Fall is finally here! If you’re noticing some changes in your skin’s moisture level and dark spots that just won’t budge, you’re not alone.
We spoke with renowned board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, about common skin concerns as the season transitions from summer to fall and the best ways to address them. Read on for Dr. Garshick’s tips for healthy-looking and feeling skin and lips this season.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Skin Concerns That You Hear From Your Patients As The Weather Changes From Summer To Fall?
“As the weather changes from summer to fall, some common skin concerns include increased dryness and dullness of the skin as well as concern about post-summer sun damage, including dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In some cases, those who already have dry skin may notice their skin becoming drier, while others may find that their skin is oily in the summer and dry in the fall and winter.”
What Are Your Favorite In-Office Procedures That Help Revive And Support Skin Transitioning From Summer Into Fall?
“There are several in-office treatments that can be especially helpful to address unwanted hyperpigmentation and UV damage including devices such as lasers and light-based devices, including resurfacing lasers including fractional resurfacing lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices.
Another great option to help the skin during the summer to fall transition are chemical peels as these not only help to lighten dark spots and discoloration, but also help to eliminate a build up of dead skin cells to gently exfoliate the skin and improve overall radiance.”
What Are The Benefits Of Using RescueMD DNA Repair Complex Pre And Post Procedure?
“I love using DNA Repair Complex as a post-procedure serum to support skin recovery and reduce downtime. The soothing formula helps to resolve visible inflammation and support healthy cellular structures within skin as it recovers and renews with patented Lapachol and ingredients like allantoin and glycerin to help hydrate the skin. It is also important to care of the skin prior to a procedure to help best prepare the skin for the procedure as a way to maximize results and minimize downtime.”
Do You Recommend Making Any Swaps In Their Current Summer Skincare Regimen As They Head Into Fall?
“While the foundation of a skincare routine, including a cleanser, moisturizer, serum and sunscreen may be consistent throughout summer and fall, in some cases it may be best to swap the specific product. For example, someone with oily skin may opt for a foaming cleanser in the summer months but switch to a hydrating cleanser in the fall and winter. Similarly, some patients prefer a lightweight moisturizing lotion in the summer, but may require a thicker moisturizing cream or ointment in the fall or winter months. That said, not all products need to be changed, so if the products and routine you are using are working for you and your skin it is okay to stick to the same routine.”
What Are Must-Have Products To Include In Your Summer-To-Fall Skincare Regimen And Why Do You Recommend Them?
"Cleanser: In the fall and winter months, it is best to look for a cleanser that contains key ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture and ceramides to help support the skin barrier. Generally hydrating or cream-based cleansers are preferred for the fall and winter months as they work to nourish the skin.
*In a dermatologist-led clinical study, DNA Repair Complex was clinically proven to boost radiance in 100% of subjects observed for improvement.
Serum: Stick with gentle but effective serums like RescueMD DNA Repair Complex. I recommend this serum because it is super gentle, won’t clog pores and provides essential hydration, making it especially good in the fall and winter months as it won’t dry out the skin. It also contains antioxidants to soothe and protect skin while collaxyl peptides stimulate collagen production. It's proprietary ingredient, lapachol, helps to fade unwanted pigmentation, scarring, and UV damage making it especially great during the transition from summer to fall.
Lip Treatment: Remember to care for the lips using RescueMD Restorative Lip Treatment. Incorporating hydrating ingredients, this lip treatment helps to plump the lips and also uses soothing antioxidants that soften the lips and provide relief for chapped and dehydrated lips. Lapachol helps to improve the appearance of UV damage and even the tone of delicate lip tissue. The addition of peptides also helps with collagen production within lip tissue to increase volume and fullness over time.
Restorative Lip Treatment User before application and immediately after application.
SPF: In general, the best sunscreen is the one that you will use, and this goes for the fall and the winter months too. Sunscreen is still important as we transition to fall, but the one you prefer may differ in the summer versus the winter months. In general, for those with dry sensitive skin, I recommend a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these tend to be less irritating on the skin when compared to chemical sunscreens. In the fall and winter, it may also be helpful to find a sunscreen formulation that is also hydrating and soothing on the skin to minimize irritation and inflammation.
Moisturizer: A heavier moisturizer is preferred in the winter months to help trap moisture in. Because the skin tends to dry out in the fall and winter, it is important to not just use products that help to draw moisture in, like hydrating serums like the RescueMD DNA Repair Complex, but also to use products that help to support the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and helping to keep moisture in.
Retinoid/Retinol or AHA/BHA: Retinoids/retinols and AHAs/BHAs are a great option when transitioning from summer to fall as they help to brighten the skin and boost the skin’s radiance. Retinoids work to regulate skin cell turnover and help to prevent breakouts, while AHAs/BHAs help to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells, helping to improve overall tone and texture of the skin. While these ingredients and products can be used in the fall and winter months, it is important to not use too much or too often as this can lead to dryness and irritation of the skin. If the skin begins to feel dry, it is best to skip one or two days to allow the skin to recover.”
Meet Dr. Marisa Garshick
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine. Stay up to date with Dr. Garshick and MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center on Instagram. Visit MDCS’s website to learn more or to book an appointment with Dr. Garshick in New York City or Englewood, NJ.
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