Thank you, Daylight Savings, for seemingly doing the opposite of saving any daylight. As the days get shorter and colder, and our summer tans have long since faded away – it’s easy to want to hibernate until spring returns. Especially when your skin starts drying out and playing tricks on you. To help ease the transition, I consulted leading cosmetic dermatologist and creator of MirSkin,Tabasum Mir, MD – on why this happens and how to fix it.
Click below to learn Dr. Mir’s expert tips on how to face the winter.
Natty Style: Why do I always break out at the beginning of fall?
Dr. Tabasum Mir: Generally whenever there is a change in temperature and humidity, it can cause skin to freak out. While it’s more common to break out when summer starts, you can still see breakout in fall for the same reasons: change in temperature and change in humidity.
NS: How can my skin be dry and break out at the same time?
TM: With chilly temps outside and blasting heat inside, it’s a perfect storm to suck moisture out of your skin. People assume that breakouts are caused by oily skin, however that is not the only culprit. Dead skin, make up, sweat from working out and bacteria can also cause pimples.
NS: Should I change my bedtime beauty routine like I change my wardrobe for the season?
TM: Yes! If you see your skin feeling dry and tight - it’s a good time to invest in a humidifier at night. You will want to ditch sticky sun blocks in favor of a daytime moisturizer with SPF 15-30. Make sure to choose something with broad spectrum, UVA/UVB protection. Also, look for more hydrating creams that do not contain mineral oil or petroleum.
NS:What can I do to battle and prevent seasonal breakouts, WITHOUT drying out my skin further?
TM: Hydrate Cialis Online! The most common reason skin gets over dried is that people treat acne harshly, which can further dry the skin. You still need to care for you skin even when you have breakout. If you are scared to used moisturizer, try to ease up on the heavy-handed application of acne products, and use a moisturizer every other night.
NS:Are there any treatments that can help me love my pale, winter skin?
TM:Glycolic peels are really popular at this time of year. As suntans begin to fade, sun damage like freckles, fine lines and blocked pores become more visible. Glycolic peels can help erase the damage caused by a summer in the sun.
NS: What skin care products do you recommend for fall/winter?
TM: I think everyone needs a glycolic cream at night and SPF during the day. Glycolic creams can be used at least 2 nights a week to retextures skin. I am personally in love with mine: MirSkin Glycolic 10. Otherwise I am a big fan of Neutrogena - both for sun blocks, and daily moisturizers with SPF. They make every single formula from creams to gels to sprays for face and body!
NS: Everyone's raving about BB Creams, are they the miracle worker they claim to be?
TM: BB creams first become super popular in Asia where it’s touted as an all-in-one: SPF, primer, foundation and concealer. I tend to find they have a nice consistency and sheer coverage. However, I would never skip a moisturizer. Also, if you need to cover marks or under eye circles a BB Cream won’t do the trick. Final verdict: BB creams offer easy daily sheer coverage but not enough if skin is dry or breaking out.
[To book an appointment with Dr. Mir – for a glycolic peel, consultation or anything else – email frontdesk@mirskin.com, or call 212.219.9090]