It’s not just your wardrobe that needs an autumn overhaul
Pumpkin spiced everything, favourite chunky knits, crisp leaves underfoot in all kinds of whimsical colours – we’ve got a lot of love for autumn. As summer takes a backseat and the dark nights start to draw in, it’s time to add awesome skin to the list of things you love about autumn.
As the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to have a switch-up in the skincare department, to make sure your skin’s not struggling with the change of season. “Changing weather conditions are one of the biggest external factors that can exacerbate dry skin, so it can benefit hugely from a reshuffle of your skincare cabinet,” say Balance Me co-founders, Rebecca and Clare Hopkins.
Why does your skin change its mind like the wind?
OK, we exaggerate, but your skin definitely has a different set of needs come autumn. “Be aware of the impact changing seasons can have on skin's hydration levels,” Rebecca and Clare warn. “During autumn and winter the air has less humidity which can upset the skin's balance, and central heating can strip skin of more moisture.”
It’s easy to keep your skin onside with a little bit of TLC, plus if you prep like a boss you’ll have a great base for make-up. Win-win! So what should your autumn skincare line-up look like?
Face up to autumn
After weeks of heat and sun exposure, your skin may be suffering from a summer hangover. Put simply, it’ll probably be a bit parched and in need of a helping hand ready for the autumn weather.
Your foaming cleanser may have done wonders for freshening up your complexion over the summer months, but now the cooler weather’s here it’s time to take the cream cleanser back off the subs bench.
“Switching your foaming face wash for a nourishing balm or cream cleanser will remove your make-up whilst deeply cleansing, giving your skin the comfort and nourishment it needs rather than stripping it,” Rebecca and Clare recommend.
Scrub up
Trans-seasonal skin can often become dry, flaky and generally bad tempered. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to get back in your skin’s good books and keep dull skin at bay.
Pick formulas that pack a punch
We all love a super-light moisturiser for the warmer months, but now autumn’s arrived it’s time to leave the lightweight creams in the cupboard and bring out the big guns. “Balms, oils and creams are perfect for keeping dry skin happy,” say Rebecca and Clare. First step, switch up your moisturiser to a thicker version once the temperature drops.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your skincare regime – just a few clever additions could do the trick. Hunt down skincare super-ingredients like vitamin C for brightening dull-looking skin and hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration hit.
When it comes to vitamin C in skincare, the juice really is worth the squeeze. But don’t just take our word for it, find out more about the fruitiest skincare ingredient in town here.
Hyaluronic acid is a true hydration hero, making it a perfect addition to your autumn skincare line-up. It can be found in masks, mists and creams, but our favourite way to use it is in serum form.
Make sure your autumn skincare goes the distance - finish off your skincare routine with an oil to help lock in all that lovely moisture.
Top tips for face, hands & lips
Just because the sun isn’t beating down daily doesn’t mean you can slack on the sun protection. You should be applying sun cream every day as part of your skincare regime, even in autumn and winter. Apply it as the very last step in your skincare routine then pop your make-up on top.
Speaking of summer skin, don’t forget there are plenty of ways to keep hold of your summer glow long after those balmy days have faded away. Read our feature on how to keep that post-holiday glow for all the top tips.
Parched hands and lips need a little looking after too. Dry, cracked lips are never a good look, so protect your pout with a rich lip balm – throw one in your handbag for easy on-the-go reapplication whenever you need it. While you’re at it, chuck in a super-moisturising hand cream to help keep mitts looking and feeling tip-top too.
So, if your skin’s suffering post-summer or you’re worried about cold weather taking its toll (or both), our top tips can help your skin survive the transition from summer to autumn. Next, get set for the cold snap with our winter skincare tips.
