The evenings are getting darker, mornings are getting colder and that crisp air is starting to hit. Autumn has officially arrived.
And although we may protect ourselves from the cold with endless layers of clothing and plenty of pumpkin spiced lattes, do we give the same TLC to our skin?
Believe it or not, the transition into autumn is the perfect time to kick start your skincare routine, protecting it from the cold months to come and repairing any summer damage. Toni Phillips at DestinationSkin shares her advice on how we can prepare our complexion for the winter months, all in the comfort of our own homes.
Swap for the season
We’re all familiar with a seasonal clear out, whether that’s packing your jumpers away for summer or bikinis for winter, but do we do the same with our skincare products?
“In the colder months, your skin is already lacking in moisture, so the challenge is effective cleansing, whilst also protecting the water levels in the skin barrier,” Dr Phillips said. “Dry skin types should stick with a light glycolic cleanser and alternate with a Vitamin C cleanser on the days when the skin feels dry.
“Combination and oily skin types still need to use a BHA cleanser to remove excess oil, but will benefit from a good moisturiser daily to combat the drying effects of harsh outdoor conditions and indoor heating.”
Enhance exfoliation
“In the winter, our skin can lose that much-loved summer glow,” Dr Phillips said. “By exfoliating once or twice a week, you can gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells, makeup and oils and reveal that hidden glow.”
All about the eyes
“Our eyes are super sensitive and fine lines and wrinkles can become much more apparent in the winter,” Dr Phillips said.
“Dark circles can also appear or become worse. An eye cream combined with good nutrition and wearing sunglasses will help protect and keep it looking bright and fresh.”
Keep those showers short and sweet
We all know the temptation of a long hot shower in the winter when it’s cold outside, but this is a big no-no for our skin.
Dr Phillips explained: “Not only will the water dehydrate you, it will strip away the necessary moisture balance from your skin. If you come out red and itchy, it’s a sign that you’ve over done it!”
Health is key
“With the colder months ahead, exercising is the last thing you want to do but this will get your blood circulating and give you that healthy glow,” Dr Phillips explained. “Hydration is also important, alongside a healthy diet full of greens and brightly coloured vegetables which are high in antioxidants.
“And a good night’s sleep will do you the world of good and give the body time to restore and revitalise.”
Visit destinationskin.com
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