Get glowing skin this Autumn
Autumn SOS - save your skin and give yourself a seasonal glow
By ANJANA GOSAI - Thursday, October 22, 2009

As temperatures plummet and the central heaing is notched up, our skin inevitably takes a beating. We have tracked down the country’s top dermatoligists and reveal their tips on how to save your skin.

The problem: Flaky skin
The cause: When the skin’s outer layer is damaged it loses moisture and pliability, leading to flakiness.
The fixer: Consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe (www.drnicklowe.com) has helped a number of A-list celebrities achieve flawless complexions.
The remedy: Resist taking hot baths.
Dr Lowe says: ‘Long, hot soaks will only make the problem worse. Get used to taking shorter showers with warm water and swap your normal bar of soap for a body wash to add moisture and reduce scaling. Pat rather than rub your skin dry to avoid further moisture loss and slather your body with a cream while skin is still damp to lock in moisture and form a protective barrier. Hands are constantly being washed and exposed to extremes in temperature, so look after them with a moisturising wash and apply a protective hand cream several times a day. Vigorous exfoliating will remove the skin’s vital protective barrier and dry it out further, so don’t scrub during the winter.’
Try: Dermol 200 Shower Emollient, £6.54, stockist; Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Moisture Lotion (pictured), £2.49, available nationwide; Dr Nick Lowe Double Duty SPF15 Hand Cream, £12.99, Boots nationwide.

The problem: Dry skin.

The cause: Low temperatures and humidity leach moisture from the skin.

The fixer: Cosmetic dermatologist Aamer Khan (www.harleystreetskin.co.uk) is one of London’s most respected skin experts.

The remedy: Stay hydrated.
Dr Khan says: ‘Drinking plenty of water is a no-brainer but up your intake during the winter as this is when we lose more moisture. Warm herbal teas are great, just avoid caffeine since it’s a diuretic, which causes fluid loss. Go for moisturisers containing ingredients such as niacin, a vitamin B3 which has superior hydrating properties. Give physical exfoliation a miss and search for moisturisers containing alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic and glycolic, which gently dissolve dead skin and allow moisturisers to penetrate better. Try and steer clear of rich formulations that can congest the skin and pick lighter hydrators such as hyaluronic acid.’
Try: NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex (pictured), £88.09. www.spacenk.co.uk; Beauty Lab D24 All Day Moisture Crème, £25. www.harleystreet skincare.co.uk; Olay Total Effects Day Cream, £10.63, nationwide.
The problem: Sore, red skin.
The cause: Moving from warm indoor environments to the chilly outdoors causes the capillaries to dilate and contract. The capillary walls eventually lose elasticity and result in increased redness and sensitivity.
The fixer: Consultant dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou (www.cadogan clinic.com), regularly treats high-profile clients. The remedy: Try stronger solutions.
Dr Mayou advises: ‘If your high-street moisturiser no longer meets your needs, use a stronger one. Try a one per cent hydrocortisone cream (reduces inflammation) on top of your moisturiser to keep redness at bay. Also try softening your water. London water is harder than any other part of England and strips the skin of its natural oils. Soften your bath water by pouring in a capful of oil, such as almond or olive, and use a mild, soap-free wash for sensitive skin. And don’t lick chapped lips, it makes them worse as the water evaporates, causing them to dry out further.’
Try: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £7.99. Tel: 0800 389 8195; Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Care (pictured), £2.59, nationwide.

The problem: Itchy skin.
The cause: Extremes in temperature can dehydrate the skin. If this lost moisture isn’t restored it can result in a tight, itchy feeling.
The fixer: Cosmetic doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh (www.drsebagh.com) divides his time between his clinics in Rue de Longchamp, Paris and Wimpole Street, London. His VIP clients include Cindy Crawford and Kylie Minogue.
The remedy: Invest in a humidifier.
Sebagh advises: ‘Central heating can make indoor air extremely dry. A humidifier increases the moisture levels in the atmosphere and can prevent skin from drying. It may sound obvious but opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres. Wrapping yourself up in tight, man-made materials can lead to sweating. Perspiration softens the skin and breaks down its protective layer, leading to itching. Take some Omega 3 fish oil supplements as the components work as anti-inflammatories.’
Try: Omax-3, £27.99 (60 capsules), www.victoriahealth.com