If you’ve been told that you need to change your skincare routine because autumn is coming, think again.
“For me, it’s about the products and ingredients that you’re using. If your skin isn’t having any issues then there’s absolutely no need to change your skincare routine just because the seasons are changing, “says Dr. Dev Patel, Cosmetic Doctor and Founder of Cellderma, ahead of his talk at The Beauty Show live (20-21 Sept, Business Design Centre, London), says:
Continue using your sunscreen just as you would throughout summer:
Although summer is when we sustain most sun damage, our skin is being attacked by UV-A all year round. In fact, UV-A penetrates glass so even whilst sitting indoors, on a cloudy day in January, your skin needs protecting. Although UV-B is most strongly linked to skin cancer, UV-A (which predominantly causes ageing) is also linked to cancer. Cumulative UV exposure increases cancer risk so don’t just turn to sunscreen on sunny days.
Learn to look at the UV index seen on weather reports, to gauge how strong UV radiation will be on a given day.Some autumn / winter activities, such as skiing, take place in high altitudes and the sun’s UV rays are more intense and the snow reflects and magnifies them.
This can really increase your chances of developing skin cancer during the winter and it is vital to wear sunscreen and also sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Basically, if you’re outside, you’re still at risk for skin damage whatever the season. When it comes to choosing which sunscreen to use, don’t worry so much about the SPF number and instead pay attention to the ingredients used. For example, Zinc Oxide; you should be using an SPF that contains a minimum of 3-4%. An SPF that contains zinc oxide will last longer throughout the day, it’s anti-inflammatory as well and it also protects across the whole UVA and UVB spectrum.
Don’t ditch the retinol, just use a retinoid all year round
It’s true that certain types of retinol can irritate some skin types, hence why many people may stop using it during certain seasons. A common myth is that retinol shouldn’t be used during certain times of year. However, retinol is just one member of the retinoid family – there are 4th generation, much more modern advanced forms, that agree with all skin types and minimal risk of irritation.
Retinoids work on both the surface and middle layers of the skin to unclog pores, smooth scars and improve tone and texture too. Furthermore, the Retin-ACE formula provides added anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action to further calm and protect skin against the longer lasting effects of acne. So instead of ditching the retinol during certain times of year and risking confusing and upsetting your skin, why not just use a reliable retinoid all year round instead.
Heavier hydrating creams during autumn/winter is a myth
One of the most common autumn skincare myths is that you should step up to a heavier moisturiser. It is true that some people will have drier skin in the winter due to the combination of cold weather and central heating indoors. However, thicker does not necessarily mean better hydration.
There is a difference between perception of more intense hydration and actually achieving better skin hydration. If an effective, non-comedogenic (not spot-inducing) product is used, then it is likely to be ideal all year round. I would look for ingredients such as glycerin and plant-derived squalane. Ceramides are also an excellent addition.
Many ingredients that make creams ‘heavier’ are actually not genuinely that hydrating and can sometimes contribute to more drying of the skin when use is stopped.
The non-comedogenic, lightweight yet ultra-hydrating cream, quickly absorbs into the skin, delivering a deeper level of hydration with a creamy blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant-derived squalane, and oils of jojoba seed and apricot kernel.
About Dr Dev Patel
Dr Dev Patel is a globally reputed aesthetic physician, speaker and trainer and winner of multiple industry awards. His skin clinic Perfect Skin Solutions has also won over 9 awards including Best Clinic South-East England 2022. He is also Founder of revolutionary new skincare brand, CellDerma which focuses on growth factor technology.
Dr Patel is a renowned industry leader. He pioneered gas-plasma technology in aesthetic practice and has been invited to teach and speak on this and other subjects, worldwide, from the USA to China. Dr Patel specialises in face and body contouring and was amongst the first to introduce various globally recognised technologies to the UK.
He holds a deep interest in the psychology of beauty and transfers knowledge in this field to his approach to facial aesthetic work.Dr Dev Patel was named in the “Top 6 Doctors in the world you should follow in 2022” by New York Weekly and in “Entrepreneurs you should follow in 2023” by The Wall Street Times.
He will be Debunking skincare myths on 20 Sept, from 14:00– 14:30 on The Main Hair & Beauty Stage. Tickets to The Beauty Show live, where Dr. Dev Patel will be Debunking skincare myths can be purchased from here: https://www.thebeautyshow.co.uk/.
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