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Why Healthy Skin Month Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Routine

Introduction

As temperatures drop and humidity levels fall, your skin often feels the effects first. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds can strip away moisture and leave your complexion dry, dull, and more sensitive than usual. That makes late fall the ideal time to start strengthening your skin before winter arrives.

Your skin renews itself about every twenty-eight days, but the care it needs can change much more often. This is why November, recognized as National Healthy Skin Month by the American Academy of Dermatology, serves as a timely reminder to evaluate how well your current routine is working.

This month-long awareness campaign highlights the importance of everyday skin health—from hydration and sun protection to professional dermatologic care. In this article, we’ll explore what Healthy Skin Month is all about, why now is the perfect time to refresh your routine, and how simple adjustments can help you maintain a healthy, radiant complexion through every season.

While this article spells out some important information about National Healthy Skin Month, we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:

Table of Contents

What Is National Healthy Skin Month and Why Does It Matter?

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, protecting you from external elements, regulating temperature, and acting as a barrier against infection. Yet, it’s often easy to overlook its health until something feels wrong. National Healthy Skin Month, established by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), was created to change that mindset by encouraging people to take a more proactive approach to skincare.

Throughout November, dermatologists and healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of daily skin maintenance and early intervention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of Americans experience skin conditions every year, ranging from acne and eczema to more serious concerns like melanoma. Many of these issues can be prevented or better managed with proper care and regular skin evaluations.

Healthy Skin Month serves as a reminder that good skincare goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about supporting your body’s overall health and confidence.

Why Is Now the Ideal Time to Reevaluate Your Skincare Routine?

The transition from warmer to cooler weather brings lower humidity, which can strip moisture from your skin and leave it feeling tight or flaky. Indoor heating exacerbates this effect by drying out the air, while prolonged sun exposure from summer may reveal signs of damage, such as uneven tone or fine lines. Add in the stress of the upcoming holiday season, and your skin’s balance can shift more than you realize. Healthy Skin Month is the perfect opportunity to adjust your routine by focusing on hydration, barrier support, and gentle renewal, to keep your complexion healthy and resilient through winter.

How Can You Tell If Your Skin Routine Needs a Refresh?

You may notice your skin feels drier than usual, or products that once felt nourishing now cause tightness or irritation. Sometimes the opposite happens, and your skin becomes oilier or more prone to breakouts as it tries to compensate for moisture loss.

A dull or uneven complexion can also signal that your current regimen isn’t providing enough renewal. If you’re layering on more products but still not seeing improvement, it’s a good moment to reassess.

What Everyday Habits Can Help You Maintain Healthy Skin?

Building small, consistent habits can make a big difference in how your skin feels and functions. Here are a few dermatologist-approved ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best:

  • Cleanse gently: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
  • Moisturize daily: Apply a nourishing moisturizer right after bathing to help lock in hydration.
  • Protect with SPF: Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should be part of your routine year-round.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats to support skin health from within.
  • Prioritize rest and stress relief: Sleep and stress management both influence how your skin repairs itself and responds to inflammation.

 

By maintaining these simple habits, you can support your skin’s natural defenses and preserve a healthy glow through every season.

How Can You Protect Your Skin Barrier During Cooler Months?

As colder months can be quite harsh on your skin health, it’s important to adopt habits that allow you to keep your skin protected throughout winter. Here are a few dermatologist-recommended ways to protect your skin:

  • Layer hydrating products: Use a serum or essence before your moisturizer to help your skin retain water and maintain elasticity.
  • Use barrier-repair ingredients: Choose products with ceramides, niacinamide, or squalane to strengthen your skin’s natural defenses.
  • Limit hot showers: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. While difficult, try to opt for warm water instead and apply moisturizer right after bathing.
  • Reduce exfoliation frequency: Over-exfoliating can make skin more sensitive in winter. Stick to once a week or use gentler options like lactic acid.
  • Apply protective balms: A thicker ointment on the lips, hands, and around the nose helps prevent chapping and irritation.
  • Shield your skin from the elements: Protect your face from cold wind with a scarf, and avoid abrupt temperature changes when possible.

What Are Some Must Have Products In a Healthy Skincare Routine?

The goal isn’t to use as many products as possible but to choose the right ones that protect your skin barrier and maintain balance throughout the year. The following are some essentials to keep your complexion healthy and glowing:

  • Gentle Cleanser: Start with a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils. The BMD Soothing Foamy Cleanser is ideal for daily use and suitable for most skin types.
  • Hydrating Serum: A serum rich in antioxidants helps brighten and defend your skin from environmental stressors. Try the BMD Vita C + Ferulic Serum to boost hydration and radiance.
  • Moisturizer: A nourishing moisturizer suited to your skin type to help seal in hydration and strengthen barrier function. The BMD UltraLux B3 Moisturizer provides deep nourishment without heaviness.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV damage year-round with EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
  • Exfoliating Treatment: Promote smoothness and renewal a few times a week with BMD Glycolic Pads 15%. They gently refine texture and support a brighter complexion.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice For Skincare Help?

If your usual routine is failing to keep up in the cooler months, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent dryness, flaking, redness, or itching can point to barrier disruption or conditions like eczema that often worsen in cold weather.

Professional care can also help when over-the-counter moisturizers or serums no longer provide relief. A dermatologist can recommend medical-grade products, in-office treatments, or prescription options that restore hydration and balance without irritating the skin.

It’s also wise to seek expert advice if you notice sudden breakouts or dullness after changing your skincare products for the season. A customized routine that is adjusted for winter conditions can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels.

How Can Bryn Mawr Dermatology Help With Your Skincare Routine?

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists understand how seasonal changes affect your skin and can help you create a routine that supports your unique needs through winter and beyond.

Whether you’re dealing with seasonal dryness, irritation, or simply want to refresh your skincare regimen, our team offers personalized recommendations and advanced treatment options to restore balance and radiance. From medical-grade skincare products to professional in-office treatments, we focus on helping you maintain strong, healthy skin in every season.

If your skin is ready for a seasonal reset, we’re here to help. Call us today at (267) 486-3482 or schedule your appointment online to start your journey toward healthier, more resilient skin.

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Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Content Review Committee at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Led by Board Certified Dermatologist, Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD, Bryn Mawr Dermatology incorporates a patient-focused outlook in every decision since we first opened our doors on the Main Line in 2005.

By: Bryn Mawr Dermatology, Published: March 4 2024
Medically Reviewed By: Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD –March 3, 2025

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