18 Everyday Habits That Ruin Your Skin During Fall
As the weather cools down, your skin faces new challenges during the fall season. From dry air to harsh winds, certain everyday habits can cause your skin to become dry, irritated, and even break out. It’s easy to overlook how these small habits affect your skin, but making simple changes can help maintain a healthy glow. In this article, we will explore common skin mistakes to avoid during the fall. With the right skincare routine and awareness, you can keep your skin hydrated and fresh throughout the season.
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Not Moisturizing Enough
Many people tend to forget that the fall season can be just as harsh on the skin as the winter. As the weather cools down, indoor heating can strip away moisture, leaving the skin feeling dry and tight. When you don’t moisturize regularly, your skin can become flaky, irritated, and more prone to fine lines. It is essential to apply a good moisturizer in the morning and before bed to lock in hydration.
Skin that is not adequately moisturized can also develop a dull complexion. The lack of moisture can lead to more visible wrinkles and a lackluster appearance. A rich, nourishing moisturizer that suits your skin type can help restore hydration and keep your skin soft and smooth throughout the fall season.
Exposing Skin to Harsh Winds
Windy conditions during fall can severely damage your skin, especially the face, which is more exposed to the elements. The cold, dry air can strip away the skin’s natural oils, causing it to feel irritated and dry. Prolonged exposure to wind can also lead to windburn, which causes redness and sensitivity in the skin. Protecting your skin with a scarf or a gentle cream can help shield it from the harsh winds.
While enjoying outdoor activities, many forget that wind can dehydrate the skin over time. It’s essential to use a protective barrier like a hydrating balm or face oil to keep the wind from taking its toll. This simple step can help maintain healthy, moisturized skin while still allowing you to enjoy the season.
Skipping Sunscreen
Just because the sun seems less intense in the fall does not mean you can skip sunscreen. UV rays still cause damage to the skin even on cloudy days or during colder weather. Without proper protection, your skin can suffer from premature aging, dark spots, and even increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied every day, regardless of the season, to protect your skin from harmful UV exposure.
In fall, people often neglect sunscreen, thinking the cooler temperatures mean less risk. However, UV damage can still accumulate, leading to long-term issues like wrinkles and pigmentation. Even on overcast days, applying sunscreen is a necessary step to ensure your skin remains protected and healthy.
Using Harsh Skincare Products
During the fall, switching to more moisturizing and gentle skincare products is essential. Many people use the same harsh exfoliants and cleansers as in summer, which can strip the skin of essential oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even sensitivity. It’s a good idea to switch to gentler products that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier without causing damage.
When the skin is over-exfoliated or scrubbed too harshly, it can become more prone to breakouts and dryness. Choose products with mild ingredients that nourish and replenish the skin, such as hydrating cleansers or exfoliants designed for sensitive skin. This helps prevent damage while maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion throughout the fall months.
Overheating Indoor Spaces
As the temperatures drop, many people turn up the heat indoors. While it’s comfortable, it can be drying for your skin. The warm, dry air can suck moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling parched and tight. To prevent this, try to maintain a moderate temperature indoors and use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
Excessive heat can also cause irritation, especially if you already have sensitive skin. A humidifier helps create a more balanced environment that promotes hydration. Combining this with moisturizing skincare can keep your skin healthy even when the indoor air is dry.
Hot Showers and Baths
During cooler months, it’s tempting to enjoy hot showers and baths. However, exposing your skin to hot water for long periods can strip away natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Hot water also weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it more prone to redness and breakouts.
Instead, try using lukewarm water to wash your skin. After bathing, immediately apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture and help replenish the skin’s natural oils. This small change can make a big difference in preventing skin dryness and discomfort during the fall.
Not Drinking Enough Water
As the temperature drops, people tend to drink less water, which can have a negative impact on skin health. Dehydration is one of the primary causes of dull, dry skin, and it can make it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. Even though you may not feel as thirsty in the cooler months, it’s still important to stay hydrated.
Drinking water helps keep your skin plump and radiant, especially during the dry fall weather. It also aids in flushing out toxins, keeping your skin clear and healthy. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin looking its best throughout the fall season.
Not Wearing Lip Protection
Fall winds can be harsh on your lips, and without protection, they can quickly become cracked and chapped. Using a lip balm that contains SPF is crucial during this time, as the lips are often one of the first places to show signs of dehydration. Many people neglect their lips during the cooler months, leading to painful cracking and peeling.
A moisturizing lip balm can provide the hydration and protection needed to keep lips soft and smooth. Make it a habit to reapply throughout the day, especially if you spend time outdoors. This small step can prevent discomfort and help maintain healthy, hydrated lips throughout fall.
Sleeping in Makeup
While it may seem harmless, sleeping in makeup during any season can damage your skin. It blocks the pores, which leads to breakouts and dull skin. During fall, when the skin is more susceptible to dryness, makeup residue can further irritate the skin and make it harder for it to repair itself overnight.
