Changing your skincare with the seasons

Should you change your skincare routine as the weather changes? Why or why not?

It’s usually necessary to make some subtle changes to your skincare routine as the season changes because the conditions in the summer and winter are very different and the skin often cannot acclimatise to the new conditions quick enough to protect itself adequately. During spring and summer, the weather is warmer and the air is more humid, so you may only need a light moisturiser. On the other hand, during the winter, the cold winds and dry air, plus indoor heating can dry the skin out too much, compromising its barrier function. So a richer moisturiser is usually needed. Sunscreen should ideally be used all year round, but in the summer when the sun is very strong, you may need to reapply it during the day.

Is skin able to tolerate more in the spring/summer than in the winter when it can become dryer and less dehydrated?

Yes, in order for the skin to function properly as a barrier, it needs to have adequate hydration among other things. Dry skin can crack and let in harmful bacteria, which can lead to rashes and breakouts.

What are the benefits of changing your skincare routine for spring/summer?

As the days become warmer and the sun gets stronger, it’s important to adapt your skincare so that you are not clogging up your pores with heavy moisturiser and that you use a good sunscreen that will give you adequate UV protection from the sun.

What are the drawbacks of changing your skincare routine?

There aren’t really any drawbacks because the changes do not involve the skincare routine, only what products you use. So simply order a lighter moisturiser for spring/summer and a richer one for autumn/winter.

What should you look for in a well-rounded skincare routine?

I have an acronym for the perfect skincare routine which can be adapted to everyone’s needs, and it spells out the word CREAMS. This is also the order that the products should be applied.

C for cleanser, which is the vital first step twice a day. R for resurface, which involves gentle exfoliation of the skin, and depending on the product, method and skin condition, this can be done daily, once a week or every couple of weeks. E for eye cream, which anyone over 25 should consider starting to use because the skin around the eyes is very delicate and needs special attention. A is for active ingredients, which are serums containing vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol. The active ingredients hold the key to improving the skin. M is for moisturiser, which you might not need at all if your skin is healthy. So I would always say this is an optional step depending on your skin condition.

Last but not least, S is for sunscreen, which everyone should be using whatever their age. Preventing premature aging is the best strategy to stay looking great.

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Winter is coming - protect your skin

