It feels as if it was just yesterday that we were sending out New Year’s greetings to our friends and family and in the blink of an eye we’re nearing the end of another year. If the year were a person, autumn would represent the wisdom of old age. But Autumn also represents change. Look around and you will start to notice small changes. And for that, you don’t need to look far. Notice how your skin changes as the temperatures begin to drop and the air becomes less humid. This blog talks about the changes autumn brings to the skin and how you can alter your skincare routine to maintain healthy and glowing skin.
Table of contents
- Autumn - When the leaves turn yellow and the skin turns crisp
- Dealing with Autumn
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Be gentle while exfoliating
- Protect the skin barrier
- Don't skip SPF
- Lip and hand care
- Embrace change this autumn with Oteria
- FAQ’s
Autumn - When the leaves turn yellow and the skin turns crisp
With its crisp air and changing foliage, autumn is a beautiful season, but it also brings unique challenges to the skin. The shift from warm, humid days to cooler, drier weather can take a toll on your skin, causing it to lose moisture and feel more sensitive. Here are the ways autumn affects the skin and tips to maintain a healthy complexion during this transitional period:
Dehydration
As the crisp autumn air replaces the warmth of summer, humidity levels drop significantly. The lower moisture content in the air causes moisture to evaporate more quickly from the skin, leading to a gradual loss of hydration. This dehydration leads to dry, tight skin that feels less soft and more uncomfortable. Without enough moisture, the skin's barrier weakens, making it harder for the skin to retain essential hydration, which in turn can exacerbate feelings of dryness and increase the likelihood of irritation.
Flakiness
With the onset of cooler weather and the subsequent drop in moisture levels, the skin may begin to show signs of flakiness. The lack of adequate hydration causes the upper layers of the skin to become rough and dry, leading to small patches of flaky skin. These areas can become particularly noticeable on the face, especially around the nose and forehead, or on the body in places like the knees and elbows. Exfoliation and proper moisturization are often needed to remove these dead skin cells and restore smoothness.
Increased sensitivity
Autumn can stress the skin and make it more reactive and prone to sensitivity. The skin's natural barrier, already compromised by the loss of moisture, becomes more vulnerable to external irritants like windburn, pollution, and sudden temperature changes. This increased sensitivity can lead to redness, blotchiness, and sometimes even broken capillaries, particularly in those with delicate or rosacea-prone skin. Protective skincare that nourishes and shields against the elements becomes crucial in managing these effects.
Dullness
As autumn continues, the skin’s renewal process slows down, leaving dead cells on the surface that dull the complexion. The drop in natural oils makes it worse, causing the skin to lose its glow. The result is a dull, tired look compared to the vibrancy of warmer months. Regular gentle exfoliation and antioxidant-rich skincare can help restore the skin's glow by encouraging cell renewal and offering protection.
Chapped areas
The delicate areas of the skin, such as the lips, hands, and elbows, are especially vulnerable during autumn. As the cold air strips moisture away, these areas tend to become dry, cracked, and rough. Lips often become chapped, while hands and elbows may feel particularly dry and sore, requiring extra care and protection. Applying thick, emollient balms and creams to these areas can help replenish lost moisture and create a barrier against further damage, keeping the skin soft and protected despite harsh conditions.
Dealing with Autumn
In the opening paragraph of this blog, we mentioned that Autumn represents change. Of the many changes that autumn brings, a change in skincare routine is something that cannot be ignored. Here are some essential tips to help your skin stay healthy and radiant through autumn:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
As autumn air dries out, your skin loses moisture faster, making it crucial to switch to a richer moisturizer. Lighter summer formulas may not be enough. Choose products with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture, glycerin to lock it in, and ceramides to reinforce the skin’s barrier and prevent dryness.
Be gentle while exfoliating
Autumn can make skin dull and rough due to slowed cell turnover. To brighten and smooth your complexion, gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a mild exfoliant like an enzymatic scrub or lactic acid. This helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to work better and preventing breakouts and uneven texture.
Protect the skin barrier
Cooler weather can stress your skin, so it’s crucial to strengthen its barrier. Use serums with niacinamide to reduce inflammation, aloe vera to soothe and repair, and ceramides to restore moisture and protect against irritants. This helps keep your skin resilient and healthy.
Don't skip SPF
Even in cooler weather, UV rays can cause premature aging and skin damage. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, as the final step in your morning routine, to protect against UVA and UVB rays, prevent sunburn, and slow aging.
Lip and hand care
Autumn’s dry, cold air can leave your lips chapped and hands dry with rough patches. Protect these areas by applying a nourishing lip balm with SPF and a moisturizing hand cream regularly. Choose products with shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin to deeply moisturize and create a protective barrier.
Also read - Face Mists: Your Skincare BFF (or Not?)
