As we head into autumn, temperature changes can lead to dry, dull, irritated skin and exacerbate other common issues. “When temperatures drop and humidity falls, this makes the air drier, which can lead to dryness, flakiness and irritation,” says Gemma Clare, EV Expert and Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert, London.  

From October onwards, less sunlight affects vitamin D levels: vitamin D is crucial for healthy skin and deficiency is associated with poor immune function and increased inflammation, which can exacerbate certain inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne.  So, if you want to safeguard your skin, now is the time to nip potential issues in the bud.

Dry skin

“One of the best ways to perk up dry skin in the autumn is with regular exfoliation,” says Dr Ross Perry, EV Expert and Aesthetic and Dermatology doctor, Cosmedics, London. “Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub to use at home, or for a more intensive exfoliation, book an in-clinic microdermabrasion or chemical peel. These go deeper and really brighten the skin. Regular exfoliation gets rid of dead cells, boosts circulation and leaves skin looking instantly more radiant.”

We suggest

OxyGeneo 4 in 1 Super Facial combines radio frequency skin tightening to build collagen; exfoliation; oxygenation and infusion of active ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and LED light therapy.

WOW Fusion Bespoke Facial includes a gentle peel; the infusion of ingredients (eg: hyaluronic acid) to hydrate the skin through microneedling; a hyaluronic mask; LED light therapy and moisturiser.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 contains 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids to help restore, hydrate and protect the skin.

Eczema

With eczema, skin is incredibly itchy, dry, cracked and sore. “Many people experience eczema flare ups in the autumn, as the cold weather tends to make skin drier and more reactive to the inflammatory process,” says Dr Perry. So, it’s important to moisturise skin regularly. Treatments to manage symptoms may include emollient creams and topical steroids. 

We suggest

Cosmecutis Prescription Facial is a non-invasive bespoke facial utilising medical grade skincare to treat individual skin concerns. Combines facial massage, a customised mask and LED light therapy.

Lifecode Gx Testing involves a practitioner advising you on functional medicine tests that can help you work out the root cause of your eczema. For example, you may have an imbalance in the gut microbiome that needs to be addressed.

Oilatum Eczema Dry Skin Emollient Cream is a dermatologist recommended cream for eczema and itchy, irritating, dry skin conditions.

La Roche Cicablast Baume B5 contains 5% panthenol to soothe irritated skin.

Rosacea

Rosacea causes redness (like a blush) across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. There may also be tiny, broken blood vessels. Certain triggers can exacerbate symptoms—eg: alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, hot drinks, vigorous exercise, stress and sunlight. “Cold weather can make rosacea worse, also other factors such as central heating can lead to dryness, cracking and flare-up’s,” says Dr Perry. “It’s important to avoid triggers and moisturise frequently to keep skin hydrated.”

We suggest

IPL Rosacea Harmony XL Pro uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to target the haemoglobin in the blood vessels, reducing redness, while improving skin tone.

Dermalux LED phototherapy uses wavelengths of blue and green spectrum light therapy to calm inflammation, soothe skin and reduce redness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane RosaliacAR Concentrate is a green tinted lightweight face moisturiser to hydrate, reduce redness, and soothe tightness, discomfort and irritation.

Cold urticaria (hives)

Cold urticaria is a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. “It usually triggers a rash or hives after exposure to cold air, water (eg: cold shower), food or drink,” says Dr Perry.  “An antihistamine can prevent symptoms like itchiness. Or, your dermatologist may prescribe a stronger medicine (eg: omalizumab). It’s important to keep warm."

We suggest

Hives can occur when the immune system reacts to a trigger – eg: cold weather, foods that contain histamine.  Functional medical testing such as Lifecode Gx Testing can help you find the root cause. Your practitioner will advise you.  

Eurax Cream is a non-greasy cream formulated to alleviate skin itching and irritation. Contains crotamiton which helps reduce the urge to scratch. Can also be used for eczema.

Keratosis pilaris

This is where hair follicles get blocked, leading to unsightly acne-like bumps. “Keratosis pilaris occurs most commonly on the buttocks, upper arms, thighs and cheeks and is often referred to as ‘chicken skin’,” says Dr Perry. “Skin can take on a ‘sandpaper’ feel which is very dry and is often worse during cold weather when skin is more dehydrated. There isn’t a miracle treatment for keratosis pilaris, but a good moisturiser, retinol cream and possible courses of microdermabrasion to lift off the dead skin cells can help.”

We suggest

Hypercustomised Skin Peel is a bespoke in clinic treatment using the medical grade AlumierMD skin peel containing acids, antioxidants and brightening ingredients to gently resurface and brighten the skin. Can also be used for acne and rosacea.

Cosmecutis Microdermabrasion involves gently exfoliating skin with a special diamond tipped wand, leaving it smoother and softer.

Aveeno Skin Renewal Smoothing Cream has a dermatologist tested, clinically approved formula containing prebiotic oat to help maintain a healthy microbiome balance, PHA (polyhydroxy acid) and niacinamide to smooth dry, rough, bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris.

Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition where excess sebum and dead skin cells block skin pores, which then become infected by bacteria. Latest research suggests that low vitamin D levels may exacerbate acne. A recent meta-analysis, published in Dermatology 2022, showed that vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in people with acne. In a study carried out at Massachusetts General Hospital, US (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2915) it was shown that more acne patients (25 per cent) were seen in the autumn and winter (28 per cent), than in the summer (18 per cent). Dr Perry recommends skincare products and in-clinic treatments to help keep acne under control.

We suggest

Aviclear is an FDA approved laser treatment for all types of acne. It works by selectively targetting sebaceous glands with a (1726 nanometer) wavelength beam to produce less oil. This improves and reduces the appearance of acne and lowers the incidence of future outbreaks.

The Perfect Peel is performed in-clinic and contains antioxidants; glutathione; vitamin C; and salicylic, trichloracetic, kojic, retinoic and phenolic acids, for an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-redness effect. The peel reduces the appearance of acne and pigmentation.  

ZO Skin Health Acne Control contains benzoyl peroxide 10%, tea tree oil and extracts of green tea, red tea, pinebark and grapeseed. Reduces oil, neutralises bacteria and helps heal the skin.