After a few false starts, it’s now definitely autumn. The weather is turning colder, the leaves are turning orange, and the cosy jumpers are returning to your wardrobe. Autumn is a lot of people’s favourite season, but as the temperature drops and the central heating goes on, your skin might need some help to adjust to the changing season.
With some simple tweaks to your skincare routine, you can help your skin to stay in good condition.
Here are my top autumn skincare tips.
1. Cleanse
A good cleansing technique is the first step to any skincare routine. I’m a fan of double cleansing, which is literally cleansing your skin twice. Think of the first cleanse as removing your make-up, moisturiser, and SPF. The second cleanse is the one that cleans your skin.
Whether you prefer a cleansing oil, cream, or non-foaming facial wash, massage on your cleanser then remove with a face cloth to give your skin a gentle, daily exfoliation to encourage skin cell turnover and show the brighter complexion underneath.
If you’ve not yet tried double cleansing, start here.
2. Exfoliate
Add a separate exfoliating product to your skincare routine two or three times per week. This will get rid of dead skin cells that can make your skin dull and flaky. It’s those dead skin cells that also help to clog your pores and exacerbate acne.
But don’t over-exfoliate. A few times a week is enough. Over-exfoliating can be counterproductive. It will dry out your skin and make your sebaceous glands produce more oil, another pore-clogging component.
3. Hydrate
Regardless of your skin type, keeping your skin hydrated is a must. Even oily and acne-prone skin can succumb to dehydration, especially in Autumn when the weather changes and the central heating goes on.
Autumn is a good time to introduce a facial oil in the evening or even switch to a thicker moisturiser to get your skin well hydrated ahead of winter.
4. Don’t forget the SPF
The summer sunshine might have been replaced with rain clouds, but those UV rays are still there and will still affect your skin. Protecting your skin from the sun is a year-round activity.
If you suffer from acne, look for a sunscreen specifically formulated for your face, and that’s non-comedogenic meaning it’s less likely to block your pores.
5. Eat well
As it gets colder outside, comfort food beckons. Don’t forget to include lots of fruits and vegetables in your meals. Autumn is a good time to roast your vegetables, which brings out their natural sweetness.
Embrace seasonal autumn produce such as parsnips, butternut squash, beetroot and, of course, pumpkins. Take a trip to your local farmer’s market and try some foods you don’t usually pick up in the supermarket. Your gut and skin health will thank you.