Given our skin can change up to 4 times a year as the seasons shift, it reinforces just how alive and dynamic our skin is. It is also the largest organ in our body (fact) and these changing needs must be supported, honoured and reflected with some simple seasonal shifts to our regimes.
During the summer expose to the sun and, even with a good protection, there could be some skin damage due to the external elements such as UVB, UVA, extreme temperatures, sea water naturally rich in salt, or, in some cases, chlorinated water. The skin, when back to our normal daily life and environment, needs to regain elasticity and moisture and all the precious skin EFA (part of the sebum layer), lost during the sun exposure. Skin can get worse after summer. When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts. Over time, UV damage can take a toll on our skin and its underlying connective tissue. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines.
PLUS, as the temperature drops so does the moisture content in the air which is why our skin gets dehydrated and dry skin. The cold air will zap the moisture from the skin, and you may notice the skin feels tighter and parched. The colder the air the drier the air, the drier the air the lower the humidity and the more likely the skin will become stressed and dehydrated.
Combine this with central heating and it’s no surprises the skin can feel taught, tight, dry, parched, thirsty and creases easily. In the morning when you wake up you may be greeted with sleep lines on the cheeks and the décolleté, your face can feel dry, your complexion can appear dull, these are all signs the skin has become dehydrated overnight.
Do not be surprised if your skin feels more sensitive in the Autumn too, dehydrated and dry skins often become irritated due to a lack of moisture causing skin sensitivity, stress, and inflammation. Do not ignore any of these feelings, even the slightest amount of dryness and sensitivity if left for a long period will expose the skin to further challenges. The priority for looking after your skin during the Autumn is to keep dehydration at bay and ensure the skins barrier stays protected and strong.
Not sure if your skin on your face is dehydrated here is an easy test to check your skin’s hydration levels: Using your index finger lift the cheek upwards and note how the skin changes. If you see horizontal feathery lines this is a sign the water levels in the upper layers of the skin have declined and the skin is dehydrated.
Hydrate a LOT
Hydration is probably the most important factor for your skin’s health, with nearly all the skin functions requiring good levels of moisture. If the skin becomes dehydrated collagen synthesis is reduced, inflammation is increased, enzyme activity declines and the skin barrier becomes compromised.
Go Balmy
The first skincare adjustment most experts recommend is switching your cleanser to a balm cleanser which will bring instant comfort, especially at night-time. Cleansing is the cornerstone of a great skincare routine, get this step wrong and your skin will not thank you. When your skin feels parched at the end of the day you need to restore the skins barrier, bring comfort to the skin and cleanse effectively.
