As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine, moving into Autumn brings in cooler weather and a drop in humidity. The changes in our environment can impact the skin (especially after the summer we have experienced), and we need to adjust our routines accordingly, ensuring that these seasonal changes don’t play havoc on the skin.
The lasting effects of Summer
To recover from the harsh lasting effects of summer, which can include dry skin, pigmentation, and sun damage, you need to restore your skin to its best and keep it hydrated and protected for the months to come.
Analyse Change
It is really important that you are aware of the changes in your skin, as the seasons change, so can your skin type. Whilst in Summer you may be oiler, come autumn you may notice your skin turns more “normal” or even “dry”.
To understand what products and ingredients the skin requires, we must understand your skin type. If you are unsure of your skin type or confused about which routine is best suited to you, we can help.
What to do at home
- Moisturiser are designed to help lock in hydration and keep the skin from drying out. The skin has a protective lipid barrier consisting of natural oils. It regulates water loss from the inside out, retains moisture, keeps you hydrated, and works to keep environmental toxins out. When the skin becomes dried out, this protective barrier starts to break down and therefore becomes unable to do its job, which creates dry, irritated skin with more pronounced wrinkles. Depending on your skin type & condition you may want to switch up your moisturiser to a heavier product. In the summer months we tend to use more lightweight, oil free products, however as the cold creeps in locking that moisture in is essential, due to the weather becoming cooler and dryer, this is the perfect time for you to try a hydrating cream.
- Using an AHA chemical exfoliant will remove dead skin cells by breaking down the bonds that hold the dead skin in place. The benefits of using an AHA exfoliator include improvement in skin tone & texture, reduction of discolouration, and reduction of the visible signs of ageing, including the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. The AlumierMD AHA Serum is a fantastic product to introduce this time of year, formulated with alpha hydroxy acid it gently but thoroughly exfoliates the skin.
- Speed up your cell turnover by incorporating a Vitamin A (Retinol) product, by phasing this into your routine in autumn it can help to avoid any sensitive flare ups, although it is normal to still experience some. Therefore, the cooler months, when you are less exposed to sunlight, are the best time to introduce a retinoid to your skincare routine, as retinoids can thin the skins uppermost barrier.
- Just because the sun isn’t out every day, doesn’t mean that we put the SPF away. It is vital that you continue use of sun protection products in the colder months. UVA rays are present at the same strength all year round, and penetrate cloud cover, meaning that sun damage can still occur in the colder months. Ensure that your SPF products are broad spectrum (protection from both UVA & UVB rays) and has a minimum of SPF 30.
Step up your professional treatments in “Peel Season”
Autumn is often referred to as “Peel Season” in the skincare industry because it is the perfect time to step up the strength of your in-clinic treatments. Due to the reduction in sun exposure, we have the opportunity to safely provide a deeper exfoliation. Whist you can achieve a good level of exfoliation at home using active ingredients, having a professional, medical grade chemical peel is something you will see and feel the benefits of instantly.
Internal wellness
As well as adapting your skincare routine, it’s also important to ensure your day-to-day routine reflects your skin goals. To work towards better skin health from the inside out, ensure you are:
- Well hydrated
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress level
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Keeping the body moving & the blood flowing
