Just as we refresh our wardrobes each season and exchange our holiday attire for autumnal coats, our skincare needs a similar switch. We spoke with Dr Yannis Alexandrides, Founder of 111Skin and London’s premium skin and surgery clinic, 111 Harley Street, about the importance of transitional skincare and why you should discover a new skincare regime this autumn to maintain a healthy, hydrated and glowing complexion.
The why
‘Autumn is the opportune time to refresh your skincare routine, as you should do every season,’ explains Dr Yannis. Between temperature changes and differences in sun exposure levels to environmental stressors — many varying factors impact the skin barrier, and tailoring your skincare seasonally will provide optimum protection to your complexion. ‘While dewy summer skin is all about gel creams and exfoliators, your autumn skincare should consist of super hydrating and protecting products instead,’ he continues.
The ingredients and textures
‘Start by swapping the lightweight textures you’ve been using throughout summer for slightly heavier moisturisers to ensure the skin is deeply hydrated. The 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream is a cream suitable for all skin types (even oilier skins) that are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to strengthen, plump, and revitalise the complexion while keeping the skin hydrated and nourished,’ says Dr Yannis.
’It’s essential to not forget about your SPF protection,’ continues Dr Yannis. ‘It’s no secret that SPF should be applied all year round, and during the colder months, the lesser ozone in the atmosphere that absorbs the sun’s UV radiation means that harmful rays are still affecting our skin.’ When using thicker creams, layer up with an SPF that has a lighter texture as not to clog up pores. Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen Luminising Sunscreen SPF50 is a silky-smooth SPF serum rich in antioxidants, or COOLA’s Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 will keep makeup in place all day while providing broad-spectrum protection.
If your skin feels super tight, chapped or dehydrated, adding a booster to your skincare routine can be a skin saviour. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a great place to start — the superhero ingredient is suitable for all skin types and the best for quenching thirsty skin. ‘The 111Skin Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster is formulated with low-molecular-weight HA that works deep into the epidermis, hydrating the lower levels of the skin, so you end up with a plump complexion,’ says Dr Yannis. For an instant pick-me-up, we love the Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion Mask, or for a more intense at-home treatment, try MZ Skin Hydra-Boost Ampoules. This restorative five-day programme delivers high concentrations of macromolecules of HA.
Dr Yannis warns that it’s vital to cut back on exfoliating during autumn and winter as there will be less oil build-up. Avoid stripping ingredients that lead to dryness, such as SLS, alcohol and astringents, as they divest the skin of its natural oils, and reach for gentle exfoliators instead. ‘My Rose Quartz Exfoliating Mask uses both chemical and physical exfoliation to slough away dead skin gently. It works to reduce the appearance of pores, pigmentation, dullness and ensures the skin isn’t left clogged, particularly with the use of SPF,’ says Dr Yannis.
What about body care?
It’s easy to neglect the skin on our body during colder months when we’re covering up, but to avoid flaky, itchy or dull skin, make sure your body regime consists of exfoliation and nourishment. Encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage through body brushing or a gentle scrub (try the delicious Drunk Elephant Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Scrub). For dehydrated skin, a luxury body oil such as Kjaer Weis’ Body Oil — which is 100% natural and certified organic — or rich body cream, applied before sleep, will replenish lost moisture levels overnight. The Augustinus Bader Body Cream has a clever formula that boosts cell regeneration and strengthens the natural barrier.
‘It’s also vital to apply SPF to areas that are susceptible to sun damage, including the neck and décolletagé, hands, lips and scalp,’ says Dr Yannis. Our favourite lip-smoothing balm is the Cle de Peau UV Protective Lip Treatment, which provides a non-sticky high-shine, while Creme de la Mer’s Rejuvenating Hand Serum is a silky treat for tired hands that have been exposed to sun or harsh weather conditions.
For further suggestions or help procuring any of the mentioned products, please contact your lifestyle manager.
