In the Greater Reno-Tahoe area, fall begins to usher in cozy nights, crisp air, and festive fun, but it also brings challenges for your skin. Colder temperatures and dry indoor air can strip away moisture, leaving skin feeling tight, itchy, or dull. To keep your complexion healthy and radiant during our colder months, it’s essential to switch up your skin care routine and choose skin care products designed to restore hydration and protect your skin barrier.
Why Does My Skin Suffer in the Colder Seasons?
In colder weather, humidity levels drop, and the air naturally holds less moisture. At the same time, heating systems inside your home or office pull additional hydration from your skin. This combination often leads to dryness, flaking, and irritation. Individuals with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may experience worsening of their symptoms during the season. Even oily or acne-prone skin can feel out of balance due to dehydration.
“Fall is tough on the skin because cold air and indoor heat work together to strip away natural moisture. The key is to protect the skin barrier with gentle, hydrating products and avoid anything that causes further irritation.” – Diane Smith, RN, MSN-FNP.
The good news? A thoughtful fall skin care routine can make a big difference. At The Skin Institute, our experienced Dermatology Providers have put together a helpful guide to maintaining your skin’s health during the fall months we have in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area. Diane works out of our Reno- Double R Boulevard location, and you can schedule a consultation with her to discuss your skin care goals during this time of year.
What are Some Fall Skin Care Essentials?
1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Foaming cleansers and soaps can strip the skin’s natural oils, which are already depleted during cold weather. Instead, opt for a hydrating or cream-based cleanser that gently removes impurities without leaving your skin tight or dry. Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid that help lock in moisture.
2. Prioritize Moisture
Moisturizing is the cornerstone of fall skin care. Choose a richer, cream-based moisturizer during the colder months, even if you usually prefer lighter lotions. The ALASTIN™ Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology® is a creamy moisturizer that hydrates, nourishes, and soothes skin. There’s also the eltaMD® Barrier Renewal Complex, which contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, among other ingredients. Ingredients to look for in a moisturizer include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: attracts and binds water to the skin.
- Ceramides: strengthen the skin barrier. Try SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 or Epionce® Renewal Calming Cream.
- Shea Butter or Squalane: provides long-lasting hydration and soothing properties. A great product is ALASTIN™ Soothe & Protect Recovery Balm.
For very dry skin, consider layering a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer for an extra boost.
3. Use a Humidifier
Indoor heating creates dry air that zaps moisture from your skin. Running a humidifier in your bedroom or office helps restore balance to the air, keeping your skin more comfortable.
4. Protect Lips and Hands
The thin skin on your lips and hands often suffers the most in the fall and winter. Keep a nourishing lip balm with beeswax or lanolin handy and apply throughout the day. For hands, use a thick, non-greasy cream after washing and consider wearing cotton gloves overnight with moisturizer for extra softness.
5. Gentle Exfoliation
While it’s essential not to over-exfoliate in the fall, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps remove dry, flaky skin, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Choose a mild exfoliant with lactic acid or a soft scrub to keep your skin smooth without irritation.
6. Adjust Your Shower Routine
Long, hot showers may feel heavenly, but they strip your skin of natural oils. Try lukewarm water and limit showers to 10–15 minutes. Follow up with a moisturizer immediately afterward to lock in hydration.
Do I Need Sunscreen in Colder Months?
Absolutely – just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun. UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, increasing your risk of sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, especially if you spend time outdoors. Opt for a moisturizing sunscreen formula to avoid further dryness. A great option to use is EltaMD® UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, which is hydrating due to having hyaluronic acid.
“One of the biggest mistakes I see as we enter fall and head into winter is people skipping sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause damage and accelerate aging, so daily SPF is just as important in the winter as it is in July,” stresses Smith.
What Kind of Skin Care Routine Should I Use During Colder Months?
- Morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating serum(s)
- Rich moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum SPF
- Evening:
-
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Hydrating serum(s)
- Rich night cream or facial oil
Apply lip balm and hand cream as needed throughout the day.
What Kind of Cosmetic Treatments Should I Plan for During Colder Months?
In addition to your at-home routine, colder months are ideal for considering professional skin treatments. At The Skin Institute, we offer hydrating facials, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing that can address dryness, pigmentation, and dullness while your skin is less exposed to the sun.
The Bottom Line
Cold-weather skin care is all about protecting your skin barrier and locking in hydration. By making a few seasonal adjustments, such as switching to richer moisturizers, using SPF daily, and adding a humidifier, you can keep your skin soft, supple, and radiant all season long.
Schedule a consultation with one of our Dermatology Providers or Aestheticians in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area to help guide you on the best skin care treatments and products for your individual needs. You can also call us on 775.324.0699.
The Skin Institute In the News
Stay tuned for the opening of our new location at Lakeside Crossing this Fall, just across the street from our current Warren Way location and next to Lakeside Children’s Dentistry.
About The Skin Institute at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Institute
At The Skin Institute, we prioritize your skin’s health and help you achieve your skin care goals by providing the latest and most efficient Cosmetic treatments and products. Our highly qualified team dedicates itself to the wellness of its patients through our vast expertise in Cosmetic Dermatology. Skin Cancer & Dermatology has multiple locations in Reno, Nevada, including our Double R, Moana Lane, Monte Vista, South Reno, and Warren Way locations, as well as locations in Carson City, Elko, and Sparks. Rounding out our Dermatology location coverage, we have Lake Tahoe locations in Truckee and Incline Village.