Wind, rain, darker mornings… Autumn is here and takes no prisoners – particularly when it comes to our skin.
As the leaves begin to fall, colder temperatures constrict our capillaries, which can make skin look dull, while reduced oil production means a drier complexion overall. On top of this, having the heating on leads to dry air, which in turn leads to dehydration and an impaired skin barrier. Help!
Here’s how to alter your existing skincare regime now summer is most definitely over.
Rethink serums
Autumn is the perfect time to delve into the wonderful world of serums, taking a bespoke approach based on what your skin needs most according to the season. Right now is a great time to focus on repairing any damage that has occurred throughout summer.
Reintroduce retinol-infused serums if you took a break over the warmer months to help reduce any pigmentation and encourage cell turnover.
Add in niacinamide, which rebuilds and helps maintain a strong barrier function, while hyaluronic acid is always a good idea to ensure skin is hydrated and plump.
Try: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, $16.50, is a water-free solution with 0.2 percent pure retinol.
Dr. LeWinn’s Retinol + Beauactive® Renew Serum, $79.99, is a concentrated lightweight serum with uniquely encapsulated retinol that penetrates the skin without causing irritation.
The dermatologist-recommended French brand La Roche-Posay introduced its first Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum, $71.99, to suit all skin types, including sensitive.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $26.99, uses a scientifically formulated blend of two forms of pure hyaluronic acid to intensively rehydrate and smooth.
Swap lotions
Change out lightweight lotions for ceramide-rich moisturisers.
Say goodbye to your summer-ready, gel-based moisturisers and lotions in favour of creams formulated with ingredients like squalene and niacinamide, which protect the skin but also aid repair and regeneration. Contrary to what you might think, a thicker texture isn’t always better for autumn. Thick moisturisers are great for more mature and dry skin types, but if you’re oily and acne-prone, don’t feel like you need one. Instead, you can add a couple of drops of a low molecular- weight oil to your usual moisturiser to provide a slightly richer barrier.
Designed to saturate the skin in high-powered ingredients, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, $47.30, is a brand-new formula containing plant-derived PhytoCeramides for a fresher, more plumped appearance.
Mecca Max Thirst Impression Priming Hydrating Moisturiser, $27, features four types of hyaluronic acid, along with squalane for a rich, dewy and yet still magically weightless face-quencher.
Switch cleansers
Swap gel cleansers for cream and oil formulas.
We tend to prefer lighter cleansing formulas in summer, but they can feel a little too aggressive in colder weather. Instead, gravitate towards cream or oil cleansers, which don’t strip the skin. In the evening, double-cleanse with a balm or oil cleanser, followed by a cream formula, and then just use the creamy one in the morning for the perfect cold-weather cleansing regime.
Try: Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Smoothing Milky Wash, $14.99, a gentle but effective cleanser enriched with hyaluronic acid and watermelon.
Glow Lab Sensitive Cleansing Oil, $18, is a very gentle product that transforms into a milk with water, and is a great option for compromised and sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, $25.99, gently removes dirt, excess oil, long-wear foundation and sunscreen residue.
Introduce oils
In autumn, face oils are a treat for thirsty skin. High-quality formulas are rich in fatty acids, which are important for an impaired skin barrier, and they can be real game-changers if you find the right one for your skin’s needs. However, it’s paramount you find the right one for your skin type – some oils, like coconut and argan, can be too heavy for acne and congestion-prone skin.
Try: Antipodes Divine Face Oil, $36, and Essano Collagen Boost Facial Oil, $22, are both nutrient-rich and are an absolute joy to use.
