Protect your skin this Autumn with a few changes to your skincare routine to keep your skin looking and feeling glowing and healthy
Protect your skin this Autumn, as it has well and truly arrived! Time to swap the sundresses for chunky knits, long summer nights out for cosy evenings in and iced coffees for pumpkin spice lattes. But, trading your glowy, sun-kissed complexion for dry, flaky and patchy skin… Well, that’s something no one wants! Thankfully this doesn’t have to happen, and with a few tweaks to your skincare routine, I can make sure your skin stays glowing and healthy all year round.
How can you protect your skin in autumn? It can be as simple as adding hydrating products into your skincare regime, boosting hydration with internal supplementation, protecting your skin with SPF every time you are outside (don’t put away the SPF !), and increasing your water intake.
As the season changes, it’s not just the weather, nature, and our wardrobes that are affected: it’s our skin too. Once the temperature drops and the air becomes colder and drier, our skin retains less moisture and can become dehydrated. But there are ways we can minimise this from happening to our skin and ensure the only thing dry and crispy are the fallen leaves nestling on the ground.
Of course, most people’s skincare regime is different based on what’s best for their skin, but there are things we can all do to ensure our skin is looking and feeling its best, no matter the weather. Knowledge truly is power, and by understanding what issues the autumn weather can bring, we can try to prevent them and make sure we feel like our beautiful selves at all times.
What are the most common autumn skin problems?
The most common autumn skin problems that I tend to see range from mild dry or flaky patches on the skin, redness and irritation to intense flare-ups of chronic skin conditions that worsen as the weather changes. But, as I’ve already said, there’s no need to worry as they can all be helped and improved by using the correct products and adding some slight tweaks to our skincare routines.
Dry and dehydrated skin
One of the most common issues that affect a lot of people is dry or dehydrated skin, caused by the change in temperature, from cooler, drier air and low humidity levels outside, to then snuggling down by a cosy warm log fire or radiator means it’s harder for our skin to retain its moisture.
Skin irritation
With the heating being used more indoors and the air turning colder outside, dry skin can become exacerbated, causing it to feel hot, itchy and irritated.
Rosacea
As the temperatures change from warmer in summer to colder in autumn, it can be a trigger for rosacea skins, leading to a flare-up.
Sun damage
All those fabulous days lounging in the sun on our summer holidays can, unfortunately, leave us with problems such as dark spots or uneven skin tone that we only really start to notice as we take stock of our skin in the autumn months.
Dandruff
I know we hear the word dandruff and think of it as a hair problem, but it is actually a scalp problem that can worsen and start to affect the skin around our eyebrows and on our faces.
Eczema
Colder temperatures and rainy, wet weather conditions can lead to damp or dry air, both being a problem for anyone who suffers from eczema, meaning you may see more flare-ups due to the Autumn weather.
Top tips for protecting your skin this autumn
Protecting your skin in autumn doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch with a completely brand-new regime and products. Thankfully with a few small changes, you will be able to brave whatever the elements bring this autumn, without having to sacrifice your skins’ health while doing so!
Double cleansing
If you are a heavy make-up wearer, (especially with all the Christmas festivities that are just around the corner), double cleansing is beneficial. Cleansing your skin twice with hydrating products will help add moisture to your skin whilst clearing it of any make-up, dirt and pollutants.
To really feel the benefits of double cleansing it is important to make sure the cleansing products you use are designed for your skin, ideally recommended through me, a professional skin therapist. Cleansing products need to add moisture to the skin, opposed to drying it out. Using a dedicated cleansing oil as your first cleanse is a great way to break down and remove any makeup and dirt from your skin initially. One of my favourites is the Environ Skin EssentiA Pre-Cleanse Oil due to its added moisturising agents. I then like to follow with the Environ Youth EssentiA Hydra-Intense Cleanser to ensure I have removed any remaining particles, pollutants and dirt. This cleanser also protects the skin without changing the skins pH levels. It really is calming, hydrating and soothing for all skin conditions.
Time to talk about acids
Mainly, hyaluronic acid. Although a bit of a buzzword in the beauty world, it is more than just the latest skincare trend. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant that helps the skin hold onto water. It also helps to hydrate the outer layers of skin and improves the skin’s appearance.
Hyaluronic acid can be found in serums or moisturisers, so how you use it in your skincare regime will depend on what form you use. If in a moisturiser, apply it as you usually would (ideally twice a day after cleansing, toning and applying serums). If you use it in a serum, it is best applied straight after cleansing, ideally, while the skin is still damp, followed by a moisturiser to ensure you lock in all the hydration. Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Hydrating Serum helps to replenish any moisture lost throughout the day and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you prefer an oil for the nighttime and want to wake up with skin as smooth as silk, there is nothing better (in my opinion) than the Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Hydrating Oil Capsules.
Sunscreens and SPFs
The hot, sunny days of the summer are unfortunately gone for another year (I know, I’m not over it yet myself), but that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw away your sunscreens and SPF – don’t even think about it!
