With the summer coming to an end, we're starting to navigate back towards our Pumpkin Latte and favorite boots. Amidst our style and culinary transitions, we begin to think about our skin and how we can protect it to maintain that healthy glow. We chatted with Dr. Janet Prystowsky about this very topic to let you know about what you need to do to be prepared for this season!
ATHLEISURE MAG: How does skin change from the Summer season to the Fall season?
DR. JANET PRYSTOWSKY: Humidity levels change between warm and cold months, so that’s going to impact the kinds of skincare products you need to use. Moving into Fall, it’s time to start up a consistent moisturizing routine to keep your skin hydrated. Otherwise your skin can become dull and dry.
AM: What can be done to ensure that the skin has enough moisture (ie drinking water, certain nutrients one can have within the body)?
DR. JP: Staying well hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet will definitely be reflected in your skin. This is more of a lifestyle tip than a quick tip though. One apple or donut won’t immediately make your skin better or worse.
AM: When showering, what temperature should water be set at for the best way to cleanse the skin without damaging it?
DR. JP: Don’t take hot showers! Hot showers may feel nice and hydrating, but they actually cause evaporation of water from your skin by melting off your own natural moisturizing oils, thereby drying you out. Opt for a warm shower every time. Also, a little soap can go a long way. Using too much soap can wash off your body’s natural, and protective oils. If you use a washcloth, you’re almost certainly rubbing off your body’s natural oils. Try ditching the washcloth, using less soap, or using a gentler soap if you have dry skin issues. I’ve recommended Dove gentle cleansing bars to my patients for years, and recently started working with the brand. If you still have dry skin issues, use a body oil right after you get out of the shower. I’m a fan of body oils with vitamin E.
AM: If you have chapped lips, what is the body telling you and how can we treat as well as eliminate this?
DR. JP: If your lips are chapped, they are probably dry and irritated. If you frequently use lip balms or are constantly licking your lips, stop! You’re only going to make your lips more chapped. Go to your local pharmacy and pick up a small tube of Aquaphor. It’s great for lips and other chapped skin too. Just wipe or blot off the excess if you use too much.
AM: Dry/Ashy skin is always annoying, how can we treat this to ensure that we don't see this?
DR. JP: Use a moisturizer with vitamins and essential oils. There are certain vitamins, like vitamins A and D, that are naturally found in your skin. I like to call them bioidentical vitamins. By providing your skin with those same vitamins, I think you’re giving your skin its best chance to stay hydrated and soft. I made my own moisturizer that you can find on my site. It has three essential oils and three bioidentical vitamins. We just finished a consumer perception study where 100% of the participants said our cream hydrated and nourished their skin.We’re coming out with a complexion cream, cuticle cream, anti aging cream, and after sun cream too if you’d like to try them when they come out as well!
AM: What lotions, balms, salves, etc do you suggest for us to have on hand as we transition into fall?
DR. JP: Besides my moisturizer, I recommend buying a gentle bar cleanser like Dove’s. I also recommend buying a body oil for right after the shower in the morning. Also Aquaphor for your lips. I think skincare should be simple and easy. Less is more.
AM: Lightweight lotions, water based lotions, rich creams - tell us what we need to know about these and how it works within our skincare and when/how they should be used?
DR. JP: Lightweight lotions are for late Spring to early Fall. There’s not much reason to bog down your skin with a heavy cream during the warmest, most humid time of the year. During the late Fall through early Spring, I absolutely recommend a richer cream. We all need something during the Winter that can combat the icy wind and office heaters that take out our skin’s moisture.
AM: Are there certain skin areas that need to be treated differently than other areas ie softer skin (like underarms)?
DR. JP: More often than not you’ll be O.K. treating your skin the same way across the board. If you notice any areas that need a little more tender love and care though, there’s probably a specific way to treat it! Dry cracked feet, itchy scalps, irritated inner thighs, and ashy elbows all can be nuisances, that vary case by case. Consult with your skincare expert, i.e. your dermatologist.
AM: What are your thoughts on Skin Masks - how often should they be done and what are your thoughts on foot masks that peel layers of your skin off days after applying the booties?
DR. JP: I don’t recommend skin masks. I’m not convinced that they are any more efficient than other moisturizers at rehydrating skin. I especially do not recommend DIY face masks. It’s difficult to know how fresh your ingredients are and how your skin may react. Allergic reactions are common! I wouldn’t recommend using foot masks that peel layers of your skin. If you’re interested in chemical peels, I recommend consulting a dermatologist. While there are over-the-counter products that are considered safe, it’s always best to have a trained professional take the helm when skin peeling chemicals are involved.
AM: How can we maintain glowing fall skin?
DR JP: Establish a solid moisturizing and cleansing routine. Cleanse just enough to feel clean in the morning and wipe off your makeup at night. Aggressive cleansing with hot water is an easy way to strip away your natural oils and dry your skin out, and dry skin isn’t as healthy as hydrated skin. Other than that, keep your skin well hydrated with moisturizers.
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