Get glowing on your autumn skincare swaps!

Autumn is here, and just like the changing leaves, your skincare routine could use a change, too.

While you might expect this season to bring relief from the piping-hot challenges of summer, the cooler weather and shifting environmental conditions can present their own set of problems.

Sometimes, the transition from warm to cool temperatures can be drastic, and those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may see a flare-up.

We've curated this autumn skincare essentials guide, filled with products that will shield your skin from these seasonal changes, ensuring it remains soft and resilient.

It’s time to get glowing!

Should your skincare routine change through the seasons?

As the weather cools down and humidity levels drop, your skin may become drier, making it necessary to switch to more hydrating products. You’re more likely to crank the indoor heating up, too, which further dehydrates your skin.

Reduced sun exposure means you may need less sun protection, but it’s still important not to push your SPF aside just because the sun has gone into hiding!

In summer, our skin is a slippery slope of excess sweat and oil-production, meaning constant reapplication.

During the autumn, however, your skin is ready to receive heavier layers of skin care, giving you the opportunity to focus on blemish-banishing, skin repair and hydration.

Skincare swaps to make this autumn

Use gentler acids and retinoids

As autumn sets in, your skin tends to become drier and more sensitive. While it might seem counterintuitive, don't completely forget about exfoliation. Instead, adjust your approach to be gentler to avoid any potential irritation.

Swap out physical scrubs for chemical exfoliants, which can effectively address tight, flaky skin while enhancing moisture retention. Consider starting with the mildest option, such as PHAs, including gluconolactone, lactobionic and galactose acid.

Not only will it help combat dryness and sensitivity, but it can also work its magic on those lingering summer sunspots, providing a more radiant complexion.

Switch to a hydrating, balm or oil cleanser

Using a hydrating, balm or oil cleanser in your autumn skincare routine offers multiple advantages. As the season transitions to cooler weather, these cleansers provide deep hydration, effectively removing makeup and impurities while remaining gentle on the skin.

They help maintain the skin's natural barrier, crucial for moisture retention and protection against environmental stressors.

This approach not only contributes to a radiant complexion, but also reduces the risk of irritation, making it particularly suitable for sensitive or dry skin during the autumn months.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, always check that your cleanser is non-comedogenic ^[1], meaning it won’t block your pores and cause or aggravate existing acne.

Use a thicker moisturiser

With cooler and drier air, choosing a thicker moisturiser enhances hydration, creating a protective shield that locks in moisture and prevents dryness.

They are especially effective at safeguarding your skin from harsh autumn elements, like wind and temperature fluctuations.

Thicker moisturisers aid in repairing and strengthening your skin's natural barrier, alleviating dry patches, flakiness and itchiness.

Their long-lasting hydration properties ensure your skin remains comfortable throughout the day, and they often contain nourishing ingredients that contribute to overall skin health.

Don’t ditch the SPF!

Wearing SPF in autumn is a crucial skincare step, as it safeguards your skin from the persistent presence of UV radiation. While the sun's UVB rays may be less intense, UVA rays, which contribute to premature ageing and skin damage, remain constant throughout the year.

This protection is vital in preventing sun damage, which can lead to wrinkles, sunspots and skin cancer risk. Additionally, sunlight in autumn can reflect off surfaces, intensifying UV exposure.

SPF not only shields against UV damage but also provides a barrier against environmental stressors that can exacerbate skin sensitivity.

Hydrating face masks

Face masks provide essential hydration, combating the dryness that often accompanies cooler weather.

Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and botanical extracts, they promote skin repair and rejuvenation, protecting against environmental stressors and nurturing a radiant complexion.

Face masks can also strengthen the skin's natural barrier, which may weaken in the autumn months. They offer exfoliation and brightening benefits, addressing dullness and uneven texture.

Start looking for a humidifier

Incorporating a humidifier into your routine can be a game-changer for your skin. As the weather cools down, indoor heating systems can strip the air of moisture, leading to dry and dehydrated skin.

By maintaining optimal humidity levels, a humidifier helps prevent your skin from drying out, reducing the risk of dryness, flakiness and irritation.

It can also soothe skin conditions like eczema that tend to worsen in dry environments. Additionally, moist air can promote a more comfortable sleep, allowing your skin to rejuvenate overnight.

Keep a hand cream handy

Using hand cream in autumn is crucial to maintain healthy and comfortable hands. As the weather cools and humidity drops, the risk of dry, chapped and cracked skin increases significantly.

Hand cream serves as a vital source of moisture, preventing roughness and discomfort. It acts as a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions, including cold winds and low temperatures.

Additionally, regular application of hand cream can help prevent skin issues like eczema, combat signs of premature ageing and strengthen nails and cuticles.

With cold and flu season approaching, you’re likely washing your hands more, which dries them out. So, keeping a hand cream in your bag or at your desk is a must!

Crack down on your cracked heels

In summer, most people favour open shoes like sandals. However, as your heels are exposed to the elements, they can become dry and cracked once autumn rolls around.

Begin by gently exfoliating and soaking your feet to remove dry skin. Apply a moisturising cream with ingredients like shea butter and wear socks to lock in the moisture.

Staying hydrated and avoiding open shoes are crucial steps in the healing process. Consider using heel cups for added support and cushioning. Consistency is key in maintaining soft, crack-free heels, but if the issue persists, seeking professional advice from a podiatrist or dermatologist is advisable.

The leaves are falling, but don’t let your skincare routine fall, too!

Build your routine to focus on hydration, protection and gentle care. Remember to stay hydrated, use SPF and choose nourishing products to keep your skin radiant and resilient all autumn long.