Now that we are coming to the end of the summer season and approaching the autumn/winter months we should start to consider how this change of weather may affect our skin and what products we can use and or add to our everyday regime to help protect our skin.
As the weather changes, most of us notice changes in the texture and appearance of our skin, a shift from dry to oily, increase in flare ups and breakouts are common, this is caused by the humidity levels dropping in the fall and temperatures cooling down. The weather, combined with the methods we use to combat the cold and low humidity causes extreme dry air which promotes dryness and irritation to our skin and may also aggravate existing skin problems.
Below are a few tips to consider to prepare your skin:
If you use a foaming or abrasive cleanser you should consider swapping it to a soothing, cream or oil-based cleanser to help keep moisture locked in.
Change your moisturiser to a more nourishing, richer consistency
Keep up with your exfoliation but tone down the strength a little to avoid irritation as your skin will be sensitive and already compromised.
Add a facial Serum for an extra boost to the skin.
Consider using a hydrating mask weekly also for extra hydration.
Use an SPF daily, regardless of the season. Sun damage can lead to a damaged skin barrier, the more your skin is damaged it is harder for your skin to hold in moisture, leading to further irritation, dryness and flaking.
Treatments that are more maintainable and popular throughout the colder season due to the skin being compromised after procedure but; have better downtime to heal due to the months being colder and not susceptible to further damage due to the sun:
Laser resurfacing – Improves the tone and texture of the skin, helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and reducing photo damage and acne scarring, dark marks that are secondary to skin irritation.
Laser hair removal – Safely Removes unwanted hair from the face and body without damaging the skin.
Chemical peels – helps to minimize wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation and scarring. It may also hep with skin disorders like acne and rosacea
