It’s no secret that teens tend to struggle with their skin’s overall health. But did you know that certain times of the year can actually make skin problems worse? The transition from summer into fall is especially hard on young, sensitive skin—leading many of us to form blemishes that we never considered preparing for. These are some common skin problems that develop in the fall and what you can do now to avoid them later into the season.
Severe Dry Skin
As the weather cools, the air begins to lose the level of humidity it had during the summer. This lack of moisture in our environment draws the water out of our cells and leaves us with significantly drier skin than we’re used to. When left to worsen, this dryness can cause the skin to flake, peel, and even burn when in contact with certain substances. Fortunately, this condition can be mitigated by using a thicker moisturizer or by setting up a humidifier in your room.
Eczema
Extreme skin dryness can also trigger eczema symptoms in those who are susceptible to the condition. This is because this rash happens as a result of anything that can irritate the skin’s external layers. While there’s no way to fully prevent it from coming back, eczema flareups can be treated by keeping your skin as hydrated as possible. It also helps to avoid anything that you may be allergic to.
Sun Damage
Contrary to popular belief, it’s even common for teens to develop lasting sun damage as they spend time outdoors during this season. For starters, the sun is always beating down, even when it’s cold outside. This means that we’re just as likely to get sunburnt on an overcast day as we are in the middle of the summer. So, while we don’t think about wearing sunscreen during the fall, there are several important reasons why you should do so.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is another common skin problem that develops in the fall. In fact, it tends to be the most prevalent during this time of year. Like eczema, this condition is also a rash that begins when the skin is exposed to an irritant. However, contact dermatitis happens specifically when we make the transition from wearing shorter summer clothing to thicker wool materials. For this reason, it’s recommended that you wear layers of thinner clothing and make it easier for your skin to breathe.