Boost your skin health this autumn in six easy steps

The days are getting shorter, the temperature has dropped and there’s a crisp autumn chill in the air. So what does all this mean for your skin health? According to the aesthetic experts at YourGP, it means it’s time to think carefully about your skincare routine if you want to prolong that summer glow for as long as possible…

Changing seasons

Whilst we may once have left the house with a slick of sunscreen and achieved that radiant summer glow in a mere matter of minutes, by the time autumn comes around we need to start to work a little harder to achieve that same effect. And that’s partly because of the extreme changes in temperature that accompany the autumn / winter seasons.

Going from the cold autumn air outside into a house with central heating can affect your natural skin barrier, causing you to lose essential moisture, which is why your skin may look and feel a little more dull, dry and lacklustre.

For some people, the drying effects of central heating can disrupt their skin’s natural moisture balance in a more extreme way, leaving the skin dry, flaky and cracked.

Autumn essentials

The good news is that with a little extra care and attention, you can rehydrate your skin to recapture that summer glow effect in six easy steps:

1. Hydrate from within: Aim to drink around 2l of water every day to keep skin cells hydrated and to boost elasticity. Limit alcohol as this has the opposite effect on the skin.
2. Nourish your body: Focus on a getting a nutrient-dense, balanced diet full of whole foods that are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins to boost your skin health. For example, choose oily fish for omega-3s, avocados for vitamin E, citrus fruits for vitamin C and sweet potatoes for beta-carotene.
3. Keep active: Exercising boosts circulation, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. It also improves elasticity by stimulating collagen production, so aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
4. Invest in a good moisturiser: Look for one that combines hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides to soothe the skin and lock in moisture.
5. Don’t forget the sunscreen: Even on a grey autumn day, harmful UV rays can damage your skin, so apply sunscreen to your face, neck and decolletage on a daily basis throughout the year.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates skin ageing so stub it out.

If you need a little extra help

If the change in the seasons has highlighted just how much your skin has changed with age and you’d like a little extra help to turn back the clock, speak to the aesthetic experts at YourGP about our skin booster treatment.

The skin booster treatment at YourGP effectively replaces what time has taken away. It involves injecting targeted areas with a thin hyaluronic acid gel. This boosts hydration levels deep within the skin and stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, more elastic skin. It also helps to plump the skin to minimise fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

The skin booster treatment at YourGP is suitable for all skin types and the results can be expected to last around three months, although this is dependent on a variety of factors, so keep following the six tips above to maximise your results!

Book your appointment

If you’re interested in finding more about boosting your skin health and would like to speak to an aesthetic expert about which treatment may be right for you, book a consultation with Dr Cathrow using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.