10 Things You Can Do To Look After Your Skin This Autumn/Winter

24 October 2017

Summer is fantastic for boosting Vitamin D levels but prolonged time spent in the sun is not great for the skin. As we head into winter, it is the perfect time to pamper yourself a little and rejuvenate and repair your skin. We have asked skin expert, Dr Qian Xu of Skin Aesthetics, to give us her advice.

Dr Xu

Here are Dr Xu’s 10 top tips …

Hydration – Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your skin, it is great for your general health too. Try to drink at least 1 litre of water in addition to teas and coffees.
Moisturise – Autumn and Winter can be a very harsh time for your skin. You may need to use a more oily moisturiser to prevent excess water loss.
Sunscreen – It is not just for the summer, but should be used all year round to prevent premature aging from the UV rays. The winter sun can be deceptively strong, so get into a good habit by applying a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day.
Rejuvenation – Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to skin rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling. These will help reduce pigmentation, remove the dullness and increase collagen production. Who doesn’t need that!
Humidify your house – Indoor heating can really dry out the air, which will in turn dry out your skin quicker. For those with dry or sensitive skin, this can lead to redness, flaky skin or rashes. Investing in a humidifier can make a world of difference.
Avoid hot baths – As tempting as it may be to jump into a hot bath at the end of a long stressful day, the heat can soften the outer waxy layer of your skin and damage its barrier function, leaving you with vulnerable skin that is prone to dryness and sensitivity.
Look after your hands - Hands are always exposed to the elements, so use a nourishing hand cream, and wear gloves when you go outside. Be sure to carry a small tube of hand cream in your hand bag, and apply it every time after your wash your hands to prevent getting chapped skin.
Don’t over-indulge – The onset of colder weather always makes us feel more hungry, and the festive season doesn’t really help either! Try not to indulge too much on sugary foods, as sugar has been found to speed up the ageing process.
Don’t forget your feet – Want your feet to look amazing next summer? The callus and dry skin won’t go overnight, so start giving them a bit of TLC now. Exfoliate your feet once a week using a good foot scrub, and moisturise them regularly. They will look fabulous in your favourite sandals next summer!
See a skin specialist – Many people are using the wrong skin care products for their skin. No wonder they are not getting the results! A skin specialist can do a proper consultation and put together a personalised skincare plan that is right for you.