It’s not only nature that changes during autumn; our skin also goes through a transition of its own. As the weather becomes cooler and drier, the hydration of our skin is also affected. Adjusting your skincare routine to the autumn helps keep it healthy. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about seasonal skincare and how to create an all-inclusive autumn skincare routine!
Why is Autumn Skincare Important?
The low humidity level of autumn, plus its cold temperatures and harsher winds can reduce our skin’s natural moisture levels. In this season, we start using indoor heating, and this can dry out our skin even more. This can result in some issues with our skin.
Common Skin Issues During Autumn
Given the dryness and irritation that the skin can be subject to in autumn, experiencing the following issues is common:
- Dullness
- Dry, flaky patches
- A rough texture
- Increased sensitivity
However, you can prevent and treat these issues by sticking to a skincare routine that addresses your skin’s needs.
How to Transition Your Skincare Routine for Autumn
As we discussed earlier, your skin’s needs change in autumn, and so should your skincare routine. But how should you do it? Keep reading to find out!
Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that can strip away natural oils, a gentle, hydrating cleanser can help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. Try a cream or oil-based cleanser to clean your skin without compromising hydration. This way, you can keep your skin soft and supple.
Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It
Your skin is sensitive during autumn and harsh exfoliation can irritate it. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and keeps your skin bright and smooth, but you should use a mild exfoliator during autumn. You can go for gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week, so you can keep your skin glowing without irritating it.
Opt for a Heavier Moisturiser
Your skin can become dehydrated during autumn, so a moisturiser that locks the hydration in can be a good choice. Look for oils or butter, such as shea butter or jojoba oil, in your moisturiser. These ingredients can create a barrier to protect your skin from moisture loss.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
The fact that in autumn, sunlight isn’t as intense as it is in summer doesn’t mean that there aren’t UV rays out there! UV rays can damage your skin in all seasons. To avoid this, you can use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Incorporate Antioxidants in Your Routine
Oxidative stress in skin cells can make your complexion look dull. Using serums that contain antioxidants like vitamin C is a great way to fight free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. Antioxidants can also protect your skin against environmental stressors like pollution.
Focus on Lip and Hand Care
Autumn skincare is not only about your face! Your hands and lips can also become dehydrated and chapped. Make sure you have a nourishing lip balm and hand cream to protect your hands and lips from dehydration.
Autumn is a great time for skin treatments that focus on hydration and rejuvenation. Treatments like chemical peels and hydrafacial can boost your skin’s hydration levels. Autumn is also a good season for microneedling. Due to weaker sunlight, it’s easier to protect the treated skin from UV rays and see better results.
Essential Ingredients for Autumn Skincare
It’s important to choose the right ingredients for your autumn skincare routine so you can nourish your skin without irritating it. Here are some ingredients to include in your skincare routine.
Hyaluronic Acid for Hydration
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for hydration! It attracts water to the skin and keeps it plump and soft. Look for this ingredient in the serums or moisturisers you choose to help maintain your skin’s moisture levels.
Ceramides to Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Your skin’s barrier becomes more vulnerable during colder months. Ceramides are ingredients you can go for to reinforce the skin barrier. Ceramides prevent moisture loss, protecting your skin from environmental irritants.
Squalane for Deep Moisturization
If you want to moisturize your skin without feeling greasy, squalane is for you! Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil derived from olives or sugarcane. You can use it to prevent dryness and keep your skin soft.
Retinol for Skin Renewal
If you want to keep your complexion bright, consider incorporating retinol into your autumn skincare routine. Retinol promotes cell turnover and improves skin texture. Remember that you should use it with caution because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. To prevent irritation, it’s best to pair retinol with hydration.
Receive Your Personalized Autumn Skincare Routine!Ask MHB Aesthetic dermatologists! We will assess your skin and recommend you the right ingredients that can unlock your radiant skin! |
Common Autumn Skin Problems and How to Address Them
There are certain products and ingredients that are suitable for treating different skin issues in autumn. We’ve mentioned some of them here for you.
