You’ve had your summer fun and now it’s time to focus on nourishing your skin and addressing any sun exposure (although, if you were diligent with your SPF, you’ve hopefully avoided most damage!). The start of autumn is the perfect reminder to reset your routine and prepare your skin for cooler days ahead. As the seasons shift, so does your skin, reacting to changes in temperature, humidity and moisture levels. With the air becoming cooler and drier, your skincare should evolve too. A few thoughtful adjustments now will help maintain your skin’s balance, hydration and overall condition in the months ahead. Here’s our guide to preparing for the changes in your skin as the weather turns chilly: Heating An increase in artificial heating over the colder months will dehydrate your skin and increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s a lot you can do to prevent the negative effects of air conditioning and the changing seasons. Hydrating facials are key to keeping the skin plump and supple. Varying temperatures Autumn is a temperamental season, with some hot and dry days still to come. Ensure that you talk to us at Total Body Concept so that we can adjust your skincare routine to the seasonal changes. Remember that 70% of results come from what you do at home, so an up-to-date skincare routine is essential. Don’t forget the SPF With fewer warm days, it can be easy to forget about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen throughout the day, particularly when it’s cloudy. In fact, it’s just as important to wear sunscreen on cold days as it is on hot days, as the sun can easily penetrate through clouds and cause lasting damage to your skin. Keep your SPF levels topped up, regardless of the weather. You can never go wrong with Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50. Live well Drink a lot of water, get plenty of sleep, eat your greens (try one of our plant based smoothies for beautiful skin!), learn to breathe diaphragmatically, stay active and try to destress. These are basic principles for good living and do wonders for your skin as its transitions between seasons. Increase moisture in your skin Your skin will need a lot of hydration through autumn. Apply a nourishing mask at least twice a week and leave it on for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight. Following the mask, apply a thick layer of deeply hydrating moisturiser to lock in the moisture. Follow this with an application of rich eye cream. If eye cream isn’t your thing, there are a number of excellent serums that give your skin the extra nourishment it needs to stay hydrated. We recommended trying Ultra Energising Mask as well as Ultra C Firming Eye Cream with Microelastin. Exfoliate Start the beginning of autumn with regular exfoliation. Polish and brighten your skin with a gentle exfoliator and make sure you choose one without environment-damaging micro beads. Don’t forget the lips! Not only may you skin be feeling dull and lifeless, but what about your lips? Try Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum to boost your lips’ hydration. — If you liked this blog, head over to our Journal page to read more of our helpful skincare guides! If you live in Christchurch and new to the world of facials, get in contact with us or make a facial appointment here. Meet the Total Body Concept team on this page, or head over to our online store for some skincare retail therapy!
