Autumn is one of our favourite seasons! Think of all the fiery colours, a warm flickering of candles, delicious smell of spiced coffee and cosy jumpers. What’s not to love??
Well…
As the days get colder, rainier and we turn the heating on, soon you will notice your skin feels different. Sudden dryness, spells of redness and then some blotchiness with a pesky breakout here and there, and most definitely the loss of summer glow - your skin starts to act up.
Why is that and what can you do about it? Read on, my friend, and find out!
🍂 Hydrate
Did you know that hot water speeds up water evaporation from your skin, causing dryness and irritation? And it doesn’t only evaporate from the surface - it also pulls the water out from deeper layers of your skin leading to dehydration, itchiness, dull appearance and more visible fine lines and wrinkles. Same goes for heated rooms, car heating etc. - “dry” air aggravates water loss causing dry skin.
Solution
Avoid hot showers/ baths, and wash your face with lukewarm water using mild, non-drying cleansers. Invest in a humidifier to put on your desk, in your bedroom or in any space where you spend the most time.
🍂 Cleanse
Most foaming and gel cleansers, as well as many soaps aren’t good for your skin. They contain harsh surfactants that in the process of removing grime also disrupt skin microbiome, its protective lipid barrier and have pH many times higher than your skin’s. This leads to sensitive, dry skin, breakouts and over time - excessive sebum production as your skin tries to overcompensate for a loss of its natural lipids.
Solution
Replace harsh cleansers with gentle, pH-balanced cream, balm or oil facial cleansers. Seek ones that will effectively remove impurities without drying or irritating your skin, and wash off easily without a need for a foaming cleanser as a follow-up. If you need a second cleanse, make sure you’re using a mild cleanser without SLS/ SLES or a moisturising facial soap specifically designed to use on the face. Your face should feel soft and comfortable, not “squeaky clean” or tight after washing.
Deerieo Berry Clean balm is a true dry skin saviour that can be used as a cleanser, facial mask and dry skin treatment. Check it out here (opens new window).
🍂 Moisturise
If your skin still feels dry and tight despite using a moisturiser, it’s time to switch to something more nourishing that will protect and “feed” your skin during the cold months. Please note that I don’t mean a pure oil-based facial cream. Your skin needs both water (back to point 1) to remain healthy and lipids to slow down water evaporation and provide vitamins, essential fatty acids and other beneficial compounds.
Solution
Your face cream should sink in without leaving a heavy residue but still make you feel comfortable in your skin (while providing other benefits, of course). It must contain humectants that will attract water to the skin - i.e. glycerine or hyaluronic acid. Apply it as quickly as possible after washing your face to lock in moisture. You can give your face cream a boost by adding 1-2 drops of facial oil serum to a portion of a moisturiser before the application.
Deerieo Daily Glow face moisturiser is a light yet nourishing cream that offers protection, hydration and skin restorative benefits. Can be paired with Deerieo Aurora facial oil serum for extra boost. Visit Daily Glow product page here (opens new window).
🍂 Exfoliate
Avoid scrubbing tools: sonic brushes, konjac sponges, muslin cloths - these are abrasive tools that physically remove the top layer of your skin which opens it up to increased water loss, damage the skin’s protective barrier and introduce and/or spread bacteria, acne etc. Don’t layer exfoliating products together or double-exfoliate. This will inevitably leave your skin irritated, red and inflamed.
Solution
Depending on your needs, exfoliate one to two times per week. Especially if you have acne, opt for mild AHA/ BHA acid peels, glycolic acid or lactic acid which exfoliate but also help increase hydration. Otherwise, you may also opt for mechanical exfoliation but don’t use anything harsh ie. apricot kernel powder ;)
🍂 Sunscreen
Yes, still! Even on cloudy days, the skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays reach us and cause skin ageing.
Solution
Use a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen (UVA/UVB), ideally with approximately 20% zinc oxide.
🍂 BONUS TIP: Exercise to increase blood and oxygen flow in your body and eliminate toxins. It really does help to maintain better skin!
As you can see, you don’t have to dramatically change your skincare routine or buy lots of new products to feel comfortable in your skin even in the cold weather. All you need to do is a few adjustments your skin will thank you for, so that you can fully enjoy the most colourful of seasons.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions or feedback - we’re always happy to hear from you!