The leaves are starting to change colour, the air is turning crisp… change is all around us and with that, it’s time to make some changes in your skincare. With the cooler temperatures and the central heating coming on, the skin can react differently including feeling more irritated or dry.

Let’s talk about what you can do to combat the impact of Autumn on your skin.

“Drop in temperatures and low humidity have a negative effect on our skin barrier meaning it becomes weaker and it is more susceptible to environmental stressors and allergens. A compromised skin barrier drives inflammation leading to redness, dryness and irritation.

As we say goodbye to summer, we need to adjust our skincare to counteract the effects of the colder weather on our skin. Facial skin can become dry and irritated after exposure to the cold and wind. The outer layer of our skin (skin barrier) tends to reflect the same level of moisture (humidity) as its surroundings. In the winter there tends to be low levels of humidity both outdoors and indoors (due to central heating). The skin tends to lose water more easily, becoming dry, rough and cracked,” says Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Ben Esdaile Skin + Me.

Make sure to hydrate

The drop in temperature and humidity levels during autumn can lead to dry, dehydrated skin. You might find that you’re reaching for richer formulas to combat this and add a protective layer to the skin.

Be gentle with exfoliating

“Essentially, what exfoliation does is it removes the top layer of epidermis which is dead skin or dead skin cells to give you a fresher, healthier complexion from underneath,” says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar GP and Award Winning Aesthetician.

Exfoliating should be something you do all year round, but it is important in the Autumn months. The cooler weather may mean your skin has more of a build-up of dead skin cells, which can make your complexion appear dull and rough.

Try to exfoliate twice a week, max!

Don’t drop the SPF

Yes the days are darker, but don’t be fooled! Harmful UV rays are still present during autumn… keep wearing that SPF, beautiful. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and make sure to reapply.

Look after your lips and eyes

The delicate area around your lips and eyes are more prone to dryness and fine lines… so keep the area smooth with a hydrating lip balm and a nice eye cream, perhaps with hyaluronic acid and peptides.

Keep the water warm, not hot

Yes, it’s tempting to take hot baths and showers to take the edge off the cold outside, but hot water can stripe your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness.. not what you want! Opt for warm water instead.

Transitioning your skincare routine for autumn doesn’t have to be daunting and doesn’t require a complete revamp… you might just want to tweak a few things to ensure you continue to get the best out of your skincare. Prioritise hydration, protect your skin and you’ll be embracing this season with confidence in no time!