We witness our skin changes all the time – and it’s often a reaction to our environment. As the weather (and the leaves!) change with the arrival of autumn, some aspects of our skincare should too. 

 During the warmer spring and summer months, we tend to simplify our routines. Besides our trusty SPF – which is essential in every season – we often opt for lighter layers of both skincare products and makeup. In its turn, colder weather can lead us to the other side of the spectrum. Dryness and consequent flakiness are common challenges a lot of us face as we transition into the colder seasons.

Small changes to our skincare routines can help us keep healthy complexions as autumn arrives!

Here are some of my favourite recommendations:  

 Cleanse!

 Funnily enough, during autumn, some people might become less strict about cleansing. Some cleansers may strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in an unpleasant, tight feeling in the face. Ultimately, this can further skin that is already dry and flaky. 

 In reality, you should always consistently clean your face, keeping it rid of any excess oil or built-up dirt. Your cleanser should suit your skin type, and it may help if it is also hydrating – especially if you find yourself dealing with the issue I discussed above.

Having a clean slate for your other skincare products will only lead to better results, too!

 Use Retinol

 While retinol can be used during the summer, UV rays can cause increased skin sensitivity. If this is something that has kept you from trying out the product before, the gloomier autumn months are the perfect chance to give retinol a go. It can help with cell turnover, which is great if your skin is trying to recover from the damage caused by the cold. 

 Of course, being gentle with your skin is essential, as is following all of the right steps to introducing this new product into your routine! Read more about the benefits of retinol here.

 Try oils and hydrating masks

 Autumn is all about proper hydration! Your skin is experiencing a significant shift from what it has gotten used to in the past few months, and you might see that manifest in how it behaves. 

 More “intense” ways to hydrate, such as oils, masks, and thicker overnight moisturizers, can provide your skin with the hydration it craves. Allowing these products to soak into your face overnight will have your skin supple and hydrated in the morning – a much better alternative to tight and cracked!

Chemical Exfoliants / Peels 

If you are dealing with flaky skin and want to exfoliate, chemical exfoliants are the way to go. While this is often the better alternative year-round, it is especially true during autumn and winter, when your skin is at a more vulnerable place.

Despite their intimidating name, chemical exfoliants are far less likely to cause damage to your skin, as there is no aggressive rubbing directly onto your face.

You don’t have to wait until you are actually dealing with these issues, either! Your skin will thank you for being proactive and preparing for the seasonal change.