Summer out, Fall In :: Top 5 changes for your skin

If, like me, you had lots of fun in the sun this Summer and now you’re feeling the cooler weather, the chances are so is your skin.
When the seasons change we have to react and change the way we look after our skin.
Skin that has been recently exposed to the sun is often a little tighter and appears more plump so when that sun exposure is no longer there it can feel a little more saggy and the effects of the Summer sun combined with chlorine can leave it dry, in need of some loving care.

Here are my top 5 tips on how you can repair and boost your skin going into the Fall:

Exfoliate: Reveal your new skin by sloughing off those dead cells and giving your skin a chance to shine. Exfoliation gives a more refined and youthful appearance as the pore size appears reduced and any moisture you put into it can be more easily absorbed. You don’t have to go out and spend to do this, there are some great great natural exfoliators out there, try this tomato and sugar scrub…mmmmm! Just great!
Hydrate: This may seem obvious but it has to be here. Add moisture from the inside and out, drink plenty of water to rehydrate all of your organs, and use a more intense moisturizing cream to replump the skin.Try a moisturizer that contains Vitamin A (retinol) to kick-start that process of cell renewal. I love using oils to replenish the skin, and a great one for this time of year is Rosehip oil. It contains natural Retinoic Acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, with proven anti-ageing properties, the oil will bring much needed replenishment to the skin. My favorite Rosehip oils can be found from Trilogy and A’kin.
Boost your anti-oxidants: by boost, I mean both internally and externally. Anti-oxidants neutralize damage caused by free radicals after sun exposure and start your skin on the road to recovery. You can find them in fruits and in Vitamin packed skincare. Click here for a list of foods that can boost your skin.
Rest: In order for any organ in your body to repair itself, sleep is vital. It is the time when your body naturally takes over and regenerates. Do your skin a favour: get at least 7 hours of sleep a night, take at least a week off the alcohol and give yourself some pampering time, you’ll soon see the difference.
Protect: Having started the process of renewal and recovery after the tough Summer months, you must protect the skin against the colder environment to come. Use an intense nourishing cream and take care not to forget the lips at this time, they tend to show the changes first. My very favorite cream to nourish any dry areas you have, including the lips is Weleda Skin Food, just delicious!