As the temperature drops and you're already buying a new wardrobe of knitwear, what does that mean for your skin? Hot chocolates, marshmallows, and sitting by the fire sounds like a treat, but feeling comfortable in your post-summer skin will ensure that you're enjoying new season celebrations instead of frantically planning a skincare routine.
What happens to the skin in autumn?
Your skin is a lot more fragile during autumn, and this can cause dryness, sensitive skin, redness, a build-up of dead skin cells, sun spots, and an overall dull complexion. Cooler months can also affect oil and collagen production, so spending days stressing about your skin isn't the way to spend your holiday. An autumn skincare routine is a must.
How can you protect your skin in autumn?
The autumn months mean it's time to transition from your summer skincare routine to an autumn skincare routine, and this doesn't just mean using lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your face.
Rebuild the skin barrier with moisturiser
Do you want your glowing summer skin back? Dry skin can be detrimental in the cold weather, so switch your light moisturiser to a thicker moisturiser. This will help keep moisture retention going in your skincare routine, keeping your skin hydrated for longer.
Invest in dry skin remedies!
Central heating is pre-loved for keeping you toasty, but with being exposed to icy wind when leaving the house, your skin routine needs to adapt to these sudden environmental changes. In comparison to your usual summer skincare routine, a skin serum such as hyaluronic acid is a key rule. Hydrate morning and night to keep the skin barrier at bay.
Consistently cleanse your face
In the chilly months, your skin is more prone to dryness and lack of moisture, so you want to be using a gentle cleanser that can put moisture back into your skin. Micellar water, milk or cream cleansers are a great cleansing option as they won't feel rough on your face.
Try out 3-in-1 facial cleansers enriched with ceramides, as they are essential for melting away impurities. For drier skin, balms and oil-based products may be more effective in targeting lipids lost or flakiness, as they are notorious for refreshing the skin!
Exfoliate every week
No, gentle exfoliation doesn't cause extra dry skin in the cold weather, it's recommended once a week as it can strip and remove dead skin cells and bacteria, giving your skin a smooth surface.
Brighten the skin by introducing a chemical exfoliator with AHA or BHA according to your skin type. These exfoliators assist in healthy cell renewal and deep cleansing pores, targeting congestion and helping skin to feel polished and soft.
Tone, tone, toner!
A skincare routine for autumn needs to prevent a damaged skin barrier, and toning before moisturising will help return your skin's pH back to normal. This way, your skin can retain hydration, radiant skin, and that summer glow.
Reap the benefits of retinol
Want to turn back time? Hyaluronic acid isn't the only serum you should be making use of. Anti-aging and acne-fighting, retinol - or Vitamin A - should always be included in your skincare routine, especially in winter and autumn as the UV rays aren't as harsh. Use every second day until your skin can build up a tolerance, and make sure to start with 0.025% strength! In time, you can start using a 0.5% or a 1% strength retinoid.
Buy some beauty oils
Autumn skincare is all about repairing and improving the skin from those harsh spring irritants. Choose hydrating, softening, and soothing products such as plum kernel oil, apricot oil l, and jojoba oil for dry skin, and squalane, hemp seed oil, or safflower oil for acne-prone skin. Cocoa butter is another delicious option. These are nutrient-rich botanical oils, which are hydrating and fast absorbing with any skin type. Not only will you smell great, but your skin's barrier will love you for it.
Slather on the sunscreen
You might think that your skin is safer during the autumn and winter months, but that's further from the truth. Minor UV rays are still very harmful, so you'll want a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, or at least SPF 30+ to protect yourself against the sun. Slip, slop, and slap it on with your autumn beanie!
Keep the makeup light!
Get out your most hydrating primers! Since the skin can become flakey so easily, don't use heavy-weight foundations. Stick to CC or BB creams, cream blushes, moisturising lipsticks, waterproof mascaras, and avoid powders if possible. This will sink into the skin and won't cause any dryness throughout the day!
Discover skin peels and laser technology
To be fully prepared for the cold ahead, a professional skin peel or laser facial can remove unwanted layers of dull skin, reduce pigmentation and help making room for glowier skin to show itself. Autumn and winter are the perfect time to invest in these treatments as they are best performed when the sun is weaker so your skin isn't exposed to harsh radiation post treatment.
Be mindful of skin conditions
Do you struggle with frequent itching or redness? Moisture loss in cooler weather means you want to avoid serums such as alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, as this can irritate skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, or problematic acne.
To learn more about your skin type and the types of products to use, take the Vela Days Skin Analysis Quiz. If in doubt, consult your nearest board certified dermatologist for expert advice on what skincare products may work best for your skin type. A professional can also help you target specific skin concerns and get healthy skin.
For skincare advice and tips leading into Winter, read on here.
For skincare advice and tips for the whole year-round, read on here.
