The darker nights are rolling in, we've switched from iced to hot coffees and jacket season has officially hit. Yes, autumn is here and it's inevitable that the drop in temperatures and change in weather will have an effect on our skin.
If you've ever experienced a 'tight' feeling after washing your face, or you notice you're using a lot more moisturiser, then you're not alone. 'Several factors contribute to the way our skin behaves in colder weather, leading to the sensation of dryness and tightness. The combination of colder temperatures outside and the use of convection heating systems indoors, leads to a reduction in air humidity, which has a drying effect on the skin,' says Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist for CeraVe.
He adds that the hot showers we love to take to warm ourselves up can also 'strip away essential oils from the outer layers of the skin. These factors, coupled with the seasonal reduction in sebum production, can lead to a compromised skin barrier with loss of moisture from the skin surface, causing dryness, irritation and a feeling of tightness.'
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Fortunately, there is a way to help shield your skin from the seasonal shift – making just a handful of changes to your daily routine will help to lock in moisture and keep your complexion looking bright, even when the skies are grey. All it takes are a few simple swaps…
Change your cleanser
While a gel or foaming face wash is a refreshing option for the summer months, 'cold weather and winds can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier, so it's a good idea to switch to a more hydrating balm or cream cleanser during the colder month, as these cleansers are less likely to dry out the skin,' says Dr Phillips.
Look for formulas with skin-nourishing ingredients, such as the FaceGym Wonder Cleansing Balm, which effectively removes makeup without drying out the skin and it contains biotech collagen to improve the skin barrier. The lightweight oil formula of the Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser really does melt away SPF and daily grime without leaving an oily residue on skin. And The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter contains shea butter plus, you guessed it, camomile extract to soothe skin and add moisture. It's great for sensitive skin types and removes even the toughest of waterproof mascaras with ease.
Exfoliate less
When your skin is looking dull, it's tempting to turn to acid exfoliators to brighten your complexion. While this is still a great option for boosting glow, Dr Phillips recommends 'reducing the frequency of exfoliation. Over-exfoliating in the winter can lead to dryness and sensitivity, so aim to exfoliate once a week or as needed.'
If you're going to exfoliate once a week at most, then you're going to need it to be effective. So turn to hardworking formulas that offer a gentle (but thorough) exfoliation to ensure that your skin stays bright until spring.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a favourite for a reason – simply swipe the lightweight liquid formula across skin and let the BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and salicylic acid remove dead skin cells, target blemishes and boost hydration. Gatineau Radiance Gommage is designed for sensitive skin – work the balm-like formula, infused with glycolic, lactic, malic and hyaluronic acids, onto dry skin until it turns into an oil and wash off to reveal a noticeably more radiant complexion. And Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Exfoliating Booster is a great option if you're short on time – apply before bed and allow the lactic acid and botanical willow bark extract to slough away dead skin cells while you sleep.
Up the hydration
If you're not already using it, then now is the time to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare regime. This holy grail of hydrators is a moisture magnet – holding on to water to boost the moisture content of your skin
Go-to formulas include Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, which contains just 11 ingredients (making it great for sensitive skin). Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum contains three kinds of hyaluronic acid, plus peptides, for an all-round skin boost and The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a budget-friendly yet highly effective option. Apply to damp skin (a generous spritz of Avène Thermal Spring Water is ideal) to maximise moisture retention.
Level up your moisturiser
'Consider transitioning from a lightweight moisturiser to a heavier, more emollient formula. Look for ingredients like ceramides and essential oils to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.' says Dr Phillips. 'If you have a compromised skin barrier or suffer from skin conditions like eczema, consider using a barrier repair cream – designed to strengthen and repair the skin's protective barrier.'
It might take a minute to get used to heavier formulas – apply sparingly to start with and allow time for the moisturiser to skin into skin before applying makeup on top. TikTok (and fashion week) favourite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, leaving a satin finish to skin to create a hydrated base for makeup. Weleda Skin Food is another makeup artist favourite: the 100% certified natural formula hydrates even the driest, most dehydrated skin. (If the formula is a little too rich, you can always try Weleda Skin Food Light.) And CeraVe Moisturising Cream can be used everywhere from your face to your elbows to moisturise and help to restore your skin's protective barrier from head to toe.
Don't forget the lips
As the weather cools down, we are officially heading into chapped-lip territory. And after all the hard work you've done to keep your skin plump and hydrated, the last thing you want is dry, cracked lips. So, as the last step of your skincare routine, morning and night, make sure to slather on a nourishing lip treatment to prevent dehydration.
The now-cult Peptide Lip Treatment from brand-of-the-moment Rhode contains shea butter to moisturise, plus peptides to visibly plump lips – apply like you would a normal lip balm, or slather on a thick layer and leave on for 10 minutes for a hydration-boosting lip mask. The rich, silky formula of Soho Skin Lip Balm also contains hydrating shea butter, plus jojoba esters to tackle dryness. For an overnight treatment, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask contains a unique berry complex, plus coconut oil, to condition and soften lips while you sleep.
