AS the season changes and we move into cooler, crisper weather, it’s not just time to update your wardrobe.
Experts say your skincare routine also needs an overhaul.
Experts say you must change up your routine in autumn
Lower humidity, fluctuating temperatures and reduced sun exposure can all affect your skin differently than in summer.
And beauty pros say one of the greatest mistakes you can make is sticking to the same products year-round, as skincare habits should shift with the weather.
Experts at Fresha , the go-to booking platform for beauty and wellness, have reveal their essential tips for maintaining healthy, glowing skin this autumn and the errors most commonly made.
MISTAKE 1 – STOPPING SPF
Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean you can skip SPF.
Even in autumn and winter, UV rays penetrate clouds and could contribute to premature aging and long-term skin damage.
The experts say: “A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with at least a 4-star UVA rating is the correct choice, but the part that many get wrong is the application.
“The average adult needs at least two tablespoons for their whole body, a penny-sized dollop to the face alone.
“You need it on cloudy days and during quick errands outdoors as well. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re sweating, or towel-drying.”
Experts also suggest pairing your SPF with antioxidant-rich serums in the morning to neutralise environmental stress throughout the day.
MISTAKE 2 – APPLYING SAME OLD MOISTURISER
The air in autumn is typically drier than in summer and your skin can react to sudden changes in temperature, whether you’re turning up the heating indoors, flying long-haul or heading somewhere hotter on holiday.
Cold air, low humidity and recycled indoor air can all strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, tightness or even eczema flare-ups.
The skincare pros say: “This is when lightweight summer lotions won’t cut it. Switch to thicker, ceramide-rich creams that help rebuild the skin barrier and apply hyaluronic acid or glycerine on damp skin to lock in hydration.
“For lips and hands look for occlusive balms with shea butter or lanolin to seal in moisture.”
MISTAKE 3 – SWITCHING SKINCARE OVERNIGHT
As the season shifts, so should your skincare.
However, rather than making sudden changes and switching your routine overnight, easing into new products over two weeks will help your skin adapt to them more easily, especially if you’re introducing retinol or exfoliating acids.
The Fresha experts say: “As part of this gradual adjustment, incorporating a gentle exfoliant (such as lactic acid or mandelic acid under 10 per cent or a soft physical scrub with smooth, rounded particles) once or twice a week can help get rid of dry, dull skin in winter or clear up clogged pores as the weather warms up in spring.
But be careful, as exfoliating too often can irritate your skin and do more harm than good.
ALL YEAR SKINCARE
WHILE your product line-up should shift slightly with the seasons, certain habits should remain throughout the year, the experts say.
Daily cleansing, moisturising and sun protection are non-negotiables.
Lifestyle factors like travel, stress, heating and not getting enough sleep can negatively impact skin health.
For example, the lack of fresh air in an airplane cabin can dehydrate the skin and cause post-flight dryness.
Hydrating face masks containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerine can aid recovery and prevent symptoms such as tightness, flakiness, dullness, or increased sensitivity.
These ingredients draw moisture into the skin and help retain water, as well as soothe irritation and reduce redness.
