Minnesota summers can wreak havoc on skin: The beaming sun, dewy temps and a forgetful attitude are a recipe for damaged, dried-out skin. As we bid farewell to summer and gear up for fall, it’s important to have the proper armor to keep skin healthy and hydrated. We sat down with local experts who shared several ways you can protect your skin this season—and we learned a few skin secrets along the way.
“After getting so much exposure to the sun, you should really get some nice skin peels and lotions to help reverse those negative effects,” says Jennifer Fredrichs, aesthetician at Simonson’s Salon and Spa. “We also offer LED light therapy called Gentle Waves that would help in this case.”
With the passing of the seasons, it’s important that your skin-care routine also adjusts. During summer months, a moisturizer that is not oil-based is key, plus a sunscreen layered on top to protect against harmful rays. In the winter, as temps begin to drop, skin becomes thirstier and can require a bit more tending.
“You should exfoliate a couple times a week to [remove dry skin] from the summer months,” says Kacee Dick, aesthetician at Angelic Skin Clinic. “And then upping your moisturizer helps—start using a nighttime moisturizer that’s thicker.”
When the skin is dehydrated, other areas of concern emerge, such as fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts. Exfoliating and switching to a facial regime that is more hydrating can help ease your skin into the transition from summer to fall.
In the fall, the air dries out and skin doesn’t have enough natural hydration, so monthly facials will cause moisture to plump skin cells back up. But not all skin should be treated equally. For men who shave daily, be more cognizant of the harsh exfoliation shaving can cause and mend that damage with a thicker moisturizer. Age and skin type are also factors in the particular products and care needed for skin.
“If you’re oily and have some acne, you’ll want to exfoliate more and not use products that are oil-based,” Dick says. “If you’re older, with normal to dry skin, you can use deeper moisturizers, and you may not need to exfoliate.”
And, if facials aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of at-home remedies that help treat any skin issue without breaking the bank.
One treatment you can do at home is to make a paste out of a bit of baking soda and warm water that is the consistency of honey. It makes a great facial or body scrub. This combination is also good after waxing to get rid of ingrown hairs. Do it before you get in the shower—wash the waxed location, apply the scrub, hop in the shower and rinse it off.
And let’s not forget the importance of hydrating your body—be sure to drink eight glasses of water per day and protect your skin before heading out for the day.
As for a few tips and tricks to make your skin the best it can be, avoid skincare products with fragrance or alcohol, and be sure to check the active ingredients label.
“One key ingredient that’s really good that’s in sunscreen is zinc oxide,” Dick says. “It basically protects you against all of those harmful rays, and it’s also what they use in diaper rash cream, so it’s super healing.”
The most common mistake people make with their skin? Using the wrong products to treat skin issues. For breakouts, avoid aggressive products which cause skin to dry out. Skin then attempts to create more oil to replenish its dehydration.
To avoid this vicious cycle, use a spot treatment on just the area that is breaking out, then use a hydrator.
Not sure which products are best for your skin type? Before reaching for medication, see an aesthetician who may be able to help you through the skin issue you’re facing.
