The leaves are changing, football season is well underway and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are flowing in abundance. That could only mean one thing – Fall is here. As the weather begins to change we need to take better care of our skin. Regardless of skin type there are certain things we can all do to keep our skin healthy.
We recently connected with expert dermatologist Dr. Terrence Keaney to clear up a few common skincare myths.
- Fall weather doesn’t affect my skin as much as summer weather.
As you think about fall skincare, one of the biggest factors that affects skin is the decrease in temperature and humidity. In the summer you might not need to moisturize as much, but the cold weather is very drying so you’ll need to supplement your skin with a moisturizer. When choosing a body wash or facial moisturizer for the fall months, avoid products that contain strong chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, which can be overly drying. If you typically use an acne product that contains these ingredients, it may be a good idea to dial back on use in the winter, since they can cause skin to be red and irritated.
- I don’t need to use sun protection in the fall.
Just because it isn’t summer anymore doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for thinking about sun protection. Fall is still full of sun exposure, and sun damage is the number one aging accelerator. To keep your skin looking young and healthy, use a moisturizer with SPF to protect against harmful sun damage – I would recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen that SPF 30 or greater.
- I’ve got a beard so I don’t need to moisturize my face.
Whether you’re growing back that beard you shaved for summer, or keeping up your year round facial hair, it’s important to use a facial moisturizer. Not a lot of guys realize that part of beard maintenance includes taking care of the skin under your beard. Thick lotions can get caught in facial hair, so using beard oil or hydrating serum is the preferred option.
- I should use the same deodorant all year long, no matter what season.
With the temperature dropping, you might not be sweating as much as the warmer months, so you could get away with swapping your strong summer antiperspirant for a lighter deodorant. However, a lot of guys forget that they still sweat between the layers caused by drastic temperature changes going from outside to inside, and back outside. If you’re wearing a heavy wool sweater or another fabric that doesn’t breathe, consider using a strong but gentle antiperspirant like Dove Men + Care Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant Solid to keep you dry.
- Body washes are more effective at cleansing than bar soap.
Bar soaps are just as effective as body wash, and many guys may just have a simple preference for one over the other. Body washes are good for more robust lathering and oftentimes have stronger fragrances, which some guys like as an alternative to using a cologne. However some men can’t tolerate strong fragrances, so bars with a lighter fragrance are better option.
- Bar soap is bad for my skin.
There is a big misconception about bar soaps. People think they’re dirty and foster germs but there are no reputable studies that say there’s more bacteria growing on bars. However, there are some brands of soap that can be harmful to skin, if they contain harsh, aggressive cleansing ingredients that strip skin of natural oils and lipids. I recommend a bar with moisture built in, like the Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Body & Face Bar, which has a mild formula that contains Dove’s signature ¼ moisturizing cream to replenish moisture in the skin’s outer surface layer.
- The change in seasons doesn’t affect my hair.
Cooler temperatures can bring adverse effects to hair as well. Similar to your skin, hair is composed of a similar keratin protein, which can get dehydrated and become fragile if not cared for correctly. A hydrating and moisturizing shampoo like Dove Men+Care Complete Care Fortifying 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner can prevent breakage if you’re growing out your hair and can help keep your hair’s summer luster.
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