It’s officially fall now, and in the beauty world that means that it’s officially time to transition skin and slough off summer damage. After a summer of sun exposure, skin concerns like dark spots and dullness can become more apparent. That’s why dermatologists recommend more powerful facial treatments and cosmetic procedures to be done in the fall and winter,  when your skin is protected by clothing and the sun’s rays are not as strong. 

While cosmetic treatments can technically be performed year-round, some cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, lasers and microneedling are recommended to be performed in the fall and winter when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are less intense, thus optimizing your results.

Keep reading to see which three facial treatments dermatologists recommend for fall and winter and why. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels help to get rid of dead skin cells and help to brighten and even skin tone and texture, as well as take care of year-round issues like wrinkles, acne scars, and blemishes. “Chemical peels also help stimulate collagen production, so are a great option for all types of acne scars,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick.

When it comes to peels, there are different depths ranging from superficial, which just target the outermost layer of the skin, to deep, which targets the lower portion of the skin, the dermis.

Dermatologists recommend chemical peels to be done during the fall and winter time because many peeling solutions make you more sensitive to sun burns and can cause the opposite effect of what you’re looking for: hyperpigmentation.

Cost: $150–$500. It’s best to do chemical peels in a series for optimal long-term results, however, you will still see the benefits from just one.

Aftercare: It’s best to avoid harsh sunlight, hot yoga, heavy cardio and sweaty activities for the first 48 hours. SPF should be applied every morning.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen

Revision Skincare Intellishade Clear SPF 50

Microneedling

In any and every skin tone type and ethnicity, sun induced damage can occur. It’s common to experience general color irregularity, expanded blood vessels and a mottled appearance or solar lentigines, melasma, elastosis, actinic keratosis or precancerous cell changes as our melanocytes malfunction from UVA / UVB exposure.

Microneedling has been clinically proven to repair and restore the impaired extracellular matrix where pigment changes occur by creating tiny, micro injuries that trigger a natural response in the skin to break down damaged cells and replace them with new, healthy ones.

“Ultimately the goal of these treatments is to create small micro-injuries to the skin to help stimulate collagen production which helps to improve the appearance of scars, hyperpigmentation and sun-induced laxity,” adds Garshick.

Cost: $50 to $300. Will vary based on location.

Aftercare: Avoid using a harsh exfoliant within the first 72 hours, use mild cleansing balms and milk cleansers instead. Add calming, soothing and restorative products to repair the skin barrier. Apply SPF every morning. Depending on skin type, infusing the skin with collagen and peptides is great for anti-aging treatments.

ClarityRx Balm It Off Nutrient Rich Pre-Cleanse

Laser Treatments

Lastly, there are laser treatments that specifically target redness, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Two of the most popular cosmetic lasers are:

• Fraxel: The original non-invasive fractional resurfacing treatment that helps to create younger looking skin without dramatic changes or extended downtime. It can be used to address a variety of concerns including fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots, sunspots, melasma, and Actinic Keratoses. Fraxel 1550 (used to treat scars and wrinkles) usually results in an average of 3 days of redness and swelling, while Fraxel 1927 (used for pigmentation) results in rough, darkened skin that peels off in about a week. If you’re using it to treat melasma or sun spots, dermatologists recommend doing it in the winter so you are less likely to experience a recurrence.

• Clear + Brilliant: It's a gentle laser that uses fractionated laser technology to renew the skin. Millions of microscopic therapeutic zones are created by the laser, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger-looking tissue. The Clear + Brilliant Complete Treatment helps improve tone, texture, and firmness for beautiful skin and decrease pores. 

Cost: $500–$1000+ (series typically involved)

Aftercare: Switch exfoliating cleansers with soothing balms and milk cleansers, and resurfacing treatments like peels and retinoids with calming serums. Do not pick or peel any flaking skin or scabs. If you have any swelling, apply ice packs to your skin.

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