Fall Skin Health & Wound Healing: Tips to Protect Your Skin in Autumn

As the Weather Changes, So Does Your Skin

When the temperature drops and humidity fades, your skin begins to feel the shift — often before you notice it. Dryness, itching, and irritation become common, especially for those living with chronic wounds.

The fall season brings lower moisture in the air, cooler temperatures, and indoor heating — all of which can disrupt your skin’s barrier and make it harder for wounds to repair. Understanding these seasonal skin changes is key to maintaining healthy, resilient skin all year long.

Why Fall Weather Affects Wound Healing

1. Lower Humidity Leads to Dehydrated Skin

   When humidity drops, your skin loses water faster — a process called trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). This causes tightness, flaking, and cracking that can slow down re-epithelialization, the stage where new skin forms over a wound.

2. Indoor Heating Dries the Air Even More

   Heaters and forced air systems create warm, dry environments that strip your skin of moisture and natural oils. For patients with chronic wounds, this can make dressings less effective and increase the risk of irritation.

3. Temperature Swings Reduce Circulation

   Moving between cold outdoor air and heated indoor spaces can constrict blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissue. This can lead to slower recovery and an increased chance of complications.

4. Friction from Fall Clothing

   Thicker fabrics and multiple layers can rub against fragile skin or wound dressings, causing friction or pressure. Small irritations can turn into skin breakdown or wound recurrence if not protected.

How to Protect Your Skin and Support Healing This Fall

Tip	Why It Helps	What to Do
Use a rich moisturizer or barrier cream	Locks in hydration and restores the skin’s protective layer	Choose products with ceramides, shea butter, or petrolatum; apply after bathing or cleansing.
Add humidity to indoor air	Prevents dryness and flaking	Run a humidifier in your bedroom or living area and aim for 40–50% humidity.
Avoid harsh soaps and hot showers	Keeps natural oils intact	Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and lukewarm water.
Check your wound dressings	Maintains a balanced healing environment	Ask your provider if a more moisture-retentive dressing (like hydrocolloids) is needed during fall.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics	Reduces rubbing and irritation	Avoid wool or rough seams near dressings; consider cotton or silk layers.
Stay hydrated and nourished	Supports tissue repair from within	Include protein-rich foods and key nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A.
Inspect skin daily	Catches small issues early	Look for redness, cracks, or dry spots around the wound area.

Red Flags to Watch For

Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth around a wound

• Drainage, foul odor, or discoloration

• New cracks or skin tears near dressing edges

• Delayed or stalled healing

• Fever or chills

Even minor seasonal changes can lead to setbacks if left untreated. Early intervention prevents complications and keeps healing on track.

Your Autumn Skin Care Checklist

• Apply moisturizer or barrier cream daily

• Run a humidifier in dry rooms

• Avoid over-heating your home

• Inspect wounds and skin regularly

• Adjust dressing types if dryness increases

• Wear gentle, layered clothing

• Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods

• Contact your wound care provider if healing slows

Key Takeaway

The fall season is a time of change — and your skin feels it too. By focusing on moisture balance, barrier repair, and gentle wound protection, you can maintain healthy skin and support faster, safer recovery.

For personalized wound care or dressing recommendations, contact WoundFree today or explore our Educational Resources to stay ahead of seasonal challenges.