Change up your skin care routine for Autumn and Winter

Change up your skin care routine for Autumn and Winter

When the air turns cooler it’s usually our skin that feels the first chill of autumn. Cool temperatures, harsh winds and low humidity can strip skin’s moisture which leads to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. As the seasons change adapting your skincare is a must for keeping skin healthy, glowing & protected: 

Hydration is Crucial!

As the humidity drops it causes the air to pull moisture from our skin. A crucial first step to protecting your skin is switching to a more hydrating moisturiser.

 

  • Why: As the skin’s natural moisture barrier is compromised in cold weather, opting for a thicker cream will lock moisture in and create a protective layer on your skin.
  • What to look for: Moisturisers rich in hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine and ceramides help skin retain water. Oils like Jojoba, Argan & Rosehip provide extra nourishment and a more luxurious touch.

 

Sunscreen is non-negotiable.

While the sun is less intense in autumn & winter, that doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage, including premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.

    Why: Snow & ice reflect the sun’s rays, increasing exposure to UV radiation. Sunscreen with SPF30 or higher is a year-round essential.

  • What to look for: Lightweight sunscreens which contain antioxidants offer added protection against the colder weather. 

Gentle Cleansing

Skin can be more delicate during the colder months. By swapping your usual face wash for a kinder option you can help skin maintain balance.

  • Why: Harsher cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils and make it dry and irritated.
  • What to look for: Creamy, hydrating cleansers or micellar water will not leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Avoid ingredients like alcohol and strong acids in your face wash. 

Exfoliate (But don’t overdo it!)

          Exfoliating is as important in autumn & winter, removing dead skin cells and helping your moisturiser absorb deeper. However, be gentle during this time of year.

  • Why: Cold weather slows down the skins natural exfoliation process leading to dull, flaky skin. Regular exfoliation helps reveal fresh, healthy skin.
  • What to look for: A gentle exfoliator with AHA’s (like lactic or glycolic acid) is preferable over harsher scrubs. Once or twice a week is enough.

Add a Serum

Serums are a game-changer during autumn/winter, delivering concentrated ingredients that help address any skin concerns you have.

  • Why: Serums can help target hydration, repair damage, and provide anti-aging benefits, especially during harsher weather.
  • What to look for: Serums that contain hyaluronic acid, like our Hydra Glow Serum, vitamin C or niacinamide are all great choices to use under your moisturiser. If you have very dry skin, consider adding one with squalane or peptides for an extra kick of nourishment.

Don’t forget the rest of you!

Our lips, hands and body usually take a backseat to our face, but these areas are just as vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Cracked lips, rough hands and dry patches can all be prevented with a little extra care.

  •     For Lips: A nourishing lip balm with shea butter, beeswax, or petroleum jelly.  Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub to remove any dead skin.
  •     For Hands: A rich hydrating hand cream with ingredients like glycerine or shea butter is perfect. Gloves are also a great way to protect hands from the cold.
  •     For Body: Use a moisturising body wash followed up with a thick body lotion or body butter, like our Tropical Bliss Body Butter.For an extra layer of hydration apply while skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.

Stay Hydrated inside and out!

Your skin reflects your overall health making it essential to stay hydrated from the inside out. Drinking enough water during colder months is just as crucial as it is in the summer months.

  • Why: Proper hydration helps skin maintain its elasticity, promotes healing and combats dryness.
  • How to maintain it: - Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day while incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens into your diet.  Warm drinks like herbal teas can also help keep you hydrated and cosy.

 

Nighttime Skincare

Nighttime is the perfect time to repair and rejuvenate your skin. During autumn and winter, your nighttime skincare routine should be focused on deep hydration and repair.

  • Why: Skin is in repair mode at night making it an ideal time to use more nourishing products that can be too heavy for daytime.
  • What to use: Incorporate a hydrating mask or overnight repair cream into your routine once or twice a week. Ingredients like retinol, peptides and antioxidants all help restore skin overnight.

Changing up your routine to meet the challenges of autumn & winter is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By focusing on hydration, protection & repair, this will ensure that skin stays radiant and resilient even in the harshest weather. With the right products and life tweaks, you can keep that summer glow alive all year long.

Visit our store at skdnaturals.co.uk

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