Dealing with Dry Skin
To combat dry skin, you should focus on:
- Using hydrating products like hyaluronic acid serums
- Using thicker moisturisers with oils or butter.
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using a humidifier indoors
These help your skin to regain hydration and look fresh.
Managing Flaky, Irritated Skin
If you notice flaky or irritated patches, here’s what you should do:
- Use products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
- Avoid over-exfoliating (it can make the situation worse). Use a gentle exfoliator.
- Use a rich moisturiser to calm and alleviate the irritation
Preventing Dullness
You can keep your skin glowing despite the colder weather. To do this:
- Add a brightening serum with vitamin C to your routine
- Do regular, gentle exfoliations. This keeps your complexion radiant by removing dead cells
Skincare Routine for Autumn: Morning vs. Night
Your autumn skincare routine needs to contain appropriate products for morning and night to keep your skin protected against the specific conditions of different times of the day.
Suggested Morning Routine
- A gentle, hydrating cleanser to start the day with refreshed skin.
- A serum containing antioxidants like vitamin C serum to protect your skin against environmental damage.
- A rich moisturiser cream to lock in hydration.
- Finish with sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy, to protect your skin from UV rays.
Suggested Nighttime Routine
- Remove dirt and makeup with a hydrating or oil-based cleanser.
- To boost cell renewal, you can apply retinol or another treatment serum.
- To keep your skin hydrated overnight, use a thicker moisturiser, possibly containing ceramides.
Seasonal Skincare Tips for Different Skin Types
You know that there are different skin types. It’s very important to choose your autumn skincare routine products with your skin type in mind. Otherwise, you can damage your skin by using the wrong ingredients.
Autumn Skincare for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you should avoid overly thick creams. Instead, go with lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers. Adding a clay mask to your autumn skincare routine is good for absorbing excess oil without stripping moisture. Gentle exfoliation is also recommended for your skin.
Autumn Skincare for Dry Skin
If your skin is dry, you should use rich, emollient-based products. These include creams with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. Foaming cleansers are not recommended. To keep the moisture in your skin and prevent tightness, barrier-repairing ingredients are beneficial.
Autumn Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-free, soothing products with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile are the best for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid harsh exfoliants. Use minimal actives and focus on barrier-repairing products.
Autumn Skincare for Combination Skin
For combination skin, we recommend a balanced approach with a lightweight moisturiser on oily areas and a richer cream on dry patches. You can use a mild exfoliator to help with uneven texture. Additionally, hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid are a great way to hydrate your skin without greasiness.
Final Word
Your skin routine needs to match with the seasonal weather. In autumn, when your skin tends to get drier, it’s important to include the products we mentioned in the blog in your routine to protect your skin. If you’re not sure how to pick the best products for your autumn skincare routine, our experienced dermatologist at MHB Aesthetic can help you choose what your skin really needs. To book your consultation, contact us right now!
FAQs
Should I use a different moisturiser in autumn?
Yes, we recommend switching to a richer, more hydrating moisturiser in autumn. That’s because cool and dry weather can strip your skin of moisture, so a thicker cream helps lock in hydration.
How often should I exfoliate in autumn?
Exfoliating once or twice a week is enough in autumn. Use an exfoliator with a gentle formula to remove dead skin cells and help products absorb better. Avoid doing it too much (it can dry out your skin).
Can I still use retinol during autumn?
Yes, you can use retinol in autumn. But remember that it can increase sensitivity, so make sure you’re moisturizing well and applying sunscreen daily.
Do I need to wear sunscreen even if it’s cloudy?
Even though it might be cloudy, UV rays can pass through clouds and reach your skin. Wearing SPF on autumn days is a good idea to protect your skin.
Should I change my skincare routine in autumn?
Your skin needs more hydration and protection in autumn due to the changes in weather. So, it’s a good idea to adjust your skincare routine as well.
