Switch up your skincare routine

Our experts explain why you should consider switching up your beauty routine during the changing of the seasons

During the summer months we naturally wear less make-up and opt for lighter moisturisers. But now that autumn is here and winter is looming, it’s time to change our skincare routine for something befitting the colder months.

“During the winter season, the temperature drops dramatically, along with a reduction in humidity,” explains Kathryn Danzey, a health coach and the founder of supplement brand Rejuvenated (www.rejuvenated.com). “This causes our skin to lose moisture, especially on the hands and lips, which in turn affects our skin’s natural lipid barrier causing dryness, flakiness and cracked skin. Eczema and psoriasis sufferers are especially prone to this. Colder temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict in the skin to conserve your core body temperature. This reduction in blood flow leaves skin looking tired and dull, so now’s a good time to step up your skincare regime to prepare for the winter ahead. The combination of cold environmental temperatures and centrally heated buildings can lead to our skin being more reactive, so it’s important to choose your products carefully.”

Change up your products

“Choose your cleanser according to your skin type,” says Kathryn Danzey. “For normal/dry skin, switch to a richer cleanser for winter to nourish your skin and give it some extra TLC. This type of cleanser can also be used to remove make-up without irritation. If your skin is dull and drier in texture, use a cleanser containing Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to promote cellular turnover and brighten the skin. Lactic acid for example not only increases cell turnover but also helps hydrate the skin as it promotes natural hyaluronic acid production.”

Kathryn adds: “Opt for nourishing serums rather than heavy moisturisers. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water and draws moisture to the skin.”

Feed your skin

“As we move into autumn and winter, we want to be really nourishing our skin and using products that feed the skin on a much deeper level,” says Holly Zoccolan, nutritional health coach and founder of the Health Zoc (www.thehealthzoc.com). “Products containing vitamin C and vitamin E are a great way to do this. It’s also important that we are eating healthy fats, good quality protein and enough fibre too. This is particularly important as we move into winter and the air gets drier and cold. Feeding your skin from within is the best thing you can do for it.”

Go organic

“By supporting local farmers in their crops, and also staying away from pesticides and herbicides, you’re not only benefiting your skin but also your gut health and overall health,” says natural skincare expert Lisa Harris (www.lisaharrisskinscience.co.uk). “If you eat vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides, those chemicals are killing your microbiome. An imbalance of the normal gut microbiota has been linked to gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also play havoc with the skin, resulting in a number of skin complaints from acne to dry skin and premature ageing. Eating organic fruit and vegetables will allow you to reap the nutrients without taking the harmful pesticides into your gut and damaging your microbiome.”

Rebuild your collagen levels

“After the summer months many people can find that they notice signs of premature ageing caused by the increased exposure to the sun’s UV rays,” says Lisa Harris. “Ultraviolet rays cause collagen to break down more rapidly and can damage the collagen that’s present. When this happens, abnormal elastin can build up, causing irregularities, wrinkles and folds in the skin. Increasing your intake of vitamin C in your diet can help to rebuild collagen naturally. Foods high in vitamin C are good collagen promoters and include citrus fruits, red and green peppers, strawberries and kiwi fruits, cabbage, broccoli, Brussel’s sprouts and cauliflower. Remember to make sure they’re organic! Looking for skincare ingredients with active ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin B3, or niacinamide, also help to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin after the damage that has occurred over the summer.”

Consider a supplement

“A collagen supplement will help to nourish and support skin throughout the whole body from top to toe,” says Kathryn Danzey. “Collagen contains amino acid proteins which provide all the building blocks for strong, healthy skin. Make sure that the collagen you choose is hydrolysed, which means it is broken down into tiny particles so that it can be absorbed more effectively. Hyaluronic acid can also be taken in supplement form to boost hydration levels internally.”

Tackle pigmentation

“Skin ageing from the sun is not seen for 10 to 20 years after sun exposure,” says Lisa Harris. “The skin produces more melanin to protect the skin from exposure to the sun. Because melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin its colour, this can make dark spots or patches occur. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF is vital to prevent further pigmentation from occurring. Apply this to any skin that is exposed to the sun using the rule of a teaspoon per limb. Vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, may help to prevent sun damage and pigmentation.”

Time for a change?

As the seasons change, we often think about changing our skincare, but this can be a good time to freshen up our make-up routine too.

“Depending on your make-up style, you may like the idea of switching things up seasonally,” says Denise Rabor, the founder of Wow Beauty, (wowbeauty.co). “If you are a minimalist who only ever wears a red lip, then keep on doing it. If, however, you like to switch things up, chances are that you’ve been wearing slightly different make-up this summer, so as we head into winter here are some possible alternatives."

1. You may want to consider switching your foundation from a lighter, dewier formula to something more satin. This will guarantee a flawless look throughout autumn.

2. If you love using a bronzer, maybe you can switch to one with less shimmer that gives you a ‘lit from within’ healthy glow! Try not to use too dark a highlighter as you want to make sure the skin on your body matches that of your face (and your dwindling tan!)

3. If you like making a feature of your eyes, you are spoilt for choice with a multitude of textures, so why not try a metallic eyeshadow, soft smoky eyes or a brightly coloured eyeliner for a pop of colour during the drearier months.

4. You may also wish to switch up your lip game from using a lip gloss to one of the new tinted lip balms that deliver a shot of colour and nourishing, lip-loving ingredients.

5. A good primer makes all the difference to your make-up, helping to make it last longer and hiding minor imperfections as well as providing much-needed hydration during the colder months.

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