Skincare expert offers practical tips to prevent red, dry and dehydrated skin as autumn arrives

As temperatures drop and humidity falls, many people trade summer glow for chapped lips, wind‑burned cheeks and flushed, reactive skin. Skincare expert Dr. Hansel Misquitta on Wednesday outlined a series of practical steps to soothe and protect skin during the seasonal shift.

Dr. Misquitta said red, reactive skin is one of the most common complaints she sees as the weather cools and heating systems start to run. Her advice focuses on protecting the skin barrier: switch to gentler cleansers, rehydrate skin immediately after washing, reduce exposure to hot water and add targeted barrier creams where needed.

She recommends replacing foaming or gritty cleansers with cream‑based formulas that are less abrasive, and avoiding physical scrubs that can strip oils and aggravate sensitivity. Moisturiser should be applied while skin is still slightly damp — not dripping wet — to help lock in hydration. Layering products is encouraged: light serums first, then moisturiser and, if skin remains dry or compromised, a thicker barrier cream or salve.

Hot showers and long baths are singled out as common culprits for barrier damage. Dr. Misquitta advised cutting back on very hot water and, where possible, installing a showerhead filter to reduce exposure to hard water minerals that can inflame the skin.

Clothing and fabrics also play a role, she said. Woollen scarves and high‑neck jumpers can rub and irritate sensitive areas; laundering these items frequently and wearing a thin cotton layer beneath scratchy fabrics can limit friction and transfer of trapped makeup, dirt and pollution back onto the skin. For extra‑dry spots such as the sides of the nose, the lips and the hands, she recommended carrying a barrier cream or skin salve and reapplying when exposed to wind or cold.

Hand skin is particularly vulnerable given frequent washing, use of alcohol‑based sanitisers and cold outdoor air. Dr. Misquitta said people do not necessarily need a separate hand cream and can use their facial moisturiser or barrier product to seal in moisture.

Indoor heating accelerates moisture loss from the skin, she added. Where available, a humidifier can counteract dry indoor air; a low‑tech alternative is to leave a bowl of water near a radiator to increase room humidity. Maintaining ambient moisture helps reduce flaking and tightness that can trigger inflammation.

Sunscreen remains important year‑round, Dr. Misquitta noted, because ultraviolet rays are present even on cloudy days. She advised continuing daily SPF application as part of the layered routine.

Her guidance emphasizes prevention and restoration of the skin barrier rather than aggressive treatment. By switching to gentler cleansing, applying moisturiser to damp skin, protecting exposed areas with barrier products, moderating water temperature and managing indoor humidity, patients can reduce the incidence of red, dry and dehydrated skin during the autumn months.

Dermatologists and skincare professionals routinely recommend similar measures to maintain barrier function as seasons change. For persistent redness, dryness or irritation, medical assessment may be warranted to rule out eczema, rosacea or contact dermatitis and to discuss prescription therapies or tailored regimens.