October is the month to start reviewing our skincare needs for the cooler months ahead. Summer, albeit brief this year, tends to leave skin dry, but the effect of switching on the heating in our homes and closing the windows, can cause our skin to become even drier.

This is a great time to reassess our moisturising regime for the face and body. I tend to think that, given we change our wardrobe at the turn of the season, we should tweak our skincare routines too.

Transition time

Start with regular, gentle exfoliation from head to toe – this will remove dead skin build up, enabling moisturisers to be well absorbed. Get to know your skin – if, for example, it appears dry then a richer moisturiser is required, whereas if it’s oily, try using a gel-type cleanser. Your skin will soon tell you if it needs more or less.

It is tempting to apply too much product – this can have the opposite effect by suddenly overloading skin that is adjusting to the cooler temperatures.

Sun protection

I can’t emphasise enough that now we are entering the cooler weather we still need Sun Protection Factor (SPF) every day. I know when it’s cool and raining we feel we can skip this important step, but the sun’s rays still penetrate clouds and windows, so even when driving you are nevertheless exposed.

Most dermatologists would agree that if you could only choose one skincare item then a good SPF is the one. The good news is that it is never too late to start and see the benefits. We might be able to switch from SPF50 down to SPF30 during cooler months, but the key to avoiding sun damage, age spots and wrinkles is to apply sunscreen daily.

Vitamin C

This is the new ‘buzzword’ in skincare products and for good reason. Vitamin C has been well researched and is a wonderful skin antioxidant, which helps if you have any pigmentation that often surfaces during the hot summer months. It also facilitates collagen production, which helps to make our skin appear plumper.

Cosmetic counters should assist you in checking the consistency of any creams before you purchase – they often have samples available, so don’t hesitate to try out a few.

Eye care

The skin underneath our eyes is incredibly thin and sensitive – it’s less than 1mm thick. You should never be rough with applications on this delicate area – gentle patting with the ring finger is all you need. Eyes respond best to not being overloaded, so apply a small amount of product along the orbital bone, about half an inch below your lash line.

Many of us have dark circles, puffiness under eyes and fine lines, and while everyone is different, we can address a lot of these issues with correct hydration and using a product specifically targeting the eyes. Find the one that works for you and it can strengthen delicate skin and often reduce the signs of ageing.

There are many great reasonably-priced products on the market. Available in most high street chemists, the French brand RoC is a favourite of mine with an extensive range to address all eye issues.

Keep it well hydrated and you can avoid dry, itchy skin this autumn.