Suddenly it appears to be that we have woken up in October AND are already knocking on the door of November 2022! If you’re anything like me, this year has felt like a rollercoaster ride to nowhere at times and the thought of preparing for autumn / winter after the intense summer heatwaves we’ve had feels a little jarring. Nevertheless, it’s that time of year where the nights draw in a little closer, the temperatures start to drop, and thoughts turn to layering, winter coats and a little more moisturiser (more on that later). Switching up your skincare routine to include some more nourishing ingredients can go a long way to helping your skin transition into the new season especially when our outdoor lifestyles show no sign of slowing down. Here are my top three tips for glowing, happy skin right through until the new year.
TIP 1 | TONE IT DOWN A BIT.
Changing seasons can have a lot to answer to when it comes to break outs and generally lack lustre skin. Fluctuating temperatures and drying central heating can cause a build-up of dead skin cells which can trigger trapped oil and bacteria on the surface of the skin, whilst simultaneously needing more hydration. It’s a crazy mix. You might think that exfoliation would worsen the typical dryness experienced when transitioning into autumn/ winter but it’s important to keep at it, just at a slightly reduced level. I would advise reducing your usage of acids and retinols to gentler AHAs, such as mandelic or lactic acid, to keep fresh skin ticking over.
TIP 2 | SWITCH UP YOUR CLEANSER.
If you’ve been wedded to your gel or foaming cleanser throughout the summer, switching it out for a cream or oil-based formula can be a massive additional hydration hit (remember what I said before about the skin needing more moisture?) Generally, at this time of year your skin naturally produces less oil so it’s important to prioritise a gentle yet hydrating cleanse to maintain balance. Reaching for an oil based or milky formulation cleans your face in a gentle yet effective way, without drying out your skin or disturbing your natural oil balance.
Our Velvet Melt Cleansing Balm is packed with amazing plant extracts, including Blue English Yarrow, that transform from a silky smooth balm into a milky emulsion on contact with water that leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated even before you start the rest of your routine!
TIP 3 | INTRODUCE OILS AND/OR A THICKER MOISTURISER.
Ok, ok so I cheated slightly! This is more of two tips in one but constantly flitting between central heating, cold commutes and hot showers, can have a big impact on your skin’s moisture balance, meaning an increase in drier, flakier, and tight symptoms in the colder months. I personally think introducing an oil-based serum into your routine at this time of the year can be a complete game changer for ensuring improved hydration in the short-term but will also help your skin to improve its moisture retention over the long haul. However, if oils don’t agree with your skin (they’re not always for everyone), a simple way to provide an added boost to your skin is to choose a thicker and more nourishing moisturiser at the end of each day. The Barker & Sloane Overnight Recovery Repairing Night Cream is a powerful yet gentle solution suitable for all skin types that have been exposed to the elements.
THE BOTTOM LINE?
It’s important to note that it’s not just our skin that can benefit from a slight switch up. Our wellbeing and self-care routines may have slipped slightly during the fun-filled, long summer days and could also do with a reboot, particularly when our daylight hours become reduced. I personally love a bubble bath and a good book but whatever works best for you, cherish, and prioritise it. When we start to look at all elements of our lives as one cohesive whole, we can start to see real change for the better.
Until next time,
Claire x
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