Welcoming the first day of October means we have well and truly made the move from summer to autumn. As we leave the sunny season behind, you might think breakouts are no longer a cause of concern as there’ll be less sweat and time spent outdoors.
Thing is, autumn presents its own challenges for those with acne-prone skin.
For one, the change in season means cooler temperatures and lower humidity – not just outside, but indoors too with the dry heat from radiators. With less moisture in the environment, skin becomes more dehydrated. This in turn ramps up oil production. Dry, flaky skin can also lead to more dead skin cells. When these combine with the excess oil, we have the perfect recipe for acne-causing clogged pores.
To combat this, continue using Clear Out (our retinol + AZA lotion) to perpetually flush out clogs and make skin less prone to acne. Gentle and kind to sensitive skin, the lotion can be used throughout the colder months.
It’s also a good idea to add a boost of hydration to your routine to restore skin’s moisture levels and normalize oil production. Matte Hydrator is the go-to moisturizer for those with oily skin, but for other skin types, it can be used as a serum applied just before your moisturizer. Using 100% medical-grade, ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, it absorbs fully into skin and draws moisture into where it matters most.
As you adjust to colder days, you might also find comfort in longer, hotter showers which can further dry out your skin and disrupt your skin barrier. This leaves it at a higher risk of inflammation and irritation. This is where the nourishing Protective Moisturizer comes to the rescue. Loaded with medical-grade peptides and antioxidants, it strengthens your skin barrier, calms redness, and protects your skin from irritants. If your skin is on the dryer side, you could also top it off with a thicker, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
If you are wearing scarves and beanies to keep yourself warm this season, be sure to wash them regularly! While we love our cosy autumn accessories, they could easily become homes to sweat and bacteria, leading to breakouts.
Another reason you might be seeing more acne in autumn could come down to changes in your diet. From Halloween candy to pumpkin pies and comfort food, consuming more high-glycemic foods could lead to more acne. If you think certain foods could trigger a breakout, consider limiting it for a while but ultimately, remember that the key with diet is moderation. So go ahead and enjoy the many wonderful things this new season brings!
Have more questions about autumn skin care?
We’re here to help! Get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics).
Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.