Well October’s here and the autumn chill is in the air already, attacking your supple summer skin before you know it. The key to keeping that fresh summer look is daily moisturising; well moisturised skin is soft and supple, gives you a healthy glow and is more able to fight off the aging process. Keeping up the regular moisturising regime you did over the summer is just as important now to prevent your skin from drying and chapping as the cold winds blow.
Liquids that help
However before you run to the shops and start buying moisturisers, there are a few other things you can do to help your skin. The most important is to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This will help to put moisture back in. Also drink green herbal tea; which is rich in antioxidants, reduces inflammation and protects skin cells. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light too, which in turn reduces the risk of skincancer.

Foods to feed those cells
Fatty fishes such as Salmon are high in healthy acids that are essential for achieving healthy skin. Fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep skin cells healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells and a lack of it can cause dry skin

Should you use a lotion or Cream?
In addition to the liquid refreshment you put in your body, your skin also requires external assistance. There are a wide variety of moisturisers available and some at a very high cost so you need to be careful when making your selection.  It is a common misconception that moisturisers actually hydrate the skin. The truth is that moisturisers act by locking in the skin's own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking. The more oil a moisturiser contains the more effective it is in protecting your skin. Moisturisers that come in ointment form contain more oil than water. Creams, on the other hand, contain 50% oil and 50% water and as a result do not provide as effective a barrier against moisture loss. Therefore if you must use creams look for those that contain natural substances such as rose water, jojoba oil, vitamin E oils or honey.  Avoid products that contain fragrances, preservatives or other skin irritants. Experiment to find the product that is right for you; one that keeps your skin supple, fresh and feeling just right.

Cleanse too
Overuse of skin care products may bring about 'sensitive skin' or cause skin to break out from time to time. To avoid this, use a gentle cleanser twice a day. Cleansing is also essential for your skin's long term health. It clears away dirt and bacteria, keeps pore ducts open and exfoliates dead skin cells. Try not to over cleanse; this takes away your skins protection against the autumn elements and leaves you back at square one!