As we welcome the crisp and cold mornings of Autumn, and step from our warm houses into the chilly air or biting wind, you might feel that your skin is tight, tired and a little weathered after those long, hot days of Summer.
Though most of us love the warmth of the sun on our skin, its rays can leave a mark, even when we’ve been careful with SPF! From fine lines to pigmentation and that overall feeling of dullness, sun exposure over the summer can cause changes to our skin that might not be so welcome.
But don’t worry—autumn is the perfect time to give your skin some extra TLC. As an experienced aesthetic nurse practitioner, I see a lot of women who notice these changes, and the good news is that there are plenty of ways to refresh and revitalise your skin. If your summer glow has faded, and you’re left feeling like your skin could use a little boost, I’m here to help you turn things around.
The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, as during exposure to sunlight, the skin absorbs UVB rays which converts to vitamin D3 – this helps your body to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are essential in keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. However, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause a number of negative changes to the skin, even if we’re cautious. Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature ageing and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
Premature ageing from sun exposure occurs because UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, naturally occurring proteins found in our connective tissues that keep our skin firm and youthful. The result? Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Pigmentation, such as sunspots, is another common side effect of overexposure to UV rays, particularly if you’ve spent a bit too much time soaking up the sunshine. Skin cancer is also a risk, so if you notice changes to your skin that concern you, make sure that you visit a medical professional for advice and support.
However, whilst the sun can speed up the ageing process, autumn provides the perfect opportunity to undo some of that damage and give your skin the attention it deserves.
Intense moisturisation with appropriate skincare products, and home treatments tailored to your unique skincare requirements, can be a great starting point when it comes to rejuvenating your skin. Here at Younger U Aesthetics, I stock some fabulous and tried-and-tested skincare brands, including CALECIM, and am always here to make recommendations about the best skincare products for your unique skincare concerns.
If you have additional skincare concerns and are looking for some more intensive skincare solutions, we offer a range of treatments that can help reveal your skin’s inner radiance! These include the following:
Chemical Peels – If your skin is looking a little lacklustre or you’ve noticed uneven pigmentation, a chemical peel can be a great option. Peels work by gently exfoliating the top layers of the skin, revealing a fresher, brighter complexion underneath. It’s a bit like pressing the reset button on your skin, helping to smooth out fine lines, improve texture, and tackle those stubborn sunspots.
Microneedling (this includes DermaForce treatments, which combine Microneedling and Radio Frequency (RF) technology) – For those looking to boost collagen production, microneedling is a fantastic option. It encourages your skin’s natural healing process, helping to firm and tone the skin, while also reducing the appearance of scars or pigmentation. The result? Smoother, plumper skin that feels rejuvenated and fresh.
Dermal Fillers and Skin Rejuvenation Injections – If you’re noticing more significant signs of ageing, such as volume loss or deeper lines, dermal fillers can offer a subtle yet effective way to restore fullness to the face. And for an all-over glow, skin rejuvenating injections like Profhilo work wonders in boosting hydration and improving skin quality from the inside out.
You don’t have to accept tired, damaged skin as being a ‘normal’ part of the ageing process. There’s hope, whether you’re battling pigmentation, fine lines, or just feeling a little less radiant than you did at the start of the summer. The treatments I’ve mentioned are all designed to work with your skin, boosting its natural processes to help you look and feel your best.
So, as you start pulling out your favourite jumpers and embracing those cosy autumn evenings, consider your skin. Your skin has been through a lot this summer—now it’s time to give it the love and care it deserves.