Breaking Beauty Podcast How-to Transition Your Skincare Routine to Fall and Winter, According to a Dermatologist: “Short Contact” Therapy, Layering Hacks and Barrier-Boosting Secrets
Oct 15, 2025
Dr. Kim Blakely, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Elevate Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, shares expert tips on transitioning your skincare for colder months. She explains how to recognize and fix a compromised skin barrier, emphasizing the importance of humectants and emollients. Dr. Blakely unveils her 'short contact therapy' for using retinol and benzoyl peroxide without irritation. She highlights must-have ingredients like ceramides and recommends a practical approach to layering products for ultimate hydration this fall and winter.
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Short Contact To Introduce Retinoids
- Use 'short contact' to build tolerance to retinoids: apply a pea-sized amount, leave 30–60+ minutes, then rinse and moisturize.
- Gradually increase contact time and frequency to avoid irritation and maintain consistency.
Sunscreen Is Nonnegotiable Year-Round
- Wear sunscreen every day, year-round, to prevent cumulative UV damage and aging.
- Use tinted sunscreens with iron oxide when managing pigmentation like melasma.
Always Apply Dedicated Sunscreen
- Use a dedicated sunscreen on top of moisturizer to achieve the labeled SPF protection.
- Apply about two finger lengths of sunscreen to get the tested SPF coverage for face and neck.