If your skin starts looking dull, feeling dry or tight, or becoming more reactive as soon as the weather cools down, you're not imagining it. Many people in the Northeast notice changes as early as September.

Discover why colder weather impacts the skin so dramatically and learn holistic ways to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and resilient all season long.

Why Fall & Winter Hit Your Skin Hard

As temperatures drop on Long Island and across the Northeast, your skin faces several challenges at once. Together, they can weaken the barrier, trigger dehydration and sensitivity, and make corrective treatments less effective.

Cold, dry outdoor air
When humidity drops, the air actually pulls moisture out of the skin, leading to TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss). This can cause dehydration, visible pores, fine lines, and even increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate.

Indoor heating
Heating systems dry the air even further, weakening the skin barrier and contributing to flakiness, irritation, and rough texture.

Wind exposure
Wind strips away protective lipids, making the skin more vulnerable. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wind is also considered an “invader” that can weaken the body’s defenses.

Seasonal mood changes & circadian rhythm shifts
Shorter, darker days affect mood, sleep and stress hormones — all of which influence barrier repair, hydration and skin healing.

Holiday stress
High cortisol disrupts collagen production, slows healing, and increases inflammation. Tension held in the fascia also impacts the appearance of the face.

Diet changes
Heavier meals, more carbs and sugar, and decreased gut efficiency can burden the digestive system and show up on the skin—especially if the microbiome is imbalanced.

Less activity = more stagnation
Colder months often bring reduced movement, which slows lymphatic flow. Because 30% of all lymph sits around the face, neck and head, stagnation can cause dullness, puffiness and breakouts.

How to Care for Your Skin Through Fall & Winter

Nourishment, barrier protection and lymphatic flow are essential for maintaining healthy skin through the colder months. Starting early—before signs of barrier damage appear—helps treatments work better and keeps the skin stronger throughout the season.

1. Build a customized skincare routine
   A personalized routine protects the barrier, balances moisture and prevents irritation. An improper routine is one of the most common causes of barrier dysfunction.

2. Prioritize barrier-supporting ingredients
   Look for lipids (ceramides, squalane, fatty acids), amino acids, hyaluronic acid (as appropriate), glycerin, sodium PCA, peptides, beta glucan, snow mushroom and Centella Asiatica.
   Avoid long-term use of beef tallow—despite trends, it’s high in oleic acid and can worsen barrier damage over time.

3. Choose nourishing, hydrating facials
   Barrier repair treatments, hydrating facials and seasonal protocols help restore moisture, strengthen the barrier and prepare the skin for corrective work like peels or microneedling.
   Face sculpting and lymphatic massage also increase circulation and reduce stagnation.

4. Use a quality humidifier
   A humidifier restores moisture to heated indoor air. Choose one that's easy to clean and mold-resistant.

5. Support your lymphatic system
   Gentle gua sha, face massage, proper hydration, minerals, and “lymph-loving” foods (greens, ginger, garlic, fruits, warm lemon water, and herbal teas) help keep skin bright and clear.

6. Dress warmly to protect the skin
   Cold wind and low temperatures weaken the skin’s defenses. Layering and covering the neck—a vulnerable point in TCM—helps protect your energy and immunity.

7. Incorporate Eastern Medicine principles
   TCM and Ayurveda emphasize syncing with nature’s seasonal rhythms:
   • warm, cooked meals
   • healthy fats and warming spices
   • rest, gentle movement and self-massage
   • evening routines that calm the nervous system
   These practices counteract the dryness and cold associated with fall and winter.

8. Regulate your nervous system
   Chronic stress raises cortisol, impacts barrier repair, and increases inflammation. Fascia release facials, massage, breathwork, and intentional rest help reset your skin and your body.

9. Honor your circadian rhythm
   Your skin follows a 24-hour cycle that influences hydration, repair and regeneration.
   Support it by:
   • getting morning light exposure
   • adjusting skincare based on time of day
   • avoiding heavy foods and blue light late at night
   • using sunset-colored light in the evening

10. Keep movement gentle but consistent
    Movement stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow, helping skin look brighter and feel more alive — especially during months of natural stagnation.

11. Nourish your body & immune system
    Holiday treats are fine in moderation. Pair them with supportive foods and digestive balance to prevent burdening the skin.

A Seasonal Reminder

Preparing your skin for fall shouldn’t feel overwhelming—and you don’t need to struggle with dry, dull skin all winter. With the right seasonal treatments, a balanced routine, and some extra care, your skin can stay hydrated, radiant and resilient all year long.

Meet Nina Livii, Northport Wellness Center Licensed Holistic Esthetician

Northport Wellness Center Alliance Member and licensed holistic esthetician, Nina Livii is the owner of Nina Livii Skin Care & Wellness. Her private facial studio located in the calming space at the Northport Wellness Center offers restorative and advanced facial treatments.

Nina’s personalized, root-cause-focused approach merges modern skin technology with holistic therapies. Each treatment is customized to the client's biochemistry, skin goals, and overall well-being, incorporating advanced modalities like oxygen hyperbaric dome therapy, Nano-Infusion, Linder Health peels, and fascia massage. Nina uses only non-toxic, results-oriented techniques—no harsh treatments or unnecessary fluff.

This season, Nina is offering the Fall Skin Reset Facial—ideal for new clients and perfect for rebuilding the barrier for fall and winter. It includes:

• biorhythm skin therapy

• a regenerative treatment

• barrier repair

• expert consultation and skin analysis

• a personalized treatment and home-care plan with complimentary samples

You can book one of the following options:

—Fall Skin Reset Holistic Facial – 90 min

—Introductory Holistic Facial – 60 min

—Signature Hygeia Facial (Intro Level) – 90 min

To learn more or stay updated on seasonal specials, call Nina at 631-579-3755 or email liviialchemy@gmail.com. Visit Nina Livii Skin Care & Wellness at www.ninaliviiskincare.com.