Hello, I am Dr. Jung Woojin, a dermatologist. Autumn, with its cool breezes, is the time to soothe and revitalize skin that has been exhausted by harsh UV rays, heat, and sweat. However, sudden temperature changes with the cold wind can cause various skin problems. Today, we will learn more about seasonal skin health management.
Why does skin struggle during seasonal changes?
During seasonal changes, with large daily temperature fluctuations and many days of sharp temperature drops, the skin's oil-water balance can easily be disrupted. Inadequate sweat and sebum secretion can lead to dead skin cell buildup, which in turn can cause skin troubles. Additionally, skin may become rough and lose elasticity, making fine wrinkles more prominent. It is also common for new freckles or blemishes to appear, or for melasma to darken, due to strong summer sunlight.
Avoid excessive exfoliation
During seasonal changes, it is important to minimize skin irritation. In particular, excessive exfoliation, even if there are many dead skin cells, can actually harm the skin.
While temporary exfoliation can provide immediate satisfaction, in the long term, it can damage the skin's protective barrier, accelerate moisture loss, and further emphasize fine wrinkles and roughness.
Dead skin cells play a role in protecting the skin from external irritants, so it is better to help them shed naturally through moisturizing rather than forcibly removing them.
Try this basic skincare routine
It is important to restore skin balance and provide sufficient moisture through moisturizing care. There are also a few principles to follow when applying cosmetics.
- Avoid excessive product use: No matter how good the ingredients, applying too many products at once can easily cause problems. Applying water-soluble ingredients over an oil coating can prevent absorption, causing them to sit on the surface or evaporate, and various ingredients can react chemically, leading to precipitates or skin troubles.
- Focus on key areas: Rather than applying many basic products, it is more effective to apply sufficient moisturizer, especially to areas where dead skin cells accumulate or are particularly sensitive.
- Application order: It is recommended to first apply a gel-type product rich in moisture components, and then apply a cream-type product over it to lock in the skin's moisture.
Protect your skin barrier with proper cleansing methods
Cleansing is an important step to remove skin waste, but too much can actually damage the skin barrier. This is because the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) can be removed.
- Short cleansing time: It is best to keep cleansing time as short as possible, and be careful not to rub physically. Aim for a gentle wipe rather than a squeaky-clean feeling, and the most appropriate cleansing time to protect the skin barrier is within 3 minutes.
- Morning cleansing: If you have dry skin, it is recommended to cleanse with just water, or use a small amount of mild acidic cleanser or water-type cleanser for a simple cleanse.
- Cleanser selection: After using cleansing water, it is recommended to use a mild acidic foam cleanser, and avoid using scrubs or physical exfoliating tools (brushes, rough sponges, gloves, etc.). After going out, when cleansing with lukewarm water, thoroughly wash away makeup residue and pollutants, but it is best to avoid using alkaline cleansers that are neutral or higher. Ideally, it is recommended to use a mild acidic cleanser with a pH of about 5.0~5.5.
- Moisturize immediately after cleansing: It is important to apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while the skin is still damp.
Is it okay to use a mask pack every day?
Many people use mask packs daily because they can easily provide moisturizing effects. Mask packs contain moisturizers, emollients, etc., and have many benefits, such as making the stratum corneum appear instantly moist and supple.
However, for sensitive skin or those with a weak skin barrier, mask pack use can be burdensome. This is because if ingredients such as preservatives, surfactants, and abrasives in mask packs are absorbed too much into the skin, the frequency of allergies or irritation can increase. Therefore, we recommend packs with simple ingredients focused on moisturizing or calming rather than packs containing ingredients that can be irritating, such as those for wrinkles or whitening.
Lifestyle habits for healthy skin during seasonal changes
In addition to skincare, lifestyle habits are also important for skin health.
- Sufficient moisturizing: Sufficient moisturizing can reduce the occurrence of dermatitis, make skin appear brighter, alleviate fine wrinkles, and strengthen the skin barrier by preventing the penetration of external pollutants or irritants.
- Sun protection: It is also important not to skip sunscreen even after summer has passed.
- Sufficient sleep and rest: Sufficient sleep and rest are important factors for skin health.
- Maintain indoor humidity: It is recommended to maintain indoor humidity at around 60-70%.
This has been Dr. Jung Woojin, a dermatologist. If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will answer them.