Keep Skin Supple in All Seasons

With the change in seasons, comes a change in our skincare needs. And October's changeable weather makes it one of the toughest times of the year on our skin, requiring special caution in care and attention.

When the skin starts drying because of the season, even soap and water can be damaging, says British beauty expert Newby Hands.

Hands, director of health and beauty at Harper's & Queen magazine, says unless the pH is balanced for your skin, the good is washed away with the dirt.

Tests indicate skin takes up to seven hours to regain its protective layer after the use of some bathroom soaps. Hands recommends the use of a cleanser such as Estee Lauder's Verite Light Lotion, specifically designed for sensitive skin, to avoid the "instant havoc" October's weather can wreak.

This problem should last only a few months, "but protection in the meantime is essential, if only for our comfort," Hands says. "And the majority of oils and creams bought to deal with such problems can make excellent post-party overnight skin revivers at Christmas."