Hey there, skincare enthusiasts! It's time to dive into the world of autumn skincare routines and discover some expert tips that will have your skin glowing all season long.
The Skincare Surge: Unlocking the Secrets of Autumn Skin Care
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it's no surprise that our skin care routines need a little tweak. But why are so many of us suddenly seeking advice on this front? Well, it's a combination of factors, from the spread of skincare misinformation online (let's not even go there with the SPF toxicity myth!) to the growing awareness of the vast array of skincare ingredients available. And let's not forget the impact of changing seasons on our skin - it's a common issue that has us all reaching for expert guidance.
So, what should we be using on our skin as we transition into autumn? That's where the beauty experts come in. We've gathered insights from our very own Beauty Collective, who have shared their seasonal skincare swaps and secrets. After all, if the experts are making changes to their routines, it's a sure sign that these adjustments are worth paying attention to.
Milky Textures: The Ultimate Hydration Boost
Vanese Maddix, our resident beauty contributor, swears by milky textures for their hydrating powers. She recommends adding a milky toner to your skincare routine, especially if you have dry skin or need an extra hydration boost. The added moisture from these toners not only prepares your skin for the rest of your skincare products but also creates a perfect, hydrated base for your makeup.
Vanese's go-to milky toner is The Ordinary's 'Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner', which has been a staple in her routine for over a year. However, with the change in weather, she's found a new favorite in Bubble's 'Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner'. This product, discovered while judging a beauty awards panel, offers a thicker, more hydrating formula without feeling heavy or greasy. It's the perfect companion for autumn weather, providing that extra layer of moisture our skin craves during the colder months.
Retinal: The Autumn Skin Care Superhero
Glynis Barber, our wellness columnist, considers autumn the season for retinal. She explains how she removes retinal from her summer routine due to its sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to sun damage and pigmentation. However, as the days get shorter and colder, she reintroduces retinal into her skincare regimen. In her opinion, it's one of the most effective products for aging skin, boosting cell turnover, collagen production, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Glynis's choice of retinal is DoSe's 'Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum', which she finds non-irritating and perfect for her skin. She highlights the new generation of retinoids, which are more tolerable due to the addition of soothing ingredients, making them a great option for those with sensitive skin.
The Perils of Seasonal Skincare Swaps
Cassie Steer, our Contributing Head of Beauty, understands the hesitation to change a winning skincare routine, especially when you've found products that work well for your skin. However, as the seasons change, so do our skin's needs. Cassie shares her experience with perimenopausal skin, which craves extra hydration during autumn. She introduces Weleda's 'Hyaluronic Moisture Serum Booster Drops' to her routine, providing a simple way to boost her existing products with hyaluronic acid, a skin-identical ingredient known for its hydrating properties. For a more targeted treatment, she recommends Hada Labo Tokyo's 'Wrinkle Corrector Eye and Mouth Cream' to tackle specific areas of concern.
Nourishing Cleansers: A Gentle Approach
Melanie Macleod, Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor, shares her experience with Belif's 'Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser', a bouncy gel texture that made removing makeup a breeze during the hot summer months. However, as the weather cools down, she opts for a more indulgent cleansing experience with Nataliya Robinson's Quantum Botanika 'Cleansing Balm'. This lightweight jelly-textured balm, despite being lipid-based, supports the skin's protective barrier and improves hydration, making it the perfect choice for autumn.
Hydration is Key: Moisturizers and Eye Creams
Sidra Imtiaz, another of our beauty contributors, emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially after a summer filled with travel and long flights. Her skin, dry and congested, led her to switch to a more hydrating moisturizer, particularly around the eye area. She swears by Bioderma's 'Atoderm Eye Cream', which she uses on her entire face and even dry patches on her body. Sidra plans to book a Deep Glow facial at Sarah Chapman to tackle congestion and restore her skin's health, ensuring a breakout-free winter.
Ceramides: The Autumn Skin Care Superfood
Ateh Jewel, our beauty contributor, embraces the cooler weather and the opportunity to switch up her skincare routine. She pumps up her moisturizer game with Neal's Yard Remedies' 'Oat and Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