Photo by Paul Green on Unsplash
Autumn, with its crisp air and changing leaves, is a beautiful season. But as the weather cools down, our skin often needs extra attention. Unfortunately, there are many skincare myths circulating about autumn that can lead to skin problems. Let’s debunk five of the most common ones.
Myth 1: Dry Skin is Inevitable in Autumn
While it’s true that many people experience drier skin in autumn due to decreased humidity, it’s not inevitable. By taking the right steps, you can prevent excessive dryness.
- Hydrate from the inside out: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Use a gentle cleanser: Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your skin of natural oils. Opt for a gentle, moisturising cleanser instead.
- Moisturise regularly: Apply a rich moisturiser to your skin twice a day, both morning and night. Look for moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help to lock in moisture.
Myth 2: You Can Skip Sunscreen in Autumn
Just because the sun is less intense in autumn doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin, even on cloudy days.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Look for a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Reapply regularly: If you’re spending time outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
Myth 3: Exfoliation is Harmful in Autumn
Exfoliation is an important part of a healthy skincare routine, even in autumn. However, it’s important to do it gently to avoid irritating your skin.
- Choose a gentle exfoliator: Opt for a chemical exfoliator with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or a physical exfoliator with fine particles.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week: Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
Myth 4: You Should Switch to Heavier Products in Autumn
While it’s tempting to switch to heavier, more occlusive products in autumn, your skin may not need them.
- Assess your skin’s needs: Determine whether your skin is actually drier than usual. If it’s not, you may be able to continue using your regular products.
- Layer your products: If your skin is dry, you can layer lighter products to achieve the desired level of hydration.
Myth 5: You Can Ignore Your Lips in Autumn
Your lips are just as susceptible to dryness as your skin.
- Exfoliate your lips gently: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week.
- Apply a lip balm regularly: Keep your lips hydrated by applying a lip balm throughout the day. Look for lip balms that contain ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax.
By debunking these common autumn skincare myths, you can take better care of your skin and ensure it stays healthy and radiant throughout the season. Remember, consistency is key. By following a regular skincare routine and paying attention to your skin’s needs, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin all year round.