Why Does Skin Get So Dry in Fall? Main Causes & Prevention Tips

Why Does Skin Get So Dry in the Fall?

The colder, drier weather of fall can really take a toll on your skin. As the humidity drops outside, moisture gets sucked out of the skin more easily, often leaving it feeling parched, tight, flaky and itchy.

While dry skin can happen year-round, late summer through winter is prime time for extraordinarily dry skin. Heres a look at why this happens and how to prevent it.

Lower Humidity

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. In summer, humidity levels are generally higher, keeping moisture in your skin.

As temperatures drop in fall, so does the humidity. The drier air literally pulls moisture from your skin more readily, resulting in dryness, cracking and even eczema flares.

Running heaters in the home further drops humidity. This combination of lower outdoor and indoor humidity creates the perfect storm for parched skin.

Fewer Natural Oils

In addition to moisture loss, cold dry air can also cause your skin to produce less oil. The oil (sebum) your pores secrete helps keep skin naturally hydrated.

When oil production slows, dryness and irritation are much more likely. Lack of protective oils also makes skin more prone to the development of cracks and fissures.

Frequent Hot Showers

Who doesn't love a steamy shower on a chilly autumn morning? Unfortunately, too many hot showers can damage skin.

The hot water strips away the skin's naturally protective oils. The longer and hotter the shower, the more moisture loss occurs. It's best to limit showers to 5-10 minutes with warm, not scalding, water.

Harsh Skin Products

Many common skincare ingredients can be too harsh for dry autumn and winter skin. Watch out for products containing retinols, acids, astringents, exfoliants and alcohol.

While these ingredients are great for controlling oil and breakouts in summer, they can exacerbate dryness as the weather cools. Opt for gentler cleansers and moisturizers that nourish skin.

Not Using Humidifiers

Running the heater dries out indoor air. Counteract this by using humidifiers to put moisture back.

Aim to keep humidity around 30-50%. This minor change can make a huge difference in fall and winter dry skin, especially if you already have conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

10 Other Common Causes of Dry Skin

While colder weather in fall plays a major role in dry skin, other factors can also be at play throughout the year. Here are 10 additional common causes:

1. Aging

As we get older, skin produces less oil and loses some ability to retain moisture. This leads to fine lines, thinning skin, irritation and itching - especially over bony prominences like the knees and elbows.

2. Genetics

Some people are just born with naturally drier skin types. You may be more prone if you have a family history of eczema, ichthyosis or certain autoimmune conditions that affect skin hydration.

3. Over-washing

Cleansing too aggressively or too frequently interferes with skin's protective oils. Limit washing to twice a day and use gentle, hydrating cleansers to prevent stripping moisture.

4. Long, Hot Showers

As mentioned, excessive heat and time spent showering or bathing leaches hydration from skin. 5-10 minutes in warm, not hot, water is best.

5. Indoor Heating

Forced air heat, wood stoves and fireplaces suck humidity out of the air. Run a humidifier and drink plenty of water to counteract their effects.

6. Hard Water

Mineral-rich hard water can leave behind deposits that impair skin's ability to hold onto moisture. Install water softeners to counteract.

7. Sun Exposure

While some sun is healthy, excessive exposure can damage and dry out skin. Always use broad spectrum sunscreen when outdoors.

8. Certain Medications

Products like acne treatments, diuretics, antihistamines and retinoids interfere with skin hydration. If dryness occurs, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

9. Harsh Products

Avoid cleansers, masks, toners and scrubs with ingredients like alcohol, acids and fragrances. Read labels and opt for gentle formulas.

10. Cold, Dry Climates

Environments with low humidity and cold temperatures draw moisture from skin. Be especially vigilant about moisturizing in arid winter climates.

Tips to Prevent Dry Skin This Fall

While you cant necessarily avoid drier conditions in autumn, proactive skincare can help prevent extreme dryness and damage:

• Use gentle cleansers and lukewarm water when washing.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing when skin is still slightly damp.
• Use thick ointment-based moisturizers, especially at night.
• Try oils like coconut and olive oil for very dry areas.
• Soothe skin with aloe vera gel or colloidal oatmeal.
• Limit baths and showers to 5-10 minutes max.
• Install indoor humidifiers.
• Avoid going outside on dry, windy days.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Take shorter, cooler showers instead of hot baths.
• Wear gloves for wet work or cold weather.
• Choose gentle skin products without irritating fragrances.

When to See a Dermatologist

Minor dry skin can usually be managed with diligent at-home care. But if your skin becomes extremely dry, cracked, or painful, see a board certified dermatologist. Signs that indicate medical care may be needed include:

• Persistent itching or burning
• Redness and inflammation
• Rashes, bumps or skin thickening
• Oozing, scaling, crusting
• Bleeding cracks or fissures
• Skin infections
• Severe pain and tenderness

A dermatologist can evaluate whether an underlying skin condition may be worsening dryness. Prescription creams and oral medications may be needed to treat stubborn dry skin and reduce complications.

Treatments for Severely Dry Skin

In addition to checking for underlying problems, a dermatologist has many tools to get excessively dry skin back under control:

Moisturizers

Thicker moisturizers like ointments and creams containing oils and humectants provide more heavy-duty hydration than lotions.

Prescription Steroid Creams

Moderate to strong potency steroids like clobetasol and fluocinonide calm inflammation and itching.

Biologics

Injectable biologic drugs like Dupixent can treat severe chronic dryness from eczema that doesnt respond to other treatments.

Oral Medications

For stubborn dryness with scaling and itching, oral pills like cyclosporine can help suppress the underlying immune response.

Light Therapy

Phototherapy with targeted UVB or UVA waves can reduce inflammation and stimulate healing for chronic dry skin.

Wet Wraps

Applying wet bandages over medicated creams helps drive moisture deep into severely dry, cracked skin.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most dry skin can be managed with diligent skincare and dermatology treatments, some cases require emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention if dry skin is accompanied by:

• Fever, dizziness or generally feeling unwell
• Pus-filled blisters or skin ulcers
• Skin that is hot or cool to the touch
• Swelling in the face or joints
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapid worsening of symptoms

These can signal a skin infection or allergic reaction that requires rapid treatment to avoid severe complications. Urgent care clinics or emergency rooms can provide medical care for unstable skin conditions.

Prevention Is Key

While seasonal dry skin may be unavoidable, staying diligent with good skincare can keep it under control. Prevent excessive moisture loss before it starts by being proactive with hydrating products, humidifiers, gentle cleansing, shorter showers and moisturizing immediately after bathing.

If your skin tends to become severely dry every fall and winter, make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss prescription treatments you can start as soon as the weather begins to change. With a little planning, you can keep your skin soft and comfortable all season long.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.