Autumn Skin

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, so do seasonal skin challenges – especially for our hands. The drop in temperature and humidity strips moisture from the skin, leaving hands dry, rough, and sometimes painfully cracked. Add to that frequent handwashing due to more coughs and colds doing the rounds and exposure to indoor heating your hands are likely to suffer.

One of the most common autumn skin issues is xerosis, or dry skin. Hands are particularly vulnerable because they’re constantly exposed and have fewer oil glands than other parts of the body. Symptoms include tightness, flaking, redness, and eczema or dermatitis can often flare up.

To combat these issues, hydration and protecting the skin’s protective barrier is key. Switching to a gentle, fragrance-free hand soap is a good idea to avoid further irritation and using a lotion to enhance the skin’s natural barrier will also help. Avoid using greasy hand creams that just ‘mask’ the problem for a short time – these can often make dry skin problems worse by sending a message to the skin to slow down production of its own oils.

Don’t forget protection – wear gloves when outdoors to shield against wind and cold. With a little extra care, your hands can stay soft and healthy all season long. 🍁 Your hands deserve love this autumn – don’t let the chill steal their glow!