Autumn skincare tips for a healthy glow, whatever the weather

Lavishing skin with hydration now will ensure that you head into winter and the festive season looking radiant and healthy, says Lisa Armitage. Here are her go-to autumn skincare tips.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

“As soon as the weather turns, I switch my summer skincare routine to include a more nourishing, comforting and rich winter facial oil, specifically my Skin Feast Omega Facial Oil,” says Lisa Armitage. Packed with omegas 3, 6 and 9, this luxurious facial oil penetrates the skin’s deeper dermis layer to help keep skin supple and elastic, and counters the skin-drying effects of harsh weather conditions, central heating and dehydration – a must for the change in seasons.

Because a glass of water isn’t quite as appealing when it’s cold and wet outside, fill your pantry with lots of lovely herbal teas to keep skin hydrated, or make your own using fresh ingredients. “While I cook, I love making a big batch of homemade ginger tea,” says Lisa. “Simply throw a few knobs of fresh ginger in a pan with a litre or so of water and simmer for a couple of hours. Once ready, drain the desired amount into a cup, add a little squeeze of wildflower honey to sweeten and you’re done. It has a wonderfully warming, spiced flavour and aroma. Plus, it’s great for soothing sore throats and coughs, which can be an inevitable fixture of the winter months!

Take a layer off

A layer of dull, dead skin cells, that is. “Keep on top of skin exfoliation in the run up to Christmas, and your skin will glow when it’s time to meet up with friends and family over the festive season,” advises Lisa. “My Multi-Miracle Balm contains Pumpkin enzymes, a gentler alternative to the papaya enzymes often used as an exfoliant in many other brands’ skincare, which means that it can even be used every day. Pumpkin enzymes boost radiance by removing dull, dead skin cells and revealing a healthier-looking complexion without any irritation, even for the most sensitive skin types.”

Humidify your home

Central heating quickly dehydrates the skin, but it’s easily remedied with the tried and trusted trick of placing water close to radiators. Simply fill a bowl, vase or plate of water and place on top of or close to radiators, which will work to humidify the room and prevent hair and skin from drying out.

Embrace the outdoors

Make the most of the last rays of sunshine. The Vitamin D we get from the sun is essential for the health of our immune systems – ever wondered why we get sick in winter? When the sun shines, take a walk and drink in all that fresh air and vitamin D.  A super simple, but highly effective, health and mood booster!

Nourish your skin from within

“During the autumn and winter months, nutrition is more important than ever,” says Lisa. Include plenty of good fats and skin-plumping omegas in your diet, such as oily fish, avocadoes, nuts and seeds, which include fatty acids that are essential for the elasticity in our skin. Take advantage of those beautiful pumpkins and squashes that are in the shops right now, too, which are loaded with beta-carotene (vitamin C); a potent anti-oxidant to help protect and prevent ageing of the skin and that also boosts are immune system. For inspiration, check out Lisa’s amazing Skin-Loving Pumpkin and Red Lentil Soup Recipe