Habit Hack: How to Prevent and Treat “Chapped Cheeks” in Autumn
As the temperatures drop and the air becomes crisper, one of the first areas to show signs of seasonal change is your cheeks. The combination of cold winds, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip the skin of moisture, making your cheeks more prone to dryness, redness, and chapping. But with a few preventive strategies and soothing habits, you can protect your skin and keep your cheeks soft, smooth, and healthy throughout autumn.
Why Do Cheeks Become More Susceptible to Chapping in Autumn?
The delicate skin on your cheeks is often more exposed and less resilient compared to other areas of your face. As a result, it’s more vulnerable to environmental changes, such as:
- Cold, Dry Air: Cooler weather tends to have lower humidity levels, which can draw moisture away from your skin, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity.
- Wind Exposure: Cold winds can break down the skin’s natural barrier, causing micro-tears and exacerbating dryness and redness, especially on the cheeks and nose.
- Indoor Heating: Central heating and other indoor heat sources further dry out the air, stripping your skin of essential moisture and oils, making chapped cheeks even more common.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Moving between cold outdoor air and warm indoor environments can cause blood vessels to dilate and constrict rapidly, leading to redness and heightened sensitivity.
How to Prevent Chapped Cheeks in Autumn
Prevention is the key to avoiding chapped cheeks during cooler months. With a few small adjustments to your daily habits and environment, you can maintain your skin’s moisture balance and resilience.
- Protect Your Skin from the Elements Shield your cheeks from the harsh effects of wind and cold air by covering them up when you’re outdoors.
- Wear a Scarf or Buff: Use a soft scarf or face covering to protect your cheeks from wind and cold temperatures. Choose breathable, non-abrasive fabrics like cotton or silk to prevent irritation.
- Apply a Barrier Cream: Consider using a barrier cream or ointment that creates a protective layer over your skin, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage.
- Hydrate from the Inside Out Keeping your body hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin. When you’re dehydrated, your skin is more likely to become dry and irritated.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, or more if you’re in a dry environment.
- Include Water-Rich Foods: Add foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens to your diet to boost your hydration levels from within.
- Choose the Right Skincare Products Using products that nourish and protect your skin can help prevent chapping and keep your cheeks soft and smooth.
- Opt for Fragrance-Free Moisturisers: Fragrance can be an irritant, especially for sensitive skin. Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturisers that are rich in emollients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or ceramides.
- Apply an Occlusive Layer: After applying a moisturiser, consider using an occlusive like petroleum jelly or beeswax on your cheeks. This helps seal in moisture and creates a protective barrier against the elements.
How to Soothe Chapped Cheeks
If your cheeks are already chapped and irritated, use these gentle remedies to calm and restore your skin:
- Apply a Soothing Moisturiser Choose a moisturiser with calming ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, or colloidal oatmeal to reduce redness and inflammation. Apply it generously to affected areas, especially before going to bed.
- Use a Cool Compress Place a cool, damp cloth on your cheeks for a few minutes to alleviate irritation and itching. Avoid using ice-cold compresses, as they can further irritate sensitive skin.
- Avoid Scratching or Rubbing It might be tempting to rub or scratch your cheeks when they feel itchy or irritated, but this can cause further damage. Be gentle and use patting motions when applying products to your skin.
- Skip Exfoliation Temporarily Avoid using exfoliants, as they can worsen chapping and irritation. Instead, focus on restoring your skin’s moisture levels until your cheeks are healed.
