Autumn-Proof Your Skin

With the days slowly but surely becoming shorter, and the temperature dipping down a few celsius, it’s becoming clear that Autumn is upon us. And, while your wardrobe may need some switching up with the change in season, so too does your skin care routine. The fresh, crispy air can dehydrate your skin and cause unwelcome imbalances.

Luckily, adjusting your skincare routine can help avoid flaky, sad skin this season. Here’s how to Autumn proof your skin and achieve a glowing complexion year round.

1. Erase oversized pores

Pores tend to expand in the summertime as we sweat a lot more, so by the time Autumn arrives, they still may be oversized. The best way to shrink them back down to a better size is to keep them clean so that your body can regulate them like normal. Do this by applying a deep cleansing mask once a week, this will remove gunk from your pores and allow your body to do the hard work.

We recommend: Snake Detoxifying Oxygen Bubble Mask $7.992

2. Hydration is key

While a lotion may have been providing you with adequate moisture in the summertime, when the temp drops your skin craves extra hydration. This is because there is less humidity (water) in the air, so our skins hydration levels also decrease. Heavier creams will create a barrier between the elements and your skin, locking in the moisture. It’s also best to apply moisturiser straight after you cleanse or shower, when the skin is still damp as this will allow it to penetrate a lot quicker and better.

For an added hydration boost: pop a couple of drops of Nature's SUPEROIL to your night cream, your skin will thank you for it!

3. One full body massage, please

If you ever needed a guilt-free reason to indulge in a massage, then this is it! When the weather becomes cold our blood vessels get constricted, resulting in our circulation slowing down. Poor circulation can result in a dull looking complexion, as oxygen isn't able to quickly reach our cells. So to increase circulation, try massaging a natural additive like vitamin c, ginseng or ginger into your face, or all over for a super supple feel.

4. Slip, slop, slap

While you may think cloudy weather means that it’s time to pack away the suncreen, you couldn’t be more off the mark. 87% of the sun’s rays penetrate through clouds fog and mist, so even if it’s cloudy, cover up! SPF 15 or higher can block out 93% of UVB rays and filter UVA rays, the two main culprits to skin cancer. Plus, protecting your skin with SPF helps to protect it from wrinkles and age spots forming.

Try Dragon's Blood Radiance Daily SPF Moisturiser $39.95, The soothing red sap of the Croton Lechleri (Dragon's Blood) tree makes this moisturiser ideal of tired and stressed skin. It defends against visible signs of accelerated ageing from environmental stressors and sun damage. SPF 15 shields against UVA/UVB. Used daily it neutralises damaging free radicals, while delivering a steady dose of deep moisturisation.

5. Take your cleanser down a notch

Unfortunately, a sweaty complexion - and body - pretty much comes hand in hand with the summer months, hence the need for a strong cleanser to wash away all the grime and dirt you accumulate in the day. But, with skin becoming sensitive from the change in seasons, make sure you change your cleanser to something more gentle and preferably moisturising for your skin. The same goes for exfoliation, while some people may have needed to exfoliate a few times a week in summer, it may be too much as autumn rolls around.

We recommend using a soothing cleanser with gentle, natural exfoliants, such as: Dragon's Blood 3-in-1 Treatment Cleanser $19.95. Packed with 7 natural fruit AHAs including bilberry and sugar cane – plus soothing honey and rejuvenating ingredient Dragon’s Blood to soothe sensitive and stressed skin.