6 Skincare Tips For Changing Seasons
Tip 1: Top Up Your Moisture
The autumnal and winter months not only bring colder temperatures, they also see humidity levels fall making the air drier. This is bad news for your skin as the dry air sucks out moisture, leaving it feeling tight and dry. To combat this, it’s crucial to give your skin additional hydration. Dr Barbara Sturm recommends hyaluronic acid for this. “My Hyaluronic Serum is an essential as the formulation contains both high and low weighted hyaluronic molecules to replenish moisture at different layers,” she explains. “To properly absorb the serum, remove any dry and dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation.”
Dr Gary Goldfaden also advises using your serum or moisturiser whilst your skin is still damp as this allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture. For an even more intensive hit, try using a mask specifically formulated to combat dehydration and boost moisture. We love for this. It’s also worth swapping out your night cream for Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask, £48.00 once or twice week.
Tip 2: Switch To Richer Textures
Just like switching up your wardrobe, a seasonal shift also requires you to swap your lightweight summer products for something more heavy duty. “I always suggesting switching to thicker creams and even oils in colder months as our skin needs more nourishment,” explains the dermatologist Dr David Colbert, who also advises not being afraid of using larger amounts of product. If your skin is feeling particularly dry, use both. Massage in the oil to penetrate the deeper layers and then follow with the moisturiser to treat the surface skin.
For a rich, nourishing oil, look no further than Elemis Superfood Facial Oil, £54.00. Warm up three drops with your hands and massage into your face and neck. Layer on top Medik8 Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Cellular Repair Cream, N/A, or for something a little richer in texture, try Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream, £39.00.
Tip 3: Don’t Skip Exfoliation
Exfoliation not only helps to rid dead skin cells; it also boosts the efficiency of other products such as serums and moisturisers. Whilst skin may feel drier in colder months, it is important to keep exfoliating on a regular basis. Twice a week is usually enough, any more than this and you run the risk of dryness. “Removing dead skin cells will reveal a bright, more even-toned skin which would otherwise appear dull,” explains Dr Dennis Gross. “I always recommend using a chemical peel (like my Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula, £21.00) over harsh scrubs – particularly in winter.”
If you prefer the texture of a scrub, try Goldfaden Md Doctor's Scrub, £65.00. As exfoliation can be quite drying for the skin, always follow with a hydrating moisturiser or serum. We’re currently loving Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream, £72.00 as the ceramide-rich formula soothes and calms wind-chafed skin.
Tip 4: Swot Up On Ingredients
In addition to hyaluronic acid Dr Goldfaden also suggests looking for cold-pressed, pure oils and antioxidants. “Baobab and marula oil, as well as many other essential oils all contain high levels of vitamins, essential fatty acids and omegas which provide countless benefits to winter skin,” he explains. “Antioxidants also nourish and rejuvenate skin whilst protecting and brightening, making them another key ingredient to incorporate into your skincare.”
Tip 5: Address Specific Concerns
“Our skin is a very complex organ which buffers us as a first line of defence from all environmental changes,” explains Dr Colbert. “As a result of this, the epidermis has to react and many conditions such as eczema and rosacea flare up.” Eczema suffers should reach for something calming and anti-inflammatory such as Odacité Ca+C Sensitive Skin Serum Concentrate (Camelina + Chamomille), £20.40, whilst Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, £85.00 is great for easing the appearance of rosacea.
You may also experience breakouts as the skin’s natural moisture barrier becomes weaker and unable to fight bacteria as efficiently. Don’t be tempted to skip moisturiser and dry out sudden spots. Instead, keep moisturising and opt for a targeted treatment to tackle each breakout. Ren Clean Skincare Clearcalm Non-Drying Spot Treatment, £20.00 is our go-to as the gentle formula banishes spots with salicylic acid within days.
Tip 6: Tweak Your Diet
Healthy skin also comes from nourishing your body from within. The coming of a new season is a great time to refocus your eating habits and increase water intake. Dr Goldfaden believes that healthy-looking skin requires a 360-degree approach to wellness. “I recommend eating a diet rich in fatty acids such as avocados, salmon and leafy greens,” he explains. “This helps to keep inflammation and congestion at bay while infusing nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals back into your system. Try to stay clear of alcohol, white carbs and refined sugar which can trigger unwanted breakouts and irritation.” Colder weather may mean you are not as thirsty, but it is important to keep drinking in order to maintain a glowy complexion.
