The pleasant warm autumn breeze is a welcome relief from the hot summer. But for many, this breeze can cause flaky, dry, scaly skin and itching all over the body. In addition, our product work a bit differently in autumn then in summer due to skin dryness.

And if you are prone to cold sores, dry skin and itching, there is some important information you should know how to get through this season. Read our guide to how autumn affects your skin and what you can do to mitigate damage.

Dry skin becomes much more common with age; at least 75% of people over 64 have dry skin. Often it is the cumulative effect of sun exposure: sun damage leads to thinner skin that does not retain moisture. The production of natural oils in the skin also slows down with increasing age.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

In cold climates with lower humidity, your skin stops producing the amino acids that support the natural process of hydration. For this reason, your skin may become flakier and more irritable during these months.

It is a misconception that humid climate leads to oily skin and thus acne is inevitably aggravated. However, dry climate can also cause damage and lead to acne.

It is common for people to develop dry, itchy skin in the colder months, and there are 3 main reasons for this:

• Cold, dry air

In summer, the air is warm and humid and keeps your skin moisturized without you noticing. As soon as the cooler air arrives, the moisture level drops and you lose this "natural" moisturizer, keeping your skin dry.

• Harsh Winds

Strong, cold winds can rob your skin of its natural barrier that prevents it from drying out.

• Dry everywhere

Just because the weather has changed does not mean that we stop being active both indoors and outdoors. Going back and forth between cold and warm air can be hard on the skin. Not only is the outside air cold and dry, but the forced warm air inside your house is also dry, so your skin dries out quickly wherever you go.

You need to set up a daily skin care routine that addresses the root cause of the problem and treats it as it manifests itself.

STEPS TO PREVENT SKIN DRYNESS

USE HYALURONIC ACID

When it comes to the selection of ingredients to maintain skin moisture, hyaluronic acid is often at the top of the "must-have" lists. Often referred to briefly as HA, the molecule is a substance naturally occurring in the skin - a group of carbohydrates that help maintain skin elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid can increase the moisture content incomparably. It also revitalizes the outer surface layers of the skin, leaving it softer, smoother and more radiantly hydrated. This immediately improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Stay tuned for next week's article, in which we will be focusing solely on hyaluronic acid

USE SUNSCREEN

Just because it's colder does not mean that the sun stops being strong. The sun's UV rays can still penetrate clouds and damage your skin. Be sure to look for moisturizers that also contain sunscreen, or look for a sunscreen that is compatible with your skin. 

DON'T MOISTURIZE SKIN THAT'S WAY TOO DRY

Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or after washing your hands. This helps to block the spaces between your skin cells and trap moisture while your skin is still moist. To lock in the maximum amount of moisture, you should apply your moisturizer after showering or bathing and after washing your face or hands.

USE GENTLE PRODUCTS

All soaps, lotions, deodorants and even detergents should be gentle to the skin. Unscented products are usually best as the chemicals used to create fragrances can be very harsh. If you deal with dry skin, you want products that help your skin to preserve its natural oils. So do not use deodorant soaps or products containing fragrances and retinoids. 

DON'T FORGET TO USE A MOISTURIZER

Probably one of the most important steps of all is to moisturize consistently. Every time you wash or exfoliate, you should always follow up with a moisturizer. If your skin feels tight, irritated or sore, do not wait until before going to bed - soothe it immediately with a moisturizer.

OTHER

Make sure you drink and sleep enough. A good nutrition with vegetables is recommend and foods with high in essential fatty acids are great too (avocado, walnuts…).