Changing your skincare routine for Autumn
As we slip away from the last of Summer and into Autumn, it’s important to adapt our skincare routine to ensure it’s suitable for the conditions around us.
As the seasons change and the weather turns colder, our environment affects our skin in different ways so we should try to limit any damage or irritation that could cause by changing our daily skin habits.
The switch from Summer to Autumn often contributes to skin becoming more likely to breakout and making it look dull or tired. This is because the change in climate can cause more dead cells to build up, trapping oil and bacteria below the surface and causing breakouts to happen. In addition, it’s probable that you’re spending more time inside in heated spaces which can dry out the skin and leave it thirsty for hydration.
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand what to swap and drop this season.
Introduce oils into your routine
The problem: The change in temperature as the weather gets colder when you’re in and out of the house can really affect your skin’s moisture balance. The change from your hot morning shower to the chilly breeze on the commute can cause the skin to become dry and flaky.
The treatment: To combat this, by adding an oil into your routine you can provide the skin with deep nourishment as well as improving moisture retention long term.
Opt for skincare that utilises Vitamin C
The problem: After a summer of sun, or not so much in the UK’s case, our skin has been exposed to higher levels of UV rays. This damages and prematurely ages the skin which will have a visible impact on our faces.
The treatment: Not only will it help you to maintain your summer glow, but Vitamin C will also work to correct and revers the damage caused by UV rays as well as evening the skin’s tone and texture, brightening the complexion and stimulating collagen production.
Switch out your cleanser to something a little gentler
The problem: In the autumn, your skin will produce less oils. If you continue to use a foaming or abrasive cleanser, you could be stripping away even more of these oils which in turn will leave the skin feeling dry and irritated.
The treatment: Opt for a cream or oil based formula in colder weather to gently clean the skin whilst not causing further damage. They will still effectively remove makeup and cleanse the pores but they will do so without disrupting the skin’s oil balance.
Maximise on moisturising
The problem: As the weather becomes colder, we’re likely to experience more dryness of the skin. This can be most notably seen in areas where the skin is delicate such as the eyes and lips.
The treatment: Add a richer moisturizer to your routine to ensure your skin is deeply nourished and protected against the cold. Also - add a weekly sheet mask to your routine to maximise on hydration and level up your skin’s moisture.
Don’t ditch the SPF
The problem: Many of us see the end of summer as the time to pack away all of the holiday necessities - bikinis, sun hats and flip flops are packed back into the cupboard ready to see the light of day the following year. However there is one summer essential that you should actually be holding onto year round. SPF! Even when the sun isn’t shining, UV rays can be just as harmful to the skin.
The treatment: Include SPF as part of your daily morning skincare routine to ensure you stay protected. Apply to your face, neck and toher exposed areas to keep your skin safe.
Target redness with soothing ingredients
The problem: Colder weather can cause flare ups, especially for those of us with sensitive or dry skin. This can often be spotted around the nose and cheeks and can cause irritation and discomfort.
The treatment: Choose skincare formulas with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like mushroom, cica and colloidal oatmeal to ensure the redness is reduced and any irritation is eased.