to rejuvenate skin texture and hydration levels, but be careful: “Physical exfoliation, while providing immediate surface smoothing, can sometimes be too harsh, especially on sensitive skin,” explains Mahoney. “And it may not deliver long-lasting benefits.”
She recommends strategically balancing your exfoliation routine in the fall with gentle chemical exfoliants. “Exfoliation is crucial for maintaining radiant skin,” says Mahoney, “But the method you choose can make a significant difference. Chemical exfoliation utilizes acids (like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid) that dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover without the abrasive action of scrubs. Chemical exfoliation is generally more effective for deeper skin concerns, such as uneven texture or pigmentation. This minimizes the risk of micro-tears from physical exfoliant scrubs that can lead to irritation.”
Add a good brightening serum to your fall skincare routine because it can refresh and add luster to dull winter skin. Brightening serums help lighten the complexion by evening out melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation by increasing skin cell turnover. This sweeps away the dead skin cells that cause dullness. A good serum should contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and arbutin, which will increase hydration and vibrance as well.
“The skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental stressors,” explains Mahoney. “Cold temperatures, combined with indoor heating, can compromise this barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and dryness. Repairing the skin barrier is crucial in colder months to prevent issues such as eczema flare-ups and overall irritation. Use products rich in ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and antioxidants to restore the barrier’s function, allowing it to better retain moisture and defend against harsh conditions. A well-functioning skin barrier also ensures that other skincare products can penetrate effectively, enhancing their benefits. The skin barrier is important to maintain throughout the year, but especially crucial to maintain in the winter when the harsh Cleveland weather is constantly working against it.” She also stresses the importance of avoiding products containing alcohol or other harsh and unnecessary chemicals like fragrances or colors that might strip the skin barrier.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, 365 days a year. Do not take a winter vacation from your sunscreen. “UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces like snow, making it essential to wear sunscreen year-round,” says Mahoney. “I personally use a tinted SPF from SkinMedica that I love, and we have numerous SPF options that will help protect you all year round. I recommend scheduling a consultation to determine which one is best for your goals.”
Mahoney wants to also warn everyone about what to remove from your daily skincare routine. “As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to avoid common skincare pitfalls,” says Mahoney.
Once you’ve incorporated these cold-weather skincare tips, you should start seeing the results with fresher, softer, smoother skin. But that isn’t all you can do to rejuvenate skin. If you want to wow your friends and family at the next big holiday gathering, Apex Skin provides many aesthetic services. These can remove years, scars, and dullness while noticeably amplifying your natural radiance:
Botox and fillers each smooth fine lines and add volume for a youthful appearance. “Botox and dermal fillers provide quick, effective solutions for those looking to enhance their appearance before holiday events,” says Mahoney. “Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, particularly in the forehead and around the eyes. Results are typically visible within a few days, giving a smoother, more youthful look. Fillers, on the other hand, can restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks or lips, creating a plumper and more youthful appearance almost immediately. I like to do both Botox or filler treatments at least two weeks before any big holiday events.”
Chemical Peels come in several different options that remove deeper layers of dry, dull skin to reveal the fresher skin underneath. “Chemical peels use varying strengths of acids to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin underneath,” explains Mahoney. “Depending on the type of peel, recovery times can vary, but many peels offer quick results with minimal downtime, making them an excellent option for immediate skin renewal before festive gatherings.”
Microneedling stimulates collagen production for smoother, firmer, more radiant skin. “Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can enhance skin texture and firmness,” says Mahoney. “Results can be seen within a few weeks, making it ideal for holiday preparations.” Just be sure to schedule these treatments early if you want visible results before the holidays.
Our Laser Treatments can reduce pigmentation and redness while refining skin texture. Different laser wavelengths can reduce acne scarring, smooth wrinkles, and help remove sun damage.
Dermaplaning immediately improves smoothness and facial glow. “Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation method that removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz for a smoother complexion,” explains Mahoney. “It can be safely done every 4 to 6 weeks, allowing the skin to regenerate without over-exfoliation.
Exion is a revolutionary device that can remove aging and sagging, lifting and tightening up to 23 different parts of the body, including the arms, neck, face, and abdominal area using radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies.
CryoClear treats age spots and skin tags for an even complexion by using cold CO2 to freeze off unwanted lesions.
DiamondGlow (Dermalinfusion) deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses skin with nourishing serums for a supreme facial glow-up. Timing is important as Mahoney urges: “DiamondGlow, a non-invasive facial treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion of serums, can also be done every 4 to 6 weeks for ongoing hydration and radiance. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining a luminous glow during the holiday season.”
If your skin hasn’t started changing with the seasons, don’t wait until later to update your skin barrier-protecting fall skincare routine. Start now! Being consistent and starting well before the holidays will give you and your dermatology provider time to discover the best products and treatments that will work for your skin type while also giving treatments time to work their radiating, smoothing, and toning magic properly.
“To extend the benefits of treatments received before the holidays, patients should maintain a consistent skincare regimen,” urges Mahoney. She reiterates her big cold weather skin care tips:
And as always, “Schedule regular follow-ups with your skincare professionals at Apex,” says Mahoney. “We can adjust routines based on your skin’s response and needs.” If you like to get help from Eva Mohoney, you can schedule an appointment with her in our Concord Office, or meet with a provider closer to you. Just remember: Stay consistent and treat your skin well every day throughout November’s Healthy Skin Month, and throughout the winter to keep looking and feeling your best!