The fall season is upon us, which means more time spent outdoors with family and friends. Even though the temperatures will be cooler, it doesn’t mean you should cut down on your skin care regimen. In fact, you should take even better care of your skin during the fall season because of fall allergies and their effect on skin.
Ragweed and Mold
Two of the most common allergens that affect the skin in the fall season are ragweed and mold. Even though these allergens come onto the scene in August, they really take flight in September and October, wreaking havoc on the skin. Fall allergies can cause you a lot of stress and it is important to keep them under control as best as possible.
Identify Your Symptoms
The first step in managing fall allergies that can affect your skin is to identify your symptoms. It’s quite possible that reactions to fall allergens could be mild compared to other times of the year, but that does not mean you should ignore them. You might begin experience itchy, dry, peeling, flaky, red skin that is often times painful and annoying. More severe reactions can include swelling, hives, rashes, severe itching, and other types of breakouts.
Prevent Reactions
It isn’t out of the realm of possibility to prevent reactions to allergens this fall season when it comes to your skin. Change your clothes after spending time outdoors, especially if you are working in your yard or garden. Be sure to wash your hands and face and take a lukewarm shower using shower gel. After a shower, make sure to moisturize your skin, especially as we move closer to the colder temperatures.
If you have a serious allergy to ragweed, mold, or pollen, be sure to keep the windows in your home closed. This might not be an ideal situation, especially if the weather is beautiful, but it can go a long way towards preventing a skin reaction to allergens this fall. You may even consider purchasing an air purifier that utilizes a HEPA filter to prevent the buildup of mold in your home.
How to Cover Up
If you experienced reactions to fall allergens, you will likely want to cover up any physical evidence. It’s important to know how to properly cover up without causing additional irritation to your skin. The first step in this process is to ensure that your makeup is fresh. Liquid products should be replaced every two to three months, while powder products should be replaced at least once per year. Any products that are cream-based should be replaced every six months and lipsticks should be replaced every year.
Do you feel that a visit the dermatologist is right for you? Do you find that the fall season is particularly difficult on your skin? Call Windsor Dermatology at 609-443-4500 today to schedule an appointment. We are accepting new patients, so be sure to complete the new patient form on our website before arriving at your first appointment.
