Skin routine - Autumn

7 Ways To Reinvent Your Skincare Routine For Autumn

When temperatures suddenly change and in windy and cold weather, our barriers become damaged and let the metaphorical ‘rain’ - pollution and other external aggravators - deeper into the skin, causing inflammation, sensitivity and redness.

1. Cleansing consistently is key!

Skin’s natural cell turnover process creates debris on the upper layers which need to be removed before applying any other products, as this can affect the efficacy of future key ingredients penetrating the skin. Plus the mechanical action of cleansing also increases the blood flow and aids elimination of toxins so don’t rush it. Milk or cream are gentle enough to be used all year round so don’t need to be switched out for other formulas. However, drier skins can benefit from occasionally using more sumptuous balms or oils to help replace lipids lost and reduce flakiness.

Skin will thank you if you book an appointment with your aesthetician for dermaplaning once a month's.

2. Hydrate your skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a key player. Its effects are often compared to turning a raising into a grape when increasing water content. Use a hyaluronic acid serum morning at night straight after cleanser.

Aesthetician might offer you some skin boosters, which hydrate your skin from deeper skin layers out. Skin boosters are recommended twice a year.

3. Rebuild the barrier with moisturiser.

Using a moisturiser over a hyaluronic acid serum creates a layer over the skin and stops water escaping, making them extra important when the temperatures drop.

Oilier and acne prone skin types might want to use a light moisturiser or oil like jojoba that they may not have needed in summer. They’ll keep skin supple but overall should avoid thicker products that may clog or contribute to oiliness. Dry skins should look for nutrient rich oils to impart extra nourishment, especially at night.

4. Autumn exfoliation.

Post-summer, skin may need a peel, a treatment that utilises a combination of exfoliating acids to keep it looking fresh and radiant. This isn’t everyday exfoliation. The vest result can be performed in-clinic. I would recommend 3 point facial, delux chemical peel treatment or at least chemical peel.

You can exfoliate your skin at home, but have to remember a few simole rules: 1. Max of 20% acid can be used. 2. Avoid physical scrub. 3. Exfoliate only in the evening.

5. Start using retinol.

Retinol is sensitive to sun, so, autumn is the best time start using it. It is fantastic at increasing cell turnover, regulating oil flow and improving the appearance of pigmentation. Start slow to allow your skin to build up a tolerance and work up to using every night.

6. Wear SPF all year round.

The biggest mistake you can make it not wearing SPF longer than summer. Actually, our skin can be damaged by UV rays all year round so it’s one product that you never need swap out. Mineral-based SPF for its lightness, breathability, ocean-friendliness and ease of use - it sits really well under make-up.

7. Eat seasonally

Treating the outside of skin is all very well, but it’s important to complement an autumnal skin routine with a nutritional and seasonal diet. Autumn is the harvest season and we are incredibly lucky to have fresh, nutrient rich produce available, so make the most of it. Eat lots of squashes, like butternut and pumpkin, that are rich in beta-carotene to aid cell renewal, normal skin function and collagen production. Also worth ingesting is a great probiotic to improve gut health for clearer skin, and an omega supplement to ‘bubblewrap’ cells and keep moisture locked in.

Recommendations by Pfeffer Sal founder Andrea Pfeffer.