The DM:
Dear derm,
I don’t have sensitive skin, but as soon as autumn hits, my face starts stropping – what’s going on?
Annie R
The Derm:
Dr Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin.
The Diagnosis:
Dear Annie,
Stroppy autumn skin is very common as we transition into a new season, so don’t stress too much. Autumn skin tends to be drier as humidity levels drop and changing temperatures from dry indoor heating to colder outside weather can wreak havoc on the skin, making it appear more dry, red and sensitive.
Here’s what you can do…
Book a clinic visit
Reactive and angry skin during autumn can be addressed with in office treatments that can combat photo-ageing, including pigmentation and redness. Light and laser treatments can be used to help improve skin tone and texture, in combination with a complimentary skincare regimen to bolster skin health.
Add skin boosters
Adding skin boosters is another way to inject nutrients into the skin to help improve uneven tone and appearance. I like to start with an antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C to help protect the skin from UV and oxidative damage, while also working to even skin tone, decrease pigmentation and promote collagen production. In the evening, I highly recommend using antioxidant serums followed by hyaluronic acid-rich hydrating moisturisers to help replenish lost moisture and provide minerals and compounds, which help rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. Using products containing Vitamin A and retinols will help repair damage caused from UV exposure.
Deeper exfoliations would also be an excellent start to remove old, dead, lacklustre skin that’s been weathered by the environment. Overall, the cornerstone of good skin is consistent skincare rituals.
Learn to layer
Using a serum-based formulation means it can be layered beneath other products if and when needed. Serums can nourish without making skin feel heavy, especially in the evening if you’re introducing more products. However, switching to a heavier hydrating moisturiser, like The Rich Moisturiser by MZ Skin, during the day is also quite important to help maintain skin hydration and dewiness.
