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Fall is finally here. That means cozy sweaters, hot drinks, cooler weather, and, unfortunately, drier skin. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray encourages his patients to adapt their skincare routine to the changing seasons. Even in a state like California, where the temperatures stay consistently high year-round, the drop in humidity and winds can still affect your skin.

Learn how to maintain your summer glow all year long with these 5 doctor-approved skincare tips.

1. Maintain that Moisture

Does your skin start to feel dry and tight in the fall and winter? You may not be using enough moisturizer, or you’re using a moisturizer that isn’t doing enough for your skin. If your skin tends to dry out easily, especially in the colder months, then it may be time to update your skincare products to something more hydrating. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin for optimal hydration that last throughout the day.

2. Beware of the Dry Air

While it’s a good idea to keep your skin out of the cold air, artificial indoor heat can also cause similar damage to your skin. To help keep your skin from drying out from the central heating systems, Dr. Gray suggests his patients invest in a small bedroom humidifier to keep the air in your home from becoming too dry.

3. Avoid Hot Water

We can all collectively agree that there is nothing more pleasant than coming in from the cold to a nice hot shower or a soak in the tub. However, these activities are not great for your skin. The hotter the water, the more it will dry out your skin. But how can water be drying? Just like a sunburn, hot water causes the skin to become inflamed and disrupts the natural production of oil. To prevent this, Dr. Gray recommends turning down the heat when bathing.

4. Incorporate Illuminating & Exfoliating Treatments

If your skin is already looking dull and dry with rough textures from the summer months, it’s not too late to do something about it. Dr. Gray offers the following skincare treatments to help get your skin back on track:

• Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing: Cynosure SmartSkin provides totally customizable CO2 skin renewal technology with results that improve the skin tone, smooth texture, tighten skin, and reduce wrinkles.

5. Never Forget Your SPF

Just because the beach days are over doesn’t mean you should stop wearing sunscreen. A broad-spectrum 30 or higher SPF should be a regular part of your skincare routine all year-round, no matter what season.

Any Questions? Come Ask an Expert

Cooler weather doesn’t have to mean dry, cracked, dull skin— there’s plenty of time to get your skin back on track and stay on track with the tips listed above. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different. Some might have dry, oily, or combination skin, which is why it’s important to talk to a professional who can help you create a customized treatment plan for you.

Call us at (628) 215- 1638 or visit our website to request a consultation with Dr. Gray today!