Can You Prevent Dry Skin? 4 Expert Tips for Chilly Days Ahead

Fall has officially arrived: The air is crisp, suede boots have made their way back into rotation, and soon our glowing summer complexions will give way to irritable, dry skin. Thankfully, the latter seasonal side effect is entirely avoidable, says New York City dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., who suggests that a few simple preventative measures will make all the difference in how you look and feel between the moment the leaves start falling to spring’s first bloom.

Before the first signs of epidermal discomfort take hold, one of the easiest ways to arm yourself is to invest in a humidifier for your bedroom, says Bowe. “Increasing the moisture in the air will help prevent your skin from drying out.” She suggests using it every night (even while it’s still semi-warm outside) for best results, to rehydrate your skin for the days ahead.

Next, make some revisions on your skincare routine. Dedicating a few minutes to exfoliation twice a week will give you a leg up when the humidity drops below your comfort level. “When skin gets dry, dead skin cells pile up, making it impossible for any moisturizer to penetrate,” says Bowe. This biweekly ritual will prep the surface of your skin for fall’s richer creams.

“Fall is all about layering—in clothing and in skincare,” says Bowe. A hyaluronic acid serum or a formula packed with antioxidants followed by a rich moisturizer or oil (fragrance-free are the least irritating) will help plump and brighten your skin for the long haul. To seal in the hydration, Bowe recommends patting your face with a micellar water, like Simple’s cleansing water to pack in extra moisture before bed. And come morning, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Finally, for the from-within glow, bolster your diet with items like sardines, olive oil, flax seeds, and avocados that are rich in omega-3s and fatty acids to help replace natural fats lost in cold weather. Avoiding ingredients like refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, dried fruit) and dairy will further stave off inflammation, and thus dryness.

Winter is coming, but these eight products will ensure your skin doesn’t have to know.

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