Autumn? AUTUMN?! We haven’t had a proper summer yet…
Yep, we hear your protestations and we’re right there with you. But let’s be honest for a moment; it’s getting darker, earlier in the evenings, it’s lighter later in the mornings, and summer simply doesn’t look like it’s happening this year. Better to prepare for the onset of autumn thoroughly and diligently, rather than turning and yearning for a warmer season that won’t ever come.
Though time is often said to be the greatest of healers, the passing of the seasons can have something quite contrary to say about that. Because with each transition in temperature and light comes a different damaging environment for our skin, and the necessity for a new skincare regime to match.
Whilst the summer sun has called for light exfoliation and plenty of moisturiser, the new season will welcomes in a whole new routine. Here’s how to make that shift seamlessly; our 7 seasonal skincare tips for autumn.
Repair Sun Damage With An Exfoliating Face Mask
As much as we’re enjoying the idea (if not the reality) of a seemingly endless summer, the lazy, hazy days tend to leave our skin looking a little greasier than any other time of year. The build up of sunscreen has clogged pores, and parts of our face have dried out from sun, sea salt and chlorine. However, used a couple of times a week, a good face mask can draw out all of those impurities and any excess oil that has built up throughout the year, brightening dull and tired skin.
Or, depending on your skin type and how summer has treated it, a hydrating skin mask can help to replace any moisture lost over the summer. Likewise, an exfoliating face mask can get rid of the dead and damaged skin cells.
…& Prepare For Winter
A devoted effective skincare regime is not only one of cure. It also involves foresight, planning and prevention. As such, as soon as the sun has set on summer, you should be preparing your skin for the perils of winter.
Even though we’re looking forward to a few months of autumnal conditions, you can get your regime in line with the colder months gradually on the approach. So, that’s a pre-emptive skincare regime, designed to counteract the bluster of winter wind and the subsequent dry, red and flaky skin, using plenty of moisturiser (by switching from lotion to cream) which protects against more extreme humidity. It’s also wise (though it may seem oh so counterintuitive) to get into the habit of shorter, cooler showers, as those long, languid, hot ones wreak havoc on your face’s moisture content.
This also goes for your nails, which get particularly brittle in the cold weather. A simple system of conscious filing should do the trick. And don’t neglect your feet as the temperature cools, too. Don socks around the house to avoid chapped tootsies, and consider specific products for keeping your feet soft to keep the moisture content up.
Hydration Stations
A tip for all seasons but for a myriad of different reasons, this one. In autumn, we need to supplement all of that moisture lost from the dry heat of summer, as well as preparing for the extremities of winter. The most effective way to do this doesn’t lie in any product; just simple, natural h2o.
Keeping quenched will contribute to that youthful glow no amount of beauty products can. Rather than downing pints of it before bed, just make a concerted effort to have a cup each time you pass the water cooler at work, and have a jug of water at the table during meal times. Nothing drastic, nothing financially or time consuming, just simple, common sense.
For an added boost, consider incorporating an organic, sugar free electrolyte powder into your water. This can help to replenish essential minerals and maintain optimal hydration levels, especially as the weather cools and our skin needs that extra bit of care. Nothing drastic, nothing financially or time consuming, just simple, common sense.
Embrace Antioxidants
As the seasons change, our skin is exposed to different environmental stressors, including pollution and fluctuating temperatures. To combat these, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is essential. Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, which can cause premature ageing and skin damage. Look for serums or moisturisers containing ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. These will not only protect your skin but also help to brighten and even out your complexion.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate
The vibrancy and colour of summer has finally bid us farewell and the more muted, daker tones of autumn have been ushered in, and let’s be honest, the same effect can be felt (and seen) on our face if we don’t give it the proper attention. A lustreless, dull visage is the biggest threat of the new season, and regular but gentle exfoliation is one of the best tools we have against its onset.
Prioritise creams that remove dead skin cells which act as a barrier to new moisture retention, as well as promoting cellular regeneration. These help to reduce wrinkles and buff away fine lines. When choosing an exfoliation cream, keep it natural and seek products containing no alcohol for best results.
Switch To A Gentle Cleanser
With the cooler weather, your skin can become more sensitive and prone to dryness. It’s important to switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers and opt for cream or oil-based ones that have been made with natural ingredients, providing a thorough cleanse while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. This will help to keep your skin soft, supple, and ready to face the autumn chill.
Don’t Go Overboard On Breakouts
Changes in humidity and temperature can cause our skin to react in unpredictable ways, and the transition from summer to autumn is known to result in a few spots appearing unexpectedly. What’s more, the natural shift in diet to something heartier and more filling can also cause the odd breakout as our bodies adjust. That’s nothing to worry about and the worst thing you can do is overreact, prodding, poking and popping with abandon. Instead, keep your calm and apply a deep cleansing mask periodically to draw out impurities.
Should the new season’s shift be getting you down and you fancy getting away, check out our guide to the best European city breaks for autumn 2024. Remember to wear that sunscreen, wherever you go, though!