Autumn is the season of transition .When the weather starts to cool down; it’s time to bundle up. But jeans and sweaters can’t protect everything. You skin needs more protection than layers of clothes. The last thing you want is your skin to start turning dry or worse, red and blotchy. Save those colours for the autumn leaves! Luckily this can be easily avoided by following these simple tips:

But first, an important rule to remember : Analyse or know your skin type! We are all different and so is our skin. So they need different ways of caring. As the temperature drops find out if you need to change your skin care regimen and products and switch them accordingly. If you aren't sure whether your skin needs a new regime try talking to a beauty consultant at your favourite spa or salon. If this is not practical, try the beauty advisers at cosmetic counters. These beauty professionals are equipped to analyse your skin to determine what skin type you fall in. For some who suffer from eczema or very dry, itchy skin, the cooler months means extra care must be taken.

Here are a few simple tips that can cover all sorts of skin types.

1. Moisturise every day!

-Harsh weather really takes a toll on the skin. Using heavier creamy moisturisers for the face and lotions for the body (natural is preferable) can help avoid looking like a gnarled old tree. Daily application of a good moisturiser keeps the barrier of the skin (the outermost layer) in good repair and specifically keeps it from drying out and cracking

2. Don’t forget to slap up some sunscreen

-Summer may be gone, but the sun is still there!

3. Buy a few tubes of lip balm

-This should be in handy all year round particularly if you’re out in the sun and wind. Make sure you have a tube in your handbag, just in case. Keep one in your pocket, in the office, in the car, at home. Anywhere you want so you can keep you lips soft and kissable.

4. Remember your feet!

-Just because they’re hiding in those boots doesn’t mean they should be forgotten. Exfoliate on a regular basis. Trim your toenails; buff or even paint them a nice bright colour and you’ll feel great from the bottom up.

5. Invest in richer hand creams and cuticle oil (natural if possible)

-Regular hand creams sometimes just don’t cut it. Buy some cuticle oil to keep your hands (and feet- for those toenails) feeling and looking great.

6. Men, don’t be afraid to moisturise!

-Dry, cracked skin isn’t attractive on anyone!

7. Avoid excessively hot showers

-They feel great specially after being out and about in the cold, but they remove essential surface oils in the skin and dry it out quite easily.

Dry skin can be avoided if the skin maintains the proper balance of oils and moisture. Two things are important: not removing too much oil (through over-washing) and adding back oils (through the use of a moisturiser).

8. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

-The most basic rule in protecting your skin is to keep it hydrated. So, whatever you do, try to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables – this rule is applicable for any season.