It’s time to quit the iced oat lattes because autumn is officially here, and while we love the cosy season, it does present a unique set of challenges when it comes to skin health.
As the temperature cools, things like hot showers, heating in your home, and low humidity can wreak havoc on the complexion. Moisture loss, dehydration, dullness, flaking and even breakouts can occur if you don’t take proper precautions.
But the good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine. In fact, with just a few smart switches, you can maintain bouncy, balanced, radiant skin all year long. Read on for the ultimate in trans-seasonal skincare advice!
What Happens To My Skin As Summer Ends?
Autumn brings a shift in temperature, leading to drier air that can zap moisture from our skin. This decrease in humidity often results in dehydration and flakiness, making it essential to adjust skincare routines accordingly.
On top of that, we’re more likely to take hot showers and crank up the heating, both of which can further exacerbate moisture loss. To combat the above effects, it’s important to focus on barrier health, hydration and nourishment. Scroll down for more intel.
Protect Your Barrier
Your skin barrier refers to the outermost layer of the epidermis. This is the part that does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to skin health, protecting us against pollutants and external aggressors, while simultaneously keeping moisture in. But cold weather, reverse-cycle air conditioning and excessive skincare use can trigger impairment, causing redness, irritation, dehydration and rough texture.
These are our five golden rules for keeping your barrier strong:
- Avoid excessive heat exposure where you can. This includes piping hot showers, indoor heating and open fires.
- On that note, counteract exposure to extreme temperatures with a nourishing, protective moisturiser to reinforce your barrier.
- Don’t over-exfoliate. Unless you’re oily or prone to breakouts, two to four times a week is plenty.
- When it comes to cleansing, gentle is best – over-cleansing will just strip your barrier. We swear by a single cleanse in the morning, and a double cleanse in the evening.
- Focus on barrier-building ingredients like oils, butters and Ceramides to keep your skin healthy and strong.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Perhaps the most important autumn skincare switch is to dial up moisture and hydration. This will vary between individual skin types: as a general rule of thumb, a gentle cleansing routine, a hydrating serum and moisturiser are a great place to start.
Consider Switching Up Your Cleanser
Cleansing is an essential step year-round, but when the mercury drops, you might prefer a more hydrating option (versus during summer months, where a hard-working gel is essential to cut through excess sebum).
Gentle Cleanser is hydrating and softening but still purifies the skin. It works for all skin types and can be used morning and evening. If you love to double cleanse, Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil removes makeup while simultaneously replenishing lipid levels. Use it as the first step in your evening skincare routine.
Use A Water-Binding Serum
Dehydration is a common concern for all skin types in cooler months. The easiest way to fix it? A water-binding serum with humectant ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid. 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated. Use it morning and evening while your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing.
Find Your Perfect Moisturiser
It’s no lie that moisturiser is an unmissable skincare step, especially in autumn. If you’re looking to counteract dryness, flaking or a dull appearance, swap your summer formula for something heavier. Moisture Defence Ultra Dry is packed with occlusive ingredients (Shea Butter, fatty acids) to protect the skin and restore glow. Another handy tip is to add a few drops of face oil to your existing moisturiser for added benefits.
Your Cool Weather Ingredient Cheat Sheet
Here’s our list of go-to ingredients to keep your skin in check this season, plus some 10/10 recommendations to match.
- Ceramides: Like barrier building blocks, Ceramides work to strengthen our skin, preventing water loss.
Try: Repair Balm
- Shea Butter: A nourishing plant extract, Shea Butter is an occlusive ingredient to lock in moisture and comfort dry skin.
Try: Moisture Defence Ultra Dry
- Aloe Vera: Soothing and hydrating, Aloe is a plant ingredient that’s great for dry and sensitive skin. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Try: Gentle Cleanser
- Lactic Acid: An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid gently exfoliates and rehydrates, smoothing the skin’s surface and improving radiance.
Try: L-Lactic Cleanser
- Botanical Oils: If you have dry skin that is lacking oil, nourishing natural plant oils can help fortify and soothe your complexion.
Try: Multi-Active Oil
- Hyaluronic Acid: This water-binding molecule increases hydration within the mid and upper layers of the skin, diminishing fine lines and improving bounce.
Try: 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum
- Niacinamide: Repairing and restoring, Niacinamide works to improve barrier function and prevent water loss (a seasonal must) while also smoothing out the skin.
Try: Expert Restore Niacinamide Smoothing Cream
Feeling confident you’ve got your autumn skincare game sorted? Read up in detail on the ever-important skin barrier here.
