Ever wondered whether you need to change your skincare routine for the new season? I spoke to Lucy Foster (Aesthetics Nurse Lucy) to get up to date with everything skincare for autumn-winter. And considering how gorgeous her skin is, I’ll be eagerly noting down everything she says!
5 Top Skincare Upgrades for Autumn/Winter
Hi Lucy! Spill the beans - should we be changing up our skincare routine from summer to autumn?
In short, yes, definitely. As a time of transition, autumn is the best time to repair that summer damage and prepare your skin for the months ahead. The cooler weather can cause our skin barrier to become dull, dry and prone to breakouts. Pair this with that fading summer glow, which may now reveal age spots, pigmentation and redness, and it comes as no surprise that as the seasons change, your skin does too. The same way you swap your summer sandals for cosy boots, you need to modify your skincare routine and review the products in your beauty cabinet.
Ooo! Interesting! So, what types of skincare products should we be using in autumn/winter?
1. Exfoliating products
Summer damage can lead to more dead cell build up on the skin. Therefore, if you don’t already, you will need to consider adding a chemical exfoliant to your regime. Exfoliating the face will help remove the dead, dry skin built up over the summer and give you a fresher complexion. However, bear in mind that we don’t want to strip the skin of moisture, which is why it's always important to get in touch with a skincare specialist who can guide you in the right direction when it comes to safe and gentle exfoliation.
2. Moisturisers
As autumn brings a cooler climate and drier air, you should seasonally change up heavier moisturisers, add in antioxidants such as vitamin C and introduce eye creams to help with puffiness and dryness. If you're noticing a lot of dryness, you can add a slightly thicker or creamier moisturiser to give your skin an extra boost.
3. SPF
Protecting your skin from the sun shouldn't just be something you think about in the summer months. As any skincare professional will tell you, protecting skin against UV damage is a year-round commitment. Incidental sun exposure, such as that experienced on a daily commute, through windows, or infrared light emitted by your computer screen, mobile phone or even lamps, has a cumulative effect that results in fine lines and aging skin.
The same way you swap your summer sandals for cosy boots, you need to modify your skincare routine and review the products in your beauty cabinet.
Sounds great! And is there one product in particular that you recommend for autumn/winter?
For me, I would say moisturiser. As someone who suffers from dry skin, which is enhanced more so in the colder months due to cooler temperatures, blustery winds and central heating, I appreciate the importance of retaining my skin moisture. This environment can leave our skin struggling to retain moisture in its cellular level, which is why your skin may feel tight and uncomfortable. Skin lacking moisture may also appear older and duller, as dry skin doesn’t reflect light and instead the shadow effect can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
Which in-clinic treatments are perfect for this time of year?
To really give your skin a new start and a healthy glow, consider trying professional cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels and microneedling.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the skin and stimulate new cell growth, helping to rebuild collagen. After you undergo a chemical peel, the skin will be temporarily more sensitive to sunlight. In order to optimise skin recovery, it is strongly advised by skincare professionals to stay out of the sun so that the fresh, emerging skin is protected. That is why the best time to get chemical peels is in the autumn and winter months when the weather is cooler, days are shorter, and the sun is not so intense. Although the safest time of year to undergo chemical peels, it is still imperative to apply SPF daily.
Microneedling
Another treatment that is clinically proven to help stimulate collagen production, is microneedling, a non-invasive skin treatment using ultra-thin titanium needles which create tiny micro-injuries in the very first layer of the skins surface. This stimulates the body to boost the regenerative processes that naturally takes place in the skin every day. During this regeneration, collagen and elastin production are increased. Again, a treatment which requires strict SPF use and limited sun exposure this is another great treatment to consider during the months ahead.
Thanks so much, Lucy! I’m off to book in for a chemical peel and change up my autumn/winter skincare!
Want a gorgeous autumn/winter glow? Find chemical peels and microneedling near you on Glowday, or check out our fabulous new Skincare Consultation service where you can have a completely tailor-made chat with a skincare pro about your skin concerns and the products that will work for you.
