Summer’s over – and so are some of its effects, like harsh sun rays, damaged skin and excess sebum production. But along with a fresh season comes new concerns to protect your skin from. As the weather cools down, your skin may become drier than usual, so a few tweaks to your summer skincare routine are necessary. Start with these three:
1. Never skip sunscreen
Before you even think of dropping the SPF, know that it’s more than just an “extra step” in your daytime routine. It’s the holy grail of skincare, and there are many reasons why. UVA rays, which add to the natural ageing process, are a concern throughout the year so it’s essential to apply a layer of protection to your skin. “UV exposure can sneak up on you during [autumn]. Plus, don’t forget that UVA rays penetrate window glass in cars and offices,” says US-based dermatologist Tyler Hollmig.
This may look different to the SPF you use in summer, though – you could choose a more lightweight formula or one that has a tint… just make sure you end your routine with SPF!
Also read: Shedding Light on Sunscreen
2. Maximise on moisture
Autumn is the time to get serious about the moisture you’re adding to your skin. If you’ve been swearing by serums all summer long, that’s ok but know that your skin will need more than that as the weather cools down. “Where a serum [for example containing vitamin C or hyaluronic acid] may have done the job for you in the summer, you might like to use the same ingredient in moisturiser form in [autumn] and winter,” advises Dr Alia Ahmed.
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3. Add antioxidants
When choosing your autumn skincare products, add antioxidants to the list. Look for products that contain vitamins C and E or green tea, all of which have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from external factors. Dr Ahmed also advises the use of niacinamide (vitamin B3) in autumn.
Try layering moisturising, soothing products to enjoy their full benefits.
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Words by: Shani Tsai
Image: Pexels