Is your skin struggling to 'weather' the change in season?

It is not uncommon to experience dry skin with the change in season. This can be due to a range of factors including cooler drier air, being indoors with heating or taking longer, hotter showers. You may find yourself needing extra moisture you haven't before. Along with adding in a richer moisturiser we have put together some tips to bring back that healthy summer glow. 

If you are experiencing dry and sensitive skin it is important to avoid products that contain alcohol or fragrance. 

 Both alcohol and fragrance can strip the skin of its natural barrier and have the potential to cause contact allergies. 

We also recommend choosing a moisturiser that won't break the bank. Outside locking in hydration, moisturisers themselves cannot actively treat skin concerns such as acne, ageing and sun damage. So, it's worth saving your pennies for clinically proven cosmeceuticals. 

We love Cetaphil rich hydrating night cream for the face and CeraVe moisturising cream for the body. 

You can apply your moisturiser over your cosmeceuticals.

Tip 2

LIMIT LONG, HOT SHOWERS

With the drop in temperature (and being stuck in isolation) it can be tempting to spend longer in the shower or treat yourself to a hot bath. This is not inherently bad however, long, hot showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dry and cracked skin, and increasing the risk of infection.

Tips for getting the most out of your showering routine

1. Keep showers short and lukewarm:  Dr Armour  recommends you try to keep showers short -- preferably under three minutes in length -- and at a lukewarm temperature.
2. Moisturise: Following your shower, apply your moisturiser. This will help trap the hydration from your shower into the skin's epidermis -- leaving it healthy and happy.
3. Avoid being ‘squeaky clean’: According to Dr Armour, soaps are alkaline and can dissolve the skin barrier. The skin surface is meant to be quite acidic and good bacteria enjoy an acidic skin environment. Using soap-substitutes or soap-free washes is another way to safely shower daily, whilst avoiding the irritation that soaps can cause.
4. If you really enjoy baths, use a bath oil while you're soaking to hydrate your skin.

Tip #3

REDUCE VITAMIN A TO EVERY OTHER DAY

If you are finding your skin particularly dry in the mornings, it may be worth reducing your Vitamin A/topical retinoid usage to every other day, because, while it’s surely the wrinkle-fighting hero product, it is also a strong exfoliant and may cause extra dryness during the cooler months. Combining this with a daily cream or serum that contains appropriate actives will still allow you to get maximum benefits from your regime. 

Tip #4

DON'T FORGET YOUR SPF 

It is important to keep up use of your daily SPF, even if the weather is overcast. 80-90% of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface (and hence our skin) even on cloudy days.

(We might be bias, but our Pigment Protector contains resveratrol and SPF ensuring you get appropriate sun protection and moisture in one.)