Do You Need To Switch Up Your Skincare for Autumn?
A lot of people like to use this time of the year to reset and make some swaps in their daily routine - wardrobe, makeup, hair colour, but what about our skincare? Changing temperatures, central heating, being indoors more, whether it’s dehydration or dullness, the new season can take a toll on our skin. That’s why we need to adjust our skincare to prep our skin for this transition.
If you’ve been considering switching up your skincare but don’t know where to start, read on for our top tips on transitioning your skincare from summer to autumn.
How does the change in weather affect my skin?
The colder temperatures in autumn and winter have a tendency to dry out your skin. If you have oily skin, that might be good news for you. However, if you naturally have dry skin or sensitive skin, you might want to think about starting to switch up your skincare arsenal. “Not everyone’s skin reacts the same way to winter weather conditions, but for many of us, the dip in temperatures and low humidity (both indoors and outside), can magnify dry, flaky skin, as well redness and sensitivity”, says Heather Wish, Skincare Education Manager at Paula's Choice.
Even people with oily skin can be challenged by autumnal/wintery weather as their skin may feel more dehydrated, uncomfortable, or tight underneath but still look and feel oily on the surface.
What products should I swap in my routine?
With temperatures dropping, the key is to keep your skin balanced and hydrated. There are a few products that you can use, making sure you’re incorporating nourishing ingredients into your skincare regimen, think hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
In terms of products you should swap, Heather says “your cleanser and moisturiser have major impacts on skin’s hydration, so it’s smart to prioritise them”. In the summer, we tend to use cleansers that will help get rid of impurities and help balance the oils and unclog pores. In autumn, “upgrade to a creamier formula that gently cleanses skin without stripping it dry sets skin on the right path. Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cushion Cleanser, € 29,00 is great for this”, she recommends. We also think a formula like Glossier Milky Jelly Gentle Gel Face Cleanser, € 26,00 would be perfect for the season.
The same goes for your moisturiser, while we tend to prioritise gel or fluid formulas in summer to keep it light on the skin, you can swap to a richer consistency to make sure your oil levels are balanced and you’re keeping your skin well-hydrated. We love textures like Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, € 28,00 or Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, € 30,00.
What skincare ingredients should I use in autumn?
In summer, the focus tends to be on exfoliating ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. And while you shouldn’t give up on these ingredients the rest of the year, colder months also call for more hydrating ingredients. “Ingredients like ceramides, as well as humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great for that” says Heather. Antioxidants like vitamin C are always great to have in your routine, to protect the skin from everyday stressors and to brighten up the complexion. We love NATURIUM Vitamin C Complex Serum, € 25,30 or the iconic Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, € 42,00
Why is my skin more prone to breakouts after summer?
Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, you may have experienced some post-summer acne after coming back from holiday or when the temperatures drop. According to Heather, this usually happens “if you haven't taken the best care of your skin in terms of cleansing and exfoliating. Excess heat and humidity can cause excess moisture and sweat to sit on the skin and clog pores”.
If you’re trying to curb any breakouts as the summer season is ending, (gentle) exfoliation is key to get rid of any excess oil. You can use a toner like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, € 13,00 or a spot treatment like Medik8 Blemish SOS Rapid Action Target Gel, € 28,75.
Do I still need to wear SPF in autumn?
With sunrays shining in the warmer months, it’s easy to remember to wear sunscreen every single day to protect our skin from UV rays. But that shouldn’t stop at the end of the season. Heather explains that “the harmful UVA rays of the sun come through clouds and windows, so even if the sun isn’t shining you need to be protecting your skin”, so you need to carry on wearing sunscreen in autumn and winter.
There are so many everyday formulas that work for all skin types like Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, € 39,10 or Supergoop! Every.Single.Face Watery Lotion SPF 50, € 33,35.
A Final Note on Summer to Autumn Skincare
Transitioning your skincare in-between seasons is all about preparing your skin and protecting it from harsh weather conditions. This autumn, make sure you’re packing in the hydration and strengthening your skin barrier with nourishing ingredients. We all have our skin concerns – pay attention to your skin’s needs and choose the ingredients and formulas that work best for you!
Read More
• The Skincare Ingredients to Plump Your Skin Overtime• The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Plump, Hydrated Skin • The Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin to Instantly Hydrate
• The Best Hydrating Face Masks