By Dr Qian Xu • 02 Oct, 2023

It has been a strange summer. It almost feels like it passed us by this year. As the nights get darker, the air has a definite chill; the coldest weather is still to come. You may have noticed your lips beginning to feel a little dry. Your hands might not feel as soft as they were a few weeks ago, and annoyingly, you may even have had a breakout in acne and spots for the first time in a few months. Winter is on its way - what is happening to my skin? A mysterious breakout or blemish will appear when we think we have found the right balance of products and skincare regime to keep our skin looking and feeling healthy. It reminds us that our skin is our barrier against our environment. Winter is the worst season for people who suffer from acne. The colder, dry conditions strip our skin of its natural moisture. Having gotten used to easier conditions that have allowed it to keep hydrated, the skin finds itself under a barrage of different elements. Cold air, chilling winds, dry heat inside our houses full of radiators, and the bracing cold rain all make your skin grow dryer, more irritated and tighter. Moisture levels: Hot weather is more humid, cold weather is drier. The outer layers of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, act as a barrier to protect against moisture loss. In cold, dry conditions, this barrier can struggle to retain moisture, leading to dryness and dehydration in your skin. Blood vessels: In cold temperatures, our blood vessels constrict to conserve heat and maintain our core body temperature. This leads to reduced blood flow to the skin and can be why you may have a paler appearance. Oil production: Sebum, the skin’s natural oil, can be affected by fluctuations in temperature. In hotter conditions, more oil is produced. When it gets colder, less sebum is produced, resulting in dryness and flakiness of your skin. What will my skin typically experience in Winter? All of our skin is unique, and the change to Winter will affect everyone’s skin slightly differently, but the most common impacts the cold weather has on the skin are: Dryness: With the cold air usually being less humid, skin hydration starts to fall. With this, your skin tightens, becoming drier and rougher, particularly at the start of the transition from warm weather to cold. Our skin is under a constant barrage; even in our homes, the heating reduces humidity, leading to more dryness. Flakiness: With dryness comes flakiness. Your skin may flake or peel, particularly on the face and hands. This flakiness can lead to your skin looking slightly dull and less radiant. Redness and irritation: The Winter can be very problematic for your skin if you have sensitive skin. Exposure to cold winds and low temperatures can irritate the skin, causing it to become red and itchy. Chapped lips: The cold weather also affects our lips. Our lips lack oil glands, making them more susceptible to moisture loss in dry, cold conditions. This can lead to them becoming chapped and quite often painful. Acne: You may notice increased acne breakouts during the transition to colder weather. The combination of dry skin, increased dead skin cell build-up, and heavier use of the wrong moisturisers leads pores to become blocked, ultimately forcing more breakouts. How to help your skin fight the battle against the cold. With all skin guides, it is important to remember that we are all different and our skin changes with time. It is always worth taking the time to have a proper skin consultation as the seasons begin to change, but in the meantime, you should think about: Hydration: Keeping your skin hydrated from both inside and outside is essential. We often drink less water in Winter, which doesn’t help the skin’s battle to stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty to look after the inside. Use a good moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated from the outside. I recommend Alumier’s HydraDew for normal skin and HydraRich if you have drier skin. Gentle Cleansing: While the drier weather builds up dry, flakey skin, it is important to take a softer approach to cleansing. Harsh soaps and cleansers that keep your skin radiant in Summer may strip away the reduced natural oils from the skin. Mild, hydrating cleansers will serve your skin better in Winter. Alumier’s HydraBoost Cleanser is a great winter cleanser. Sun Protection: We often think the sun’s rays don’t harm our skin because it isn’t hot. It would be best if you continued to use your SPF to stop the skin from getting damaged by the UV rays. Humidifiers: The heating in your house will also lead to drier conditions indoors. To give your skin a break, try adding a humidifier to your home to add moisture to your indoor air. Lip Balm: To help with your dry and chapping lips, make sure you are regularly applying lip balm, especially as you begin a journey outside. I always recommend a lip balm that has SPF to counter sun damage. If you are experiencing any difficulties or changes to your skin as the weather changes, you can book a consultation with me. We’ll take the time to understand your skin and recommend a treatment plan to help you glow through Winter.

Spring into your skincare

By Dr Qian Xu • 13 Apr, 2023

We've made it! Spring is finally here, the world looks glorious, and the air is warmer. This breath of fresh air is excellent for your skin too. The warmer temperatures bring higher moisture levels into the air, removing winter's cold, dry, damaging feel. This new weather will bring about a slight change in how you approach your skincare. So I thought I'd share a few tips: Firstly, sunscreen. A quality SPF should be part of your skincare regime all year round. The sun's rays are just as damaging in winter as in Spring, but if you haven't been as diligent, it is time to ensure this is part of your daily routine. You'll find yourself outdoors more, walking when you would have taken the car or bus, and you'll certainly want to sit outside while having lunch. People often think that because it isn't hot, the sun isn't intense - this causes many people to forget about using their SPF and increases the risk of sun damage to your skin. Dull and dry skin Winter can be tough on your skin, but Spring gives us an excellent opportunity to get your skin back its glow. You should tweak your skincare routine to include exfoliation if you have dull skin. Exfoliating will remove the layer of dead and flaky skin that has built up. The colder, harsher weather has attacked your skin; by exfoliating, you will find your skin looking brighter, with fresh skin being brought to the surface. This brings the added benefit of your other Alumier skincare products being more readily absorbed. Acne- Prone skin As we emerge into Spring, the outdoors becomes more appealing. You will sweat more, affecting your skin, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Consider a lighter moisturiser that is less likely to plug your pores and reduce any flare-ups your acne may have. Ageing Skin Spring is a great time to increase your use of retinoids or retinol. These vitamin A derivatives increase skin cell activity, improving skin texture that helps make your complexion, just like the weather, brighter and fresher! Talk through your skin Making changes to skincare that is working can be scary, so always base any changes on how your skin is feeling. If it is still working, keep doing it, your skin might only require changes once it is warmer and heading towards summer. However your skin feels, it's a great time to book a consultation to ensure you know how to be ready for any changes your skin might face.