When it comes to your skincare routine, it’s always best to switch it up with the seasons…
Summertime calls for a skincare routine consisting of a higher SPF and, for many, mattifying lotions and creams that will combat oily skin, while the cooler months require a heavier dose of moisture to prevent our delicate faces from becoming dry and flaky while combating the harsher elements.
ALSO SEE: Sunscreen: The Real Way To De-Age Your Skin
But are we missing a vital step when it comes to protecting our skin in autumn?
Leading international dermatologist and skin health expert Dr Mervyn Patterson argues that one of the most overlooked cooler weather skincare routine steps is wearing adequate SPF – especially around the delicate eye area.
“Those that wear sunscreen on their face, often stop just short of the eye area. This is because most women are concerned about causing irritation to their eyes and then expect miracles from eye creams only to be let down.
“Don’t be afraid to put a good quality SPF right up to the eyes if made for sensitive skin, and what better than one that doubles up as a tinted moisturiser too,” he said.
“High factor SPF is actually more effective than any eye cream when it comes to anti-ageing.”
So why is it so important for your autumn skincare routine to include SPF around the eye area?
Well, apart from that we’re often not protecting the area with an oversized pair of sunglasses, the skin around this area is so thin, it can become damaged much more quickly.
“The skin around the eyes is very delicate, in fact, it is amongst the thinnest on the body. The external barrier, which is the uppermost protective layer of the epidermis, is only about six cells deep under the eye.”
ALSO SEE: 5 Ways To Beat Dry Eyes During Menopause
So how else can we care for our eyes with our autumn/winter skincare routine?
“There is no doubt that a poor night’s sleep leaves the eyes looking red and the skin puffier.
“Some of this is due to poor lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid retention. Sunscreen is important for daily protection of the area, but care must be taken to apply only a thin layer that doesn’t migrate [i.e. gets into your eyes and leaves you feeling weepy for the rest of the morning].
“When cleansing the delicate eye area, ensure the process is thorough but gentle. An ideal product would be one that doesn’t irritate but effectively removes all sunscreen and eye makeup,” he said.
w&h loves
Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil, R250 for 400ml, is the perfect cleansing solution for an eye area that is prone to feeling tight, dry and stripped of moisture.
Kalahari Gentle Cleansing Milk, R250 for 160ml, removes make-up in a jiffy while soothing the skin as it does so with rooibos extract and jojoba oil.
ALSO SEE: The Reason Why You Have Puffy Eyes And How To Reduce Puffiness Fast
Our top two favourite eye creams with SPF, for hydration and protection during autumn and winter
2. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-ageing Eye Cream Sunscreen SPF 15, R1 180 for 15ml
Words: Lauren Hughes. Additional Words: Martinique Stevens
