How to detox your skin this autumn

Being a strong supporter of the “summer all year round” campaign, as well as the “I want to have glowy, hydrated skin” is a hard line to walk. While I am incredibly partial to being outdoors, swimming in the ocean and laying out in the sun (I have sunscreen on I swear), these activities are not particularly conducive to achieving my healthiest, most radiant complexion. As a result, by the time (heaven-forbid) autumn rolls around each year, it is often time to detox post-summer skin and get it back on track to deal with the dehydration and dryness that comes as a result of the temperature drop, heated offices and a little less vitamin D. We spoke to Philippa Curnow, National Education Manager for Elizabeth Arden about why it’s necessary to give your skin a little extra love post-summer, what products and ingredients to look for and what to avoid during cooler weather.
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Why do we need to detox our skin post-summer?
“We [are usually] out in the elements over summer, UVA/UVB damage, being out of routine, late nights and celebrations...the skin is in defence mode over summer,” says Philippa. This often means “dead cells build up on the surface, which [not only] inhibits the absorption of your skincare products,” but can also mean a dull and congested complexion, she explains.
How do we go about detoxing our skin?
“A great way to detox the skin is by using an alpha-hydroxy acid peel treatment. By exfoliating the skin using AHAs we remove the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface to reveal the new skin from within,” she says. AHA based products bh loves: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment, SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel.
Another option is incorporating vitamin A (AKA retinol) into your autumn skincare routine. “Vitamin A...is also a great way to boost the skin cell turnover for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, revealing” fresh and youthful skin underneath. Top tip: when looking to start using a vitamin A product, start 1-2 days a week and work your way up to every second day. Also, as it encourages skin resurfacing, skin is more sensitive to the sun. As a result, only use vitamin A skincare products at night and be sure to always use an SPF in the morning. bh loves: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Night Serum and Rationale DNA Night Cream (find it at rationale.com)
What should an autumn skincare routine look like?
“We naturally begin to produce less oil on our skin as the weather cools off; therefore we need to maintain the skin with an extra hydration boost,” explains Philippa. “Start to layer your skincare, like you are layering your clothing as the season shifts,” Philippa advises.
Boosting the skin’s hydration can be done in a range of ways, “whether that be moving from a lotion moisturiser to a cream formulation,” adding a hyaluronic acid serum or even trying a pre-serum to improve the efficacy of ingredients in your serum and moisturiser (a pre-serum balances the skin’s PH levels prior to applying active products).
Also, adding a weekly hydration mask “is a must for maintaining a healthy, radiant glow,” she explains. “I recommend Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Bio-Cellulose Mask once a week for a dose of probiotics for the skin. This helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier plus bonus hyaluronic acid that binds and attracts moisture...giving that plump and radiant finish.” bh also loves hyaluronic acid serums including House of Immortelle B5 Rose Hydra Serum and Indeed Labs Hydraluron Serum.
When it comes to avoiding specific ingredients, Philippa mentions just to be aware that lighter gel formulas that may have done the job during summer, likely aren’t heavy enough to keep your skin hydrated in winter.
What will you be updating in your beauty routine as the season changes?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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66 Member Comments
I tend to use more serums in the cooler months - they feel too heavy and sticky on my skin in summer and fot the whitening i always used fairness face pack which good for face skin.
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I definitely will be using more scrubs / face masks as the seasons change, I change shades of foundation and switch moisterisers also in summer & winter. I tan so easy and probably soak up way more sun then what is good for me. I swear by Neutrogenas Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen, it is SPF 85+ and works great as a primer. Bonus.
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Yes, I generally keep my routine the same too, but maybe am a little more religious with it as the weather cools, just as skin feels rougher and less hydrated.
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I would love to try the EA superstart probiotic mask
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I haven't tried any of the mentioned products. I have really been wanting to try a peel though.
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I like Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment.
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My skin has calmed down somewhat the last 2 weeks, i think my hormones were going mad
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Yes my face is so congested!
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Looks great to add into my stash of skincare
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My skin usually remains the same throughout the seasons. However, a recent long stay in hospital has taken a toll on my face and body. I'm now experimenting with different products to give my skin much-needed extra care.
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No... I tend to stick with the same products all year round...
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The time approaches for creamier moisturizers
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I've saved all my "winter products" unopened in the fridge still from last winter as I didn't need them living in QLD it's still hot af till July probably! The only thing I use are hand creams, and take lots of hot baths with coconut oil (and Lush bombs!) in winter. They leave my skin so hydrated so I don't need any body moisturiser, ain't nobody got time lol
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I avoid the sun like the plague! This year I hardly got any, but I do have some tiny pigmentation from my much younger teen days. I'd love to get rid of that with a good quality vit C serum, some liquid exfoliation as my skin's a bit dull from a lazy skincare routine, and something for deep down blackheads on my nose... but other than that I don't feel I need any crazy skin detox. My skin is as oily as always and hasn't aged in about 10 years. I swear by a natural sunscreen and mineral makeup, wish I started using it earlier!
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AHA's don't seem to agree with my eczema prone skin. I use a sunblock year round.
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I haven't long been using AHA's to great affect. My plan for winter is to keep my skin hydrated with rich moisturizers and to try using a hydrating mask regularly.
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Changing my diet always works wonders for my skin. Healthy fats and loads of fish makes the transition a little easier
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Yes! Also cutting out sugar and processed foods. I'm craving salmon now lol
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I eat brisling sardines instead of salmon...
Lower in the food chain!
Looking to completely switch to vegan epa/dha
Refined sugar is so bad for our skin, I agree!
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I love sardines but I just can't eat those edible bones! I end up spending forever trying to pick them out and just give up! I once found a brand with bones removed but it was years ago and I have no clue where!
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I tend to use more serums in the cooler months - they feel too heavy and sticky on my skin in summer.
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Rationale is uber expensive!
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CeraVe PM lotion is amazing if you can find it...
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Up the healthy fats in your diet and vitamin C.
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I have already started updating my beauty routine because my skin is definitely producing less oil. I have had to up my moisturising on my body. However my facial skin has broken out big time. A few face masks coming up to rectify this problem.
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