As temperatures drop and the air in Reno and Tahoe turns crisp and dry, your skin faces a whole new set of challenges. The cold, low-humidity climate can strip away moisture, leaving your complexion dull, flaky, and irritated. The good news? With the right care, you can protect your skin and keep it glowing all season long.

Reno Tahoe Dermatology’s skincare experts understand how Northern Nevada’s unique climate impacts the skin. Here’s how to adjust your skincare routine to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant through fall and winter.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Skin

The Reno-Tahoe region’s cold, dry air and high altitude can take a toll on your skin barrier. When humidity drops, the air draws moisture out of your skin, leading to:

• Dryness and flaking
• Itching or irritation
• Increased sensitivity
• Worsening of eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis

Indoor heating can also make things worse, reducing the moisture in the air and causing your skin to feel tight or uncomfortable. That’s why dermatologists recommend switching up your routine as soon as the weather cools.

Hydration Is Key: Moisturizing for the Reno-Tahoe Climate

Choose a Rich, Barrier-Repairing Moisturizer

Fall and winter call for heavier moisturizers that help lock in hydration and protect against moisture loss. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane.

Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing or showering to seal in water while your skin is still damp.

Don’t Forget Your Body

It’s easy to focus on your face, but your body needs hydration too. Switch to a cream or ointment-based body moisturizer and use it daily, especially after bathing.

Pro tip: Add a humidifier to your bedroom or office to help counteract indoor dryness.

Professional Skin Treatments for Fall: Try a HydraFacial

If your skin is feeling especially dull or dehydrated this season, a HydraFacial at Reno Tahoe Dermatology can provide a powerful boost of hydration and radiance.

What Is a HydraFacial?

A HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that uses a patented vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and deeply hydrate your skin, all in one relaxing session.

Why It’s Ideal for Cold Weather

• Replenishes moisture lost from dry air and indoor heating
• Gently exfoliates without irritation, helping products absorb better
• Restores glow to tired, winter skin
• Safe for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea-prone skin

A HydraFacial can be a perfect monthly reset to keep your complexion balanced and hydrated throughout the Reno-Tahoe winter.

Gentle Cleansing: Protecting Your Skin Barrier

Avoid Harsh Soaps & Over-Exfoliation

Cold-weather skin is already stressed, so avoid cleansers that strip away natural oils. Instead, choose gentle, hydrating cleansers and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

If your skin feels tight after washing, that’s a sign your cleanser may be too harsh.

Wash With Lukewarm Water

Hot showers feel great on chilly mornings, but they can worsen dryness. Stick to lukewarm water and limit shower time to protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Sunscreen Still Matters in Fall & Winter

Many people think sunscreen is only for summer, but UV exposure is still strong in Reno and Tahoe, especially at higher elevations or around snow. UV rays can reflect off bright surfaces and increase your exposure without you realizing it.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days, to help prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out

Stay Hydrated

Cold weather often makes people forget to drink enough water. Aim for consistent hydration throughout the day, and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens.

Eat for Skin Health

Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, to help support skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.

When to See a Dermatologist in Reno, NV

If you’re struggling with persistent dryness, redness, or itching, or notice worsening eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it’s time to see a dermatologist.

Reno Tahoe Dermatology offers customized care plans designed for the high-desert climate of Northern Nevada. From advanced moisturizers and prescription treatments to cosmetic rejuvenation, we can help you restore balance to your skin this fall.

Keep Your Skin Healthy This Fall with Reno Tahoe Dermatology

Your skin deserves expert care all year long, especially during the dry, chilly months. Reno Tahoe Dermatology in Reno, NV, provides personalized skincare solutions to help you look and feel your best through every season.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how to prepare your skin for the Reno-Tahoe fall and winter.