Dr. Maria Politou
Dermatologist- Aphrodisiologist
Senior Attending Physician at the First University Clinic of Dermatological and Venereal Diseases
Nos. “Α. Syngros”
Autumn and Skin: three basic steps for its care
Summer has passed and with it, for many of us, the moments of carefree and relaxation have passed. And while the summer sun and heat have a beneficial effect on our mood, they often leave unwanted marks on our skin, such as uneven tanning, irritated and dehydrated skin and dullness. On the other hand, the low winter temperatures combined with the air and the very hot indoors are hard on our skin, which often becomes irritated, dry and cracked. So, heading towards the “heart” of autumn and as the temperature and solar radiation decrease, this is the right time, by adopting just three steps, on the one hand to rejuvenate our skin, on the other hand to prepare and protect it from the extreme conditions of winter.
Step A: Exfoliation
The high summer temperatures and prolonged sun exposure result in an uneven skin texture with dryness and uneven tanning. The glow of our skin is often lost and replaced by an unflattering dullness. The right and appropriate for our skin type exfoliation will remove dead cells, reduce discoloration and restore the smoothness of the skin, softness and the desired shine while allowing the moisturizing products to penetrate better and restore the moisture of our skin which leads us to the second step.
Step B: Hydration – repair
The hot sun, heat and salt may contribute to summer wellness, but at the same time, they reduce skin hydration levels and lead to a loss of nutrients. Our skin looks tired, dull, hard and irritated. In addition, the low winter temperatures combined with the wind and high indoor temperatures, which are often accompanied by low humidity levels, exacerbate the discomfort and dryness of the skin. Autumn, therefore, is the right season to properly hydrate our skin and apply treatments to replace lost vitamins and nutrients. It should be stressed that the maintenance of good hydration and rejuvenation of the skin during the winter is important to maintain its elasticity and good appearance. Our dermatologist is the specialist who will suggest the most suitable treatments (mesotherapy, dermabrasion, etc.) and the most suitable products for our age and skin type.
Step C: Protection
Heading towards the “heart” of autumn, sunny days increasingly give way to early rains and cloudy skies. Although the strong sun moves to other parts of our planet, the need for sun protection remains throughout the year as the damaging effect of the sun’s rays is not limited to the summer months. In addition, cold, wind, hot and dry indoor environments, exhaust fumes and workplace stress all take their toll on our skin and make it necessary to take measures to protect it from their damaging effects. Our dermatologist will recommend the best sun protection for us during the winter as well as the most suitable treatments and products to protect the skin from harmful environmental factors.
Autumn is here and with it the opportunity for new decisions and new beginnings. Taking care of our skin should be among our priorities. Our dermatologist is our partner in this and will guide us to maintain a healthy, rejuvenated and radiant appearance. After all, let’s not forget that our skin is the mirror of our body.
