love autumn, yes really! As much as I enjoy my hot summers, autumn has a charm all its own. The changes of colours that make a walk in the park or woods almost magical and the cooler fresher air makes it one of my favourite times of the year.
But of course, autumn also means a change in temperatures and a sign that colder, darker winter days are not far off which can wreak havoc on our skins. So now is the time to start preparing and winter-proofing. The combination of cold weather, low air humidity and central heating can all take a toll on our skin if we don’t make changes to strengthen and protect it so it can survive through the winter months.
Here are some easy tips to help your skin stay looking and feeling great when the temperature drops.
Feed your skin
Start from the inside out. Following a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fresh seasonal fruit and veg, healthy fat and omegas to help your body produce healthy strong skin cells.
Up your cleansing game
The cold weather affects the skin’s ability to hold on to moisture, so this is the perfect time to switch to a more nourishing cleanser. Cleansing creams, balms and oils are absolutely divine but if like me you must have the feel of water on your skin there are lovely face washes that are specially created for dryer sensitive skin types and can be used without stripping the skin of moisture. Speak to your beauty therapist for guidance if you’re unsure. Your facialist sees your skin regularly and will have a good understanding of what your skin is like and will be able to assist with advice.
Always make sure you double cleanse to make sure your pores are properly cleansed and free of any make-up, or dirt that could contribute to breakouts and other skin problems. And don’t forget your toner, unless your cleansing products specifically do not require one. Toners help to balance the PH level of your skin so your serums and moisturisers can work efficiently.
Hydrate from the inside out
Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water, switching to warm water may make it easier to take on colder days but will still hydrate you and help prevent dehydration.
Include lots of herbal teas, not only are they warming on a cold day many herbal teas have additional health benefits. Check out our Instagram Reels for more information
Inject as much hydration as possible into your skincare routine by layering serums or face oils. For normal to combination skin, I highly recommend Neroli face oil and if you are a dryer more sensitive skin try our Rose face oil.
For best results when layering, leave a couple of minutes in between each application and gently massage into the skin to assist absorption.
Invest in a richer moisturiser for winter
It is normal for your skin to want a slightly richer moisturiser to help protect and get it through the colder season. Most brands will make a richer version of what you already use for this reason.
Treat your face to a weekly mask
Invest in a good hydrating mask to help give your skin the extra boost. For best results exfoliate first and then follow with the mask.
Book a facial
Book in for a monthly facial or if time is an issue try and get your facials done with the change of each season. Facials are tailored to treat your skin and provide for its unique needs and will help boost the skin. Opt for a facial that includes an in-depth facial massage as this helps to get the blood circulation flowing and will help to increase hydration levels. Winter skin tends to be dryer and more sensitised, a good facial will help to infuse ingredients into the deeper layers of skin (Galvanic therapy is perfect for dryer skin).
Invest in an air humidifier
Keeping the air in your home/workplace hydrated with an air humidifier will help infuse moisture into the air. This can help prevent colds and allergies from occurring and also help to keep the skin hydrated.