Embrace change this autumn with Oteria
As autumn's cooler, drier air impacts your skin, Oteria offers solutions to maintain a radiant and healthy complexion. Our products are based on the body’s circadian rhythm and are made for all skin types and genders. Let's take a look at some of Oteria’s products that are perfect for maintaining healthy and glowing skin this autumn:
Green Coffee Shower Gel
Experience luxury with our shower gel, infused with pure Arabica Green Coffee Beans from Karnataka’s Chikmagalur region, known for its exceptional quality. Our formula uses premium coffee extracts to hydrate, nourish, and revitalize your skin, revealing a youthful, radiant glow. It locks in moisture, refines texture, and repairs damaged cells for all-day rejuvenation. Elevate your skincare routine with our rich, coffee-infused gel.
Benefits
- Hydrates & nourishes skin
- Restores radiance & glow
- Promotes youthful and fresh skin
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Improves skin texture
- Repairs and heals damaged skin cells
Key ingredients
Green Coffee Extract: Green coffee extract boosts skin hydration, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection for a youthful, radiant glow.
How to use
Pour the shower gel on a wet loofah or palm. Apply to wet skin, work into a lather, and rinse.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion
Oteria’s velvet dew skin lotion delivers rapid moisture and plumping effects for a youthful, radiant complexion. Clinically proven to provide 72-hour hydration, it combats age-induced dryness and enhances skin texture, offering visible improvement with regular use. The lightweight formula replenishes moisture, restores natural balance, and promotes a healthier, more vibrant look.
Benefits
- Plumps the skin
- 72 hours moisturizing effect
- Clinically proven to increase hydration
- Prevents age-induced skin dryness
Key ingredients
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits and promoting healing.
Natural Sugars: Natural sugars gently exfoliate and moisturize, enhancing skin texture and radiance.
How to use
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Radiant Berry Mist
Revitalize your skincare with Oteria’s Radiant Berry Mist, featuring fresh Strawberry Cells and Ashwagandha for a youthful glow. Fresh Strawberry cells are carefully extracted to preserve their natural structure, while Ashwagandha is sourced using advanced NaDES technology. This mist protects against digital pollution, tones, purifies, and deeply moisturizes, boosting cellular energy for a radiant, refreshed complexion.
Benefits
- Provides skin with essential nutrients
- Moisturises & lightens skin
- Boosts cellular energy
- Fights digital pollution
- Restores skin vitality
Key ingredients
Strawberry Fresh Cells: Strawberry fresh cells enhance skin radiance and vitality while providing powerful antioxidant protection.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha revitalizes and soothes the skin, reducing signs of stress and promoting a youthful, balanced complexion.
How to use
Evenly spray the required amount onto the face and gently massage it into the skin.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Bounce Back Skin Cream
Oteria’s Bounce Back Skin Cream combines Encapsulated Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vegetable Pear for effective anti-aging. Encapsulated Retinol reduces fine lines and wrinkles with minimal irritation. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates deeply for a plump, youthful appearance, while Vegetable Pear protects against photo-aging and improves skin tone. Incorporate this cream into your nighttime routine for a smooth, radiant complexion.
Benefits
- Visual results in 2 weeks
- Soothes skin irritation
- Provides wrinkle therapy and moisturizes skin
- Shields skin from photo-aging
- Improves skin tone homogeneity
Key ingredients
Encapsulated Retinol: Encapsulated Retinol effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing irritation and enhancing skin tolerance.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, improving texture and maintaining a youthful appearance.
How to use
Apply a small quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Also read - Learning Inclusivity From Gender-Neutral Skincare: A Guide For A More Equitable World
Change is a beautiful thing. It comes with opportunities to learn and grow. And we at Oteria, want you to embrace this change and live every bit of it.
FAQ’s
1) How does autumn affect my skin?
Autumn’s cooler, drier air can lead to dehydration, flakiness, increased sensitivity, dullness, and chapped areas.
2) What causes skin dehydration in autumn?
The drop in humidity levels during autumn causes moisture to evaporate more quickly from the skin, leading to dryness and a tight feeling.
3) How can I prevent skin flakiness in autumn?
To combat flakiness, ensure proper hydration with rich moisturizers and use gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells.
4) Why does my skin become more sensitive in autumn?
Cooler temperatures and wind can compromise the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and redness.
5) What can I do to restore a dull complexion in autumn?
Regular gentle exfoliation and using skincare products with antioxidants can help brighten and revitalize a dull complexion.
6) How can I protect my lips and hands from autumn dryness?
Use nourishing lip balms with SPF and moisturizing hand creams regularly to prevent chapping and dryness.
7) Why is it important to continue using SPF in autumn?
UV rays can still damage your skin even in cooler weather, so applying sunscreen daily helps protect against premature aging and sun damage.
8) How can Oteria’s products help with autumn skin care challenges?
Oteria’s products offer deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protection for a radiant and healthy complexion throughout autumn.