There are all sorts of reasons for sudden misbehaviour in the skin, but climate and weather generally are major culprits. We’ve had one of the wettest, drabbest summers in years, and the fluctuating temperatures can cause irritation and misbehaviour in the skin.
We’re all familiar with “radiator face”; the dreaded combination of overactive oiliness and dehydration that throws skin entirely off-kilter each autumn when heating systems come back into use. My own skin misbehaves on a major scale around twice a year, and it always coincides with a change of seasons when autumn starts to sink into winter, or temperatures rise as summer begins. Unfortunately, we’ve been hit by what feels like every season this summer, and our baffled skin finds itself struggling to keep up.
If you find yourself dealing with more oil or congestion than you normally would at this time of year, a good quality clay mask can really help.
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask
(€30) is so appealing because it isn’t just focused at acneic or super-oily skins (as these sorts of products often are). Stressed, reactive, congested skin will respond very well to this cooling, unctuous formula. It contains natural wax jojoba beads to exfoliate gently without doing any harm. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse off for smooth, clean, rested skin.
For those who find themselves suddenly tackling dry skin, a facial oil for daytime is perfect. The idea of applying an oil in the morning can be frightening. However, for a genuinely dry skin, oil will create an excellent base for makeup (just try massaging some oil into any dry flaky patches to see how well makeup rests on top) and keep skin comfortable all day.
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
(€42.50, from August 24th) is a wonderfully zesty serum-in-oil that works wonders for dull, dry complexions. Ginger root and citrus oils emit a beautifully refreshing fragrance which makes this the perfect invigorating morning skincare.
For more deeply distressed or mature skin, richer ingredients may be needed. Shea butter, which can be a comedogenic ingredient, causing younger, oilier skin to break out, is the perfect moisturising ingredient for skin that desperately needs a good stiff dose of moisture.
L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream Mask
(€118, from September) is designed specifically for skin in need of extra help. If the season has your skin feeling taut, with lines and furrows more pronounced, and entirely without radiance, this mask will certainly help.
It comes with a space-agey massage tool which very effectively massages the mask into the skin, gets blood flow going, and helps to clear puffiness and congested sinuses. To optimise the effects of this rich mask, massage it into skin at night, and leave it in situ till morning. You’ll awake to supple, glowing skin. Do avoid this one if you are prone to breakouts – its richness may be too much for all but very dry and mature skins.
The weather will do what it pleases, but skin in a tantrum can always be calmed.
