Days are shorter, evenings cooler and your summer tan is starting to fade. Fall is here and many people notice their skin is going through a transformation like the leaves on the trees.

When your skin is exposed to the stronger UV rays of the summer sun, the tan that you produce is a defense mechanism. Your skin produces melanin and extra keratin (skin cells) to protect itself from the damaging rays. As this tan begins to fade, you are left with a dull looking skin and heavier layer of dead cells.

Many people have issues with   congested skin, especially comedones (blackheads). When your sebaceous glands are secreting sebum (oil) and your sudoriferous glands (sweat glands) produce perspiration during exercise, this barrier of dead cells can cause congestion.

To renew your skin after your summer tan and prepare your skin for winter, there are a few things you can do on the outside and inside of your body to gain a healthier skin.

Exfoliate – Incorporate a gentle but effect exfoliant into your skin care regime. Try to avoid any abrasive exfoliants which can cause micro lesions to the skin, resulting in irritation and sensitivity. Alpha hydoxy acids work well to gently remove dead cell buildup and brighten the complexion. Alpha hydroxy acids are naturally found in citrus fruits (citric acid), milk products (lactic acid), sugar cane (glycolic acid), apples (malic acid) and grapes (tartaric acid).

Moisturize – A proper moisturizer is important to re-balance the dehydrating effects of the sun and to protect from the drying effect of winter temperatures. Adding Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) to your daily diet has many health benefits. EFA’s can be found in fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, flaxseeds, walnuts or specific EFA supplements. EFAs have effective anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, healing and anti-aging properties that benefit all skin types.

How you treat our body on the inside is reflected in how your skin appears on the outside. Choose a natural diet of clean water, and whole, fresh foods and your skin will be a reflection of health throughout each change of season.

Discover More: Read this article by Dr. DuMont on approaching your overall skin care.