Summer skin reaps all the benefits of being slathered in moisturising sun creams and hydrating after-sun. As we tend to drink more fluids in hot weather, that too, reflects on the skin, giving it a smooth, supple feeling. However, the moment the sun goes away, our summer routine is forgotten, and skin suffers. This autumn, resolve to stick to your summer beauty schedule and keep skin in peak condition all year round.

This should be a year round priority. Ridding the body of dead skin cells is the key to keeping it looking smooth and silky, as well as making it more receptive to moisturising. Exfoliation isn’t just for pre-self tanning; it needs to be a weekly ritual.

 

If you are worried about sloughing away your hard-earned tan, you can always top it up with a good self tan at any time of the year. Try Murad Self Tanner for Face & Body, £20.50, that also contains SPF15; essential all year round. L’Occitane Exfoliating Delicious Almond Paste, £22.50, is perfect for gently rubbing away dry skin in the bath. Massaging the paste over wet skin releases almond oil and almond butter to give a richly polished effect.

How often you need to moisturise your skin is really down to the type of skin you have. Dry skin needs a heavy duty moisturiser, such as Calmia Jasmine Body Balm, £36, to deeply nourish. Containing Jasmine, Macadamia Nut Oil, Green Mandarin and Ginger, the balm is best applied after a bath or shower when the skin is warm as this allows it to spread and sink in more easily. Very dry skin may need this treat twice a day.

 

Skin that is well hydrated already and doesn’t suffer any dryness responds best to a lighter consistency, such as a body milk, but still needs moisture to keep it supple and gleaming. Korres Citrus Body Milk, £8.50, has a matt finish on the skin and is high in trace elements that help to boost the epidermis. Provitamin B5, Shea Butter and Jojoba oil provide nourishment and moisture to the skin, while the citrussy zing makes it a joy to apply. Mature skin has a tendency to be dry, particularly post sun, but often doesn’t respond well to creams with a heavy consistency. Try Monet Synergistic Anti-Aging Daily Moisturising Lotion, £44.95; a new high tech formula that is packed with anti-aging ingredients and essential skin nutrients, to combat wrinkles and give well hydrated, silky skin all year round.

While we all know that protecting our face from the harmful rays of the sun is a key factor in keeping skin young and damage free, invariably there will be some slip ups! Sun does cause premature aging and wrinkles, so undoing the damage after the summer is an autumn essential.

 

There is nothing better than a serum to infuse the skin with nourishment and tackle any fine lines and wrinkles that have appeared over the summer months. Serums are power packed underwear for the face, and a worthwhile investment to use before moisturiser for maximum skin benefits. One of the best for post-summer skin is Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, £39, for its ability to banish dark spots caused by sun damage. It also stimulates cell renewal leading to younger looking, fresher skin. A known celebrity favourite, Truth Serum, from Ole Henriksen, £32 (pronounced ‘oo-la’, just in case you wondered), has reached cult status for its collagen boosting abilities. Collagen is what forms the plumpness and fullness of the skin, and by boosting collagen, you iron out any fine lines. Packed with anti-oxidants, and with a gorgeous orange fragrance, it is perfect for sensitive skin.

You may need to re-think your moisturising routine after the summer. Autumnal weather can play havoc with your complexion; breezes whip the moisture away, while rain and cooler temperatures can leave skin sore and dry. Add that to a summer of wrinkle boosting bronzing, and you can have a disaster on your face once the sun has disappeared. Don’t forget, though, that even when the sun isn’t shining, your skin will still benefit from an SPF for year round UV protection. It’s a good idea to take your sun damaged skin back to basics after the summer. SkinDoctors Powerbrasion Pack, £54.95, whisks away dull skin using micro fine crystals and a battery driven, hand held device. The special Dermabrasion 24 Hour Resurfacing Cream boosts skin cell renewal to reveal fresher, younger looking skin. Choose your moisturiser according to your skin’s needs – sun damaged skin is dry and may have sun induced fine lines and increased depth to wrinkles, so look for a cream that will help reduce damage. Gatineau Laser Comfort Day Cream, £47.50, gives a smoothed and radiant appearance to dry skin; it’s lightweight but with all the hydration power of a heavier cream.

Combination skin reacts well to REN Mayblossom & Konjac Balancing Moisturiser, £23.50, that is specifically formulated to add moisture where needed without overloading oily patches. If your skin is naturally oily, it still needs moisture – what it doesn’t need is more oil. Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydration Cream, £26.50, tackles the needs of oily skin, giving flexibility and radiance. Finally, the last word has to go to the amazing Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster, £24.40, that cleverly adds SPF30 to any moisturiser, leaving you with no excuses for not defending your skin all through the seasons!