October marks a noticeable shift in South Africa, as temperatures rise, days are longer, and many people begin preparing for the busy year-end stretch. But beyond planning holidays and year-end functions, October has become a critical time to reset both physically and mentally. For a growing number of South Africans, that reset starts with two key areas often neglected: skin and mental wellbeing.
Mental health and skin health are connected
According to a 2024 Wellness SA survey, 72% of South Africans reported feeling emotionally fatigued and physically rundown by October, with many citing stress, lack of sleep, and neglect of self-care routines as contributors. This mental load often shows up in physical symptoms, most commonly through the skin. Stress-related skin conditions such as adult acne, eczema, and psoriasis have increased significantly in the past five years. The South African Dermatological Society reports a 35% rise in stress-triggered skin flare-ups since 2020.
“Stress impacts the skin in very direct ways,” says Dr. Bradley Wagemaker, Lamelle Research Laboratories Medical Director. “It increases cortisol levels, which causes inflammation, dehydration, and increased oil production. When your mental health is under pressure, your skin often shows it.”
Why October makes sense for a reset
October falls into a unique period on the calendar. It’s the final quarter of the year, and many people are working under pressure to wrap up projects or meet annual targets. At the same time, rising temperatures and longer daylight hours mean people are spending more time outdoors, socialising more, and becoming more aware of how they look and feel.
It’s the ideal time to assess current routines and establish healthy habits that can carry into the busy festive season. As temperatures rise many people need to adjust their skincare routines to prevent congestion and breakouts. Increased sun exposure also makes it necessary to revisit and reinforce daily SPF habits, especially as time spent outdoors begins to increase. On a social level, more events and gatherings often place greater focus on appearance and confidence, which can amplify insecurities if skin health has been neglected. Emotionally, October often marks the tipping point in the year, where burnout becomes more noticeable after months of continuous work without meaningful breaks.
Wagemaker explains, “By October, most people’s skin is still recovering from the harsh effects of winter, but it’s not just about dryness or dullness, it’s about how we treat ourselves overall. At the start of the year, there’s usually strong motivation to prioritise health and self-care, but by this point, that energy has faded. Deadlines, stress, and daily responsibilities take over, and people slowly stop showing up for themselves in the ways that matter. Skin is often the first place that shows it. This is exactly why October is the right time to pause and reset. Skin health and mental wellbeing are completely interconnected.”
A shift in wellness behaviour
Simple practices such as regular movement, deep breathing, guided meditation, and digital downtime are being integrated into skincare routines to maximise results, Gauteng fitness studios / gyms are seeing a 40% increase in bookings for treatments that combine facials with stress-reducing techniques like breathwork and sound therapy. People aren’t just coming in for skin treatments anymore they’re looking for a full reset, something that helps them disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves. This shift toward integrated self-care is not about luxury, but sustainability, creating everyday routines that support both emotional balance and visible skin health.
Practical steps to cleanse the skin and mind
When it comes to skincare, start by clearing out old or expired products, especially anything older than 12 months, as these can lose their effectiveness or cause irritation. With warmer weather setting in, it’s a good time to switch to lightweight moisturisers such as Lamelle Research Laboratories, Nourish Revitalise Lite (A 2019 study in the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that after just 90 minutes outdoors in hot, sunny conditions, skin sebum production increased by up to 35%, while hydration dropped significantly on the cheeks, showing lighter moisturisers that control oil and support moisture are much more effective in maintaining skin balance in warmer weather). Furthermore, you should incorporate a gentle exfoliator like Correctives Cathepzyme 1 to help remove dead skin cells and improve texture. Daily sunscreen becomes even more important as outdoor exposure increases and staying hydrated both by drinking water and eating water-rich foods is the key to maintaining healthy skin from the inside out.
On the mental wellness front, cutting down on screen time, even by just 30 minutes a day, can help reduce digital fatigue and improve focus. Adding short breathing exercises into your daily routine, as little as five minutes at a time has been shown to lower stress levels and calm the nervous system.
Writing things down in a journal or using a mental wellness app can help clear mental clutter and organise thoughts, while scheduling regular breaks away from screens and distractions allows the mind to reset. Together, these small adjustments support both emotional balance and skin clarity, reinforcing the link between external care and internal wellbeing.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. October presents a window of opportunity before the end-of-year rush begins. Building small, realistic habits now can lead to better physical health, emotional balance, and greater resilience through the rest of the year.