It's a beautiful time of the year; everyone loves the changing color of the leaves, brisk fall breezes and finally a respite from the hot weather of summer. Winter is all about covering up the skin to keep warm, but often we forget what the cold weather could be doing to our skin underneath the layers of clothing.

Some may have already started to notice changes in their skin as it might appear dry or slightly red, for example. Yet with these helpful tips provided by beautician Rola Khoury, we can keep our skin protected and in top condition all year round.

“Every woman should have at least three different skincare routines throughout the year, depending on the season. One for cold weather, warm weather and between seasons. These routine changes help my skin stay intact even through the harshest times,” said Khoury.

What should 23 change in our everyday skin routines for the winter?

During the colder months, the air has a lower moisture content, which can cause the skin to dry out quicker. When choosing products for your skin, look out for natural cream-based products, which will not strip the skin's natural oils. Also try to find emollient moisturisers that will help to soothe the skin, as well as maintain moisture all day long. For those who suffer from sensitive skin, rosacea and other skin conditions, it is important to keep the skin protected and hydrated.

One should also use a facial serum twice a day to help give the skin an added boost of hydration and nourishment. Finding vitamin-rich serum will help keep skin soft and protected. Also, finding products free from synthetic ingredients is essential, as these often are the cause for the skin's dryness. Our face is always exposed to the cold air when we are outside, so make sure you are taking good care when it comes to your daily regime inside the home.

We should also remember to stay hydrated during the cold seasons as this is vital both to your health and for the condition of your skin. Drinking plenty of water everyday will help keep skin plump, hydrated and moisturized, and will help prevent any signs of chapping or dryness.

Be prepared for this winter, and have a look through your beauty products to see if anything you may be using is either drying out your skin already, or will be of no use during the winter.

Great autumn beauty tips:

1. Exfoliate!

Save your skin from becoming dull, lifeless and dehydrated during the autumn season by upping your exfoliation game to twice a week instead of once only. Exfoliating helps to increase cellular regeneration and removes dead skin cells that can delay the absorption of any moisturizers or beneficial serums. When choosing a scrub, Raghib recommends choosing one with natural exfoliates such as brown Sugar, sea salt or Apricot seed powder.

Many commercial scrubs contain might contain plastic micro beads that are harmful to nature when washed down the drain as well as being harsh on the skin.

You can make your own body and face scrub by mixing a handful of crushed sea salt, virgin olive oil and lemon. This is the perfect balanced mix that will take out dead skin, moisturize and brighten the skin. After exfoliating, one must follow up with a rich cream or body butter to ensure moister in the new polished layer of skin.

2. Moisturise more.

Step up your moisturiser game by switching your summer light moisturizing lotion with a heavy and rich cream. Make sure to also avoid any cosmetics that contain drying alcohol such as toners, as this synthetic nasty strips your skin of moisture and can cause it to become dry and a little itchy. You should also try facial dry oil, as this will promote the receipt of moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. With a beautifully light, silky texture and an intense nourishing feel, facial oils are the ideal products to give your skin a protective edge against the elements.

3. Take care of your lips.

Many forget how sensitive the skin on the lips is. DUring cold seasons, the lips start to chap and it can be very tempting to apply a rich layer of petroleum jelly to protect chapped lips from the chill; however this product is not as innocent as it appears and may not be as helpful as one thinks. As a by-product of the oil industry, petroleum jelly is not compatible with our skin. Slathering it on your lips is essentially wrapping your skin in cling film, preventing it from breathing and potentially making the area even more sore and chapped. Instead, reach for a lip product that contains natural waxes, butters and oils. It will form a protective layer to nourish and repair the damaged skin. You can make your own autumn lip balm by mixing shea butter, a drop of lemon and some almond oil. It will also be beneficial for you to scrub your chapped lips with a mixture of fine sugar, drops of almond oil and lemon to keep them soft, take away any dead skin and brighten their color.

4. Hand care:

Perhaps one of the most common skin dilemmas during the winter is dry, sore hands. You should not be surprised about this, as our hands are often exposed to the elements, whether it's searching for keys or playing with our phones, we often neglect them when it comes to skin care. Because the skin on the hands doesn't produce as much natural oil as the rest of the body, this area is much more prone to dryness, especially in colder weather. This cool season is the perfect time to give back to your hands. Pamper them with a deeply hydrating rescue remedy such as a body butter or natural oil. It's worth trying Jojoba oil, almond oil, raw shea butter and cocoa butter for this part of the body.

Follow these simple tips to ensure your skin stays hydrated and plump all throughout the winter season!

—

Email: [email protected]