March 29, 2023

Autumn Self-Care Edit

Skin, hair and health can misbehave during the transition between seasons. Autumn’s cooler weather means low humidity, drier air and stronger winds, which compromise the skin’s natural barrier. Here's what you need to add to your autumn skincare routine.

Protect your skin barrier

High winds can wreak havoc and make skin feel rough, dry and tight. A lipid-heavy moisturiser is the basis of an effective autumn skincare routine. Lipids are the skin’s natural fats. They maintain the skin’s protective barrier and assist the skin’s repair process. The three most important lipids for the skin are:

Cholesterol: Completely different to cholesterol found in the blood, skin cholesterol helps improve the appearance of skin elasticity.
Ceramides: increases skin hydration.
Fatty acids: helps maintain the skin’s lipid balance.

Swap out your summer gels for moisturisers with oils rich in antioxidants like argan oil, which maintains elasticity and treats environmental stress breakouts. Oils also help to hydrate skin whilealso loosening the dried out sebum that clog pores, giving you a brighter complexion. We like the Fountain Cosmetics Actual Moisture for oily complexions and Total Moisture for drier skin. Also consider swapping out your foaming or gel cleanser for a more nourishing oil-based cleanser. Bonus: oil is great for melting away sunscreen and cosmetics without drying out your skin. You can mix your own oils for a custom blend, or look for a ready-blended oil cleanser like the Cleansing Oil, which rinses away with water.

Nourish from the inside out

Falling leaves also brings flu season. Bolster your skin and your immune system by making sure you’re getting your nutrients from a balanced diet. Incorporate more berries in your diet, which contain micronutrients called polyphenols. Polyphenols are effective weapons against the flu, and you can bolster your polyphenol intake with beauty drinks that contain berry extracts. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any dietary supplements.

Treat frizzy hair

Damp, foggy days can be a nightmare for hair. Keep your hair moisturised with a leave-in treatment after every wash, as hydrated hair is much less likely to frizz. Like skin, hair loves lipids like argan oil, which are perfect for hydrating and smoothing hair without adding grease. Don’t be afraid to take some time out for your hair. Indulge in a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore your hair’s natural moisture. Keep this up throughout the autumn and winter seasons, as indoor heating can quickly dry out your hair. Look for products that have rich oils orup the ante with a hair mask like the Fountain Cosmetics Exquisite Moisture Mask, that has proteins to help your hair rebuild from the inside.