Ten (10) key skincare tips for autumn

Hello everyone!

It has been raining for days so I can finally say that, autumn weather is here! There are many reasons you may feel the need to change your skincare products: breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, etc. A common reason for updating your skincare regimen is seasonal change. As the environment around you changes, so should your skincare routine. 

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No matter where you live, the autumn months are generally cooler and drier than summer. Malta, the island where I live, remains very humid throughout the year, thanks to the surrounding sea. 

This is how autumn weather affects your skin:

• Cooler temperatures increase the skin’s proneness to dryness and dehydration. 
• The skin may experience more irritation, redness, and inflammation due to the weather conditions like wind and rain. 

If you live in low humidity:

• Low humidity levels can aggravate skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
• In dry weather the skin produces more sebum, leading to more breakouts.

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Ten (10) key skincare tips for autumn:

1. Hydrate from the inside out - Drink more water, consume hydrate foods, invest in a humidifier, and use hydrating serums and moisturisers. Look for humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. 
2. Swap light moisturisers for thicker creams - This is the time to use more emollient and occlusive ingredients. Emollients soften the skin, making it less prone to dryness and roughness. While occlusives form a seal around the skin to keep the water locked in. (Examples of emollients: mineral oil, shea butter, petroleum, ceramides, and fatty acids. Examples of occlusives: squalene, beeswax, lanolin, petrolatum, and paraffin.) 
3. Use SPF - You need sunscreen in the fall. This will prevent sunburns and free radical damage that accelerates skin ageing.
4. Exfoliate less - Focus on moisturising and protecting. You can continue using a gentle exfoliator but avoid over-exfoliating.
5. Take care of your lips - Apply a lip balm throughout the day. Look for one with SPF.
6. A body lotion is a must - The best time to apply a body moisturiser is right after your shower. This will help seal in that water, so you won’t suffer from dry skin.
7. Avoid stripping ingredients - Avoid ingredients that strip the skin, such as fragrance and alcohol. Look for products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
8. Use a hydrating cleanser - Look for a cleanser that’s gentle yet hydrating. Avoid foaming cleansers as they tend to be drying. Instead, opt for a cream cleanser or an oil-based cleanser.
9. Use facial oils - Rosehip oil can be a perfect addition to your skincare routine.
10. Avoid irritating ingredients - One way to reduce skin irritation during the fall is to avoid irritating ingredients. Some irritating ingredients include fragrance, alcohol, strong acids, sulfates, and essential oils. 

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Take care!