Removing your makeup thoroughly before bed is crucial to maintaining clear, healthy skin. Using a gentle cleanser or makeup remover wipes ensures that all makeup is removed, allowing your skin to breathe and regenerate while you sleep. This simple habit can significantly improve your skin’s overall health.
Overindulging in Fall Comfort Foods
The fall season is known for its hearty meals but overindulging in comfort foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can have a negative effect on your skin. These foods can trigger inflammation, which may lead to breakouts or exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. It is essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water, rather than relying too heavily on processed or sugary foods.
The impact of these foods can show up in your skin as well. A diet high in processed ingredients can cause the skin to look dull and tired. To avoid this, aim for moderation and incorporate foods that promote healthy skin, such as those rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Wearing Tight, Non-Breathable Fabrics
Tight clothing made from non-breathable materials like polyester can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. During fall, people often wear layers and sweaters, which can create friction against the skin, causing irritation. Additionally, synthetic fabrics can make your skin feel stuffy, which disrupts its natural balance and causes dryness or rashes.
To keep your skin healthy, opt for clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, which allow your skin to breathe. This will help prevent irritation, while still keeping you warm during the colder months. Giving your skin room to breathe will help maintain its natural moisture balance and reduce the risk of breakouts.
Ignoring Allergies and Environmental Irritants
During fall, ragweed pollen and other allergens can become more prevalent, causing your skin to react negatively. Seasonal allergies can lead to redness, inflammation, and other skin issues like eczema flare-ups. Environmental irritants like dust, dry air, and smoke can also have similar effects, leading to irritated and itchy skin.
It is important to be mindful of allergies and take measures to manage symptoms. Consider using antihistamines, keeping windows closed during high pollen times, and applying soothing creams to calm the skin. A good skincare routine that addresses these triggers can help your skin stay calm and healthy throughout the season.
Not Changing Your Skincare Routine
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. Fall often brings cooler, drier air, which means you might need to switch to richer moisturizers, heavier serums, or more hydrating cleansers. Using the same routine from summer can result in dryness, irritation, and a lack of hydration, especially for those with sensitive skin.
To adapt to the fall season, consider adding products that provide extra moisture or that help to repair the skin’s natural barrier. A thicker moisturizer at night, for example, can help prevent dehydration. Adjusting your skincare routine based on the changing weather can help maintain your skin’s health and appearance.
Overheating During Workouts
While it’s tempting to heat up during a fall workout, excessive sweating in warm conditions can cause the skin to become irritated, especially if you are using products that are not sweat-resistant. When sweat mixes with makeup or oils on your skin, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Additionally, the friction from tight workout clothes can cause skin irritation and even rashes.
If you want to avoid skin issues, it is important to ensure that your workout gear is breathable and moisture-wicking. Opt for lightweight fabrics that help to keep sweat away from the skin and always remove any makeup before exercising. Afterward, be sure to cleanse your skin properly to remove sweat and dirt, helping to prevent clogged pores.
Using Harsh Chemical Hair Products
Many people forget that the products they use on their hair can also affect their skin. Harsh chemicals found in hair products can irritate the scalp, causing itching and dryness, which can extend to the face and neck. The ingredients in these products, such as sulfates and parabens, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration.
To prevent this, choose hair products that are free from strong chemicals and fragrances. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentler on both the hair and skin. By switching to milder products, you can help protect both your hair and your skin from the harsh effects of fall.
Not Properly Removing Makeup
While it might seem like a minor habit, not removing makeup properly at the end of the day can severely impact your skin. Fall, with its cooler temperatures, may tempt you to cut corners in your skincare routine, but makeup residue can clog pores and lead to acne, especially if left on overnight. Not cleansing your skin properly can also cause irritation and dryness.
To avoid these issues, it is important to fully remove makeup using a gentle cleanser. A double-cleansing routine—first using a makeup remover, followed by a mild cleanser—can ensure your skin is completely clean. This simple step can keep your skin clear and refreshed, allowing it to repair overnight.
Lack of Sleep
Fall can sometimes signal the start of a busy time, leading people to sacrifice sleep to meet their demands. Sleep is crucial for skin repair, as the body works to regenerate and replenish skin cells during the night. Without enough rest, your skin can appear dull, tired, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
To avoid this, make sleep a priority, ensuring that you get a full eight hours each night. Proper sleep helps to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and other signs of fatigue on the skin. Restful sleep provides your skin with the necessary time to regenerate and keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful.
Using Too Much Hot Styling Tools on Hair
As fall comes around, many people turn to hot styling tools like curling irons and straighteners to achieve their desired look. However, frequent use of these tools can lead to dryness and damage, not only to the hair but also to the surrounding skin. The heat can dry out the hair and cause the scalp to become irritated and flaky, which can spread to your skin.
To minimize damage, try limiting the use of hot styling tools and opt for heat-free hairstyles. If you must use them, always apply a heat-protectant spray to both your hair and scalp. This will help maintain the health of your hair while also protecting your skin from the drying effects of excessive heat.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.