Even though you may not notice the suns’ rays beaming down on you, trust me, UVA rays are still there and can still cause dryness and damage if you are not protecting your skin this autumn. In the mornings, I know that we don’t want to add another step to our routine and we don’t always have an extra 5 minutes for our skin to absorb the sunscreen before applying makeup either, so using a gel product can make a massive difference. A gel such as Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF 50+ means you don’t have to cut short your precious sleep time as it soaks into your skin quickly and also has an advanced hydration system that helps to retain moisture. It’s a win-win!
Supplements
The most important of all; feeding your skin from the inside out. Just like with drinking adequate amounts of water, taking daily supplements ensures our skin is being cared for internally along with our skincare externally. It is well-known that our diet, and the nutrients we consume, have an impact on the health of our skin. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to make sure we get sufficient amounts or even the correct ones for our skin health through our diet alone. A way we can control this is by getting the nutrients our body craves through supplements. The right choice of vitamins and supplements will differ for everyone due to varying personal factors. If you are unsure, speak to me, and I can give you an idea of what will work best for you and your needs, but if it’s just maximum hydration, then the Skin Moisture IQ from the Advanced Nutrition Programme is the very best!
Don’t forget the rest of your skin too!
Even though for most of Autumn we wrap ourselves up, it doesn’t mean that the skin on our bodies doesn’t get exposed to the elements too. Wearing heavy clothing and materials while we’re outdoors (and indoors!) can also dry out our skin and leave it needing some TLC. Gently exfoliating your skin with a cream or glove while in the shower can help remove any dry, dead skin cells and promote the production of new cells. But with exfoliation, always remember to follow with a hydrating body moisturiser to replace any lost moisture from your skin and stop any irritation. The Environ AC&E body oil mixed with Environ Derma-Lac Lotion provides maximum moisture and a soothing and calming effect on the skin that deeply nourishes, yet doesn’t clog your pores or leave your skin feeling greasy.
Water! water! water!
I know being told to drink more water sounds like an old wives’ tale. But old wives tale or not, it is advice that works and has so many benefits for your overall health and skin. Drinking adequate water is important all year, but without the warmer weather reminding us to quench our thirst, it can be a habit that gets forgotten as autumn rolls around.
See it like this: using creams and serums help our skin from the outside, while water consumption helps from the inside. So, whether you treat yourself to a fancy, new bottle to keep on your desk or set an alarm for every 30 minutes reminding you to drink, try to make sure it’s something that continues as part of your daily routine.
Add a layer
Due to the drier, colder weather, we want to protect our skin as best as possible. Adding a stronger protective barrier ensures we lock in moisture as much as we can. A way we can do this is by introducing an added layer to our skincare routine such as the Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Super Moisturiser.
Although for most people this is quite an easy change, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, your skin may not work well with heavier products. If you’re not sure if this step is for you drop me a message, and we can discuss which products would work best for you and help give you the desired effect with the added protection you may need.
Sleep
Don’t worry, I’m not telling you off for not getting a solid 7-9 hours’ sleep per night. I am just gently reminding you that getting ample rest impacts how your skin looks and feels. While getting enough sleep means you wake up feeling well-rested and recharged, it also has some impressive benefits for your skin. While we sleep, our skin does some pretty serious work. It increases blood flow, rebuilds collagen, repairs damage from UV exposure, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Is there any wonder it’s called Beauty Sleep?
Facials
We all love a bit of a pamper-sesh at home, don’t we? Bubble bath, candles lit, a glass of wine (or your favourite hot drink) with all our fancy lotions and potions thrown in for good measure. But treating yourself to a result-driven facial is on a completely different level to just being a part of a “pamper day”. It is an intense treatment that cares for your skin using medical-grade products and equipment that are only accessible by fully-trained specialists. A facial specific to you and your skin needs boosts your skin during the treatment and long afterwards. Having facials with me gives you the chance to understand your skin better and the opportunity to discuss any skin concerns you may have so you can look after them at home.
Every person is different, as is our skin, so a “one-size fits all” approach to skincare and treatments doesn’t work. That’s why I have spent the last ten years specialising in bespoke facials to ensure you receive a treatment that best suits and benefits your skin. Our time and money are so precious, so just because a million celebs rant and rave about particular treatments it doesn’t mean that they will be any good for your skin needs. Through a tailored facial, not only will you see your skin improve, you will also have a better understanding of your skin and what you can do to keep it looking radiant and at its best.
Still not sure what is best for you and your skin this autumn?
Hopefully, all these tips will help you confidently transition your skincare from summer to autumn seamlessly and without much effort and time. However, I understand that sometimes (even with the best advice and information available) skincare can feel like a bit of a minefield, and if that’s how you’re feeling, then I most certainly can help you!
Please book an appointment for your complimentary consultation. Here I can analyse your skin and teach you how to look after your skin correctly. I can advise you on the best treatments and skincare to keep your skin feeling protected and cared for this autumn, and beyond.