Autumn Skin

How to update your skincare routine for the autumn

The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping and the air is becoming drier. Autumn has officially arrived.

But while cosy jumpers, hot chocolates, and film nights in might be on the horizon, the cooler climes don’t necessarily mean good news for your skin.

‘Humidity can affect the texture of the skin and have an impact on skin disorders like eczema,’ explains Dr Shirin. ‘Rapidly changing temperatures too, from artificially heated indoors to cold walks outside can have an effect.

‘As a time of transition, autumn is possibly the best time to rejuvenate and repair your skin, correcting any damage from the summer and preparing your complexion for winter,’ continues Dr Shirin.

‘Lower temperatures and less intense UV radiation reduce the risk of complications from procedures. As the cooler Autumn months roll in, so can the preparation for aggressive procedures. It is well recognised that properly conditioned skin is less likely to experience complications, so a regime of retinol and pigment inhibitors usually accompanies the shorter days.’

So what are our tops tips for updating your skincare routine this autumn?

1. Exfoliate

You may be sweating less but your skin still gets a build-up of dead skin cells and sebum over winter, so weekly exfoliation can keep your face smooth. Our HydraFacial treatment is recommended by Dr Shirin to keep skin glowing throughout the cooler months.

‘The HydraFacial at Elite Aesthetics is unique to other facials.

‘The great thing about it is that it is not invasive,’ explains Dr Shirin. ‘You walk in with skin that is full of dead skin cells, blackheads and other issues. When you walk away, your skin is clean and drenched with antioxidants. The benefits are cumulative too and regular HydraFacials ensure that your skin always has a radiant glow.’

2. Hydrate

‘Dehydration as a result of the summer months is especially tough on the delicate skin around the eyelid area,’ says Dr Shirin. ‘Use a good hydrator to rehydrate your skin and drink plenty of water.’

3. SPF

Just because you may not be laying on the beach doesn’t mean you can forget the sunscreen for the next 6 months. Sunscreen is a daily essential, so don’t set it aside.

‘It is so important not to forget the effects of the sun in winter. Even when we can’t feel the heat of the sun, UV radiation is still present. I always tell my patients, if you can see without the lights on, you need SPF, even indoors.’

Dr Shirin recommends our ZO sunscreens, which are non-greasy and quick drying, with a sheer matte finish. Not only do they offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, they also provide protection against HEV light (e.g. from smart phones) and contain the patented ZOX 12-hour antioxidant protection.

4. Vitamins

Vitamin D is in shorter supply throughout the winter months and with a range of health concerns, including diabetes and depression, along with premature ageing and acne, linked to its deficiency, it’s worth taking note. While you can eat the recommended amount with platefuls of tuna, mackerel, cheese and egg yolks, it is also recommended that we take supplements, especially during the winter months.

The cooler months also bring with them the dreaded cold and flu season. Now is the time to boost your immunity by increasing your intake of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, selenium and zinc. A great way to do this would be our extremely popular IV infusions, that can be tailored to your individual needs.

5. Consider professional skin treatments

Winter is a great time of year for skin treatments as we often worry about the after effects of peels and more aggressive skincare routines in the summer, and with sun exposure before or after such procedures there is a higher risk of unwanted post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

‘Many procedures also have associated downtime, so I would also suggest planning ahead,’ says Dr Shirin’ ‘to make sure your skin has time to settle and be at its peak for the party season. ‘Plan in your treatments early to stimulate new collagen and restore skin glow ready for the new year.’

If you would like more information on any of the treatments we provide, please call the clinic on 01322 381205.