As the crispness of autumn gives way to the chill of winter air, our skin often feels the effects of the changing seasons. Cooler temperatures, drier air, and less sunlight can leave skin feeling dehydrated, sensitive, and in need of extra care.

With her knowledge as a functional medicine academic, Sarah is here to draw on her knowledge of skin health and the body to share her top tips for maintaining healthy, radiant skin throughout the autumn months. 

1. How can you keep your skin hydrated in autumn and winter?

One of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy skin during autumn is hydration. As temperatures drop, humidity levels fall, which can strip moisture from the skin. Many of us will also begin to turn on indoor heating which can cause further dehydration and leave skin feeling dry and flaky.

Sarah's tip: Pair drinking at least 2 litres of water a day with a nourishing skincare routine that focuses on locking in moisture. Our Hero Facial Oil is perfect for this. Use after cleansing and moisturising so the beautiful plant oils can seal in all the moisture and hydration.

2. Why should you add a moisturiser to your routine as the weather cools?

Whilst you may have been skipping an additional moisturiser in your skincare routine during the summer, you may need to rethink adding this step back in as the temperatures begin to drop. A moisturiser that's both healing and nourishing can help repair the skin barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is a naturally occurring process, whereby water exits the body through the epidermis, but can be exacerbated during cold weather periods and dry the skin out. 

Sarah's tip: Incorporate a moisturiser into your routine that delivers deep nourishment. Our Tender Skin Balm is clinically-proven to provide up to 8 hours of skin moisturisation, and is packed with ingredients like tiger grass extract and plant butters to deliver ultimate hydration. Apply it to dry patches anywhere on your body that need some tender care, or use as your daily moisturiser.

3. Is exfoliating safe for sensitive skin in colder months?

Dry skin cells tend to build up during colder months, which can leave the complexion looking dull and uneven. However, steer clear of harsh physical and chemical exfoliants as these tend to damage the skin barrier further. Instead, turn to natural gentle exfoliants like enzyme extracts which naturally remove excess oil and rebalance and renew skin. 

Sarah's tip: Opt for our Ally Recovery Facial Oil - but don't let the word oil put you off. We formulated our Ally with natural plant oils that won't clog your pores or leave the skin feeling or looking greasy. Instead, our upcycled hemp seed oil helps to combat cell damage and aid skin recovery, whilst jojoba, papaya fruit enzymes, and papaya seed oils rebalance the skin. 

4. Do you really need SPF in autumn and winter?

The sun may not feel as strong during autumn, but UV rays don't take a break in the colder months. Even if you're staying inside, 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, so it's crucial that you keep applying sunscreen every day to protect your skin.

Sarah's tip: Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin from UV damage, even on cloudy days. Our Serene Daily SPF 50+ is the perfect lightweight sunscreen that won't clog pores or leave a white cast on the skin, and is packed with apple, ginseng, and peach extracts for extra skin nourishment. It's the ideal final step for your morning skincare routine for optimal skin health. 

5. What can you do to repair and strengthen your skin barrier in cold weather?

The skin barrier is your body's first line of defence against external aggressors like pollution, cold weather, and environmental stressors. As the seasons change, your skin barrier can become compromised, leading to increased sensitivity and dryness.

Sarah's tip: Incorporate products that are specifically designed to support and repair your skin's barrier function. The Tender Skin Balm works wonders for this, helping to restore the skin's lipid layer and keep moisture locked in. 

6. How does autumn nutrition affect your skin, and what should you eat?

The skin is a reflection of our internal health, so what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin. Autumn is the season of warming, comforting foods, and soups and stews are the perfect ways to get in some extra vitamins and gut-loving fibre. 

Sarah's tip: When making your favourite autumn recipes, try adding in two extra types of plant-based foods, whether that's some turmeric in a curry or butter beans in a casserole. Carrots and sweet potatoes are also excellent sources of vitamin A which helps keep your skin glowing.

Just getting started on your skin health journey and don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got you. 

We've put together a free 5 minute Skin Health Consultation to take a deep dive into your skin's unique needs and provide you with clarity on how to achieve optimal skin health. You'll receive a personalised, daily skincare routine and expert tips directly to your inbox, written personally from our co-founder, Sarah. 

For more information, please get in touch with us as care@bysarahlondon.com, or message us on Instagram @bysarahlondon.

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