We’ve been lucky enough to have a fantastic summer this year, and you’ve no doubt given your skin a chance to soak up plenty of vitamin D in the warm weather. But as we slip into September, the colder air and darker nights are beginning to creep up on us, and with the changing seasons comes a change in our skincare routine. While summer called for light moisturisers and a gentler regime, the colder months can make your skin more susceptible to breakouts, and your complexion can become dry and flaky if you don’t make the appropriate adjustments to your skincare routine.
Our recommended tweaks to your skincare routine for the changing seasons will help you keep your skin healthy and happy — even if the weather outside might be grey and miserable.
Increase exfoliation
In the summer months, you don’t need to exfoliate as often, largely thanks to your keratinocytes regenerating much faster due to the sun’s heat and higher vitamin D levels. However, with colder and cloudier days inevitably on the horizon over the winter, it helps to refresh your skin with regular exfoliation at least twice a week. With less fresh air and natural moisture around you, your skin can become dry and flaky, which may clog your pores and lead to an uneven texture. Regularly buffing away this dead skin will encourage new cell growth and collagen production and leave your skin looking clear and fresh.
Avoid very hot showers
Although the idea of a long hot shower may come as welcome relief when it’s bleak and chilly outside, high temperatures may play a role in hindering your skincare routine. Scalding water and prolonged time spent rinsing off can cause your skin to become red and inflamed and affect its natural moisture balance, stripping the natural oils and fats from the its surface. By keeping your showers to ten minutes or less and avoiding harsh products that could cause irritation, you’ll be able to lock in essential moisture and keep your skin smoother and more hydrated.
Use a thicker moisturiser
You can get away with using a lightweight moisturiser in the summer months, but it helps switch it to something more nourishing as the weather turns colder. In the warmer months, your skin tends to be oilier and shinier due to the sebaceous glands working in overdrive to produce sweat. However, as the temperatures cool, it may look a little more dry and dull, so the autumn and winter months are a great time to switch up your skincare habits. Heavier moisturisers increase hydration and offer deeper nourishment, supporting the skin’s barrier and protecting it from the less desirable outdoor conditions. Make sure to moisturise both morning and night.
Add in a facial oil
A quality facial oil is an excellent complement to your cold-weather skincare routine. Facial oils work to seal in moisture through a combination of nutrients, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, creating a barrier and helping your skin to remain bright and glowy. By penetrating below the skin’s surface, oils offer deeper nourishment and protect your complexion against the dry air. We recommend you use your facial oil nightly before bed, so your skin has a chance to absorb the nutrients and reap the benefits. If your skin is particularly dehydrated, you could also add a couple of drops beneath your makeup for an extra moisture boost.
Change up your cleanser
As autumn skincare is all about locking in moisture, your cleanser should be no different. While a light foaming cleanser can be a great choice in the summer, changing it for something a little more hydrating in the colder months is a good idea. Opt for a creamy cleanser that moisturises and cleans your skin without leaving any heavy residue. It’s recommended that you use this twice daily – in the morning and before you go to bed.
Use a humidifier
The cold, dry air in the autumn months is a culprit for sucking moisture from your skin. Lack of nourishment and essential oils can cause your skin to dry out, become flaky, and even contribute to premature ageing. Combat this by using a humidifier in your room while you sleep. A humidifier will ensure the air isn’t so dry, help to replace the lost moisture and protect your skin through the night.
Try a moisturising mask
While moisturising masks are often regarded by many as a rare treat for the skin, they can be a hugely beneficial skincare staple throughout the autumn and winter. Deeply nourishing ingredients to look out for as you shop around include manuka honey and shea butter, both highly effective in giving your complexion a much-needed boost of radiance.
Acquisition Aesthetics offers non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures to our model patients throughout the UK and Ireland. To learn more about the treatments we provide, visit our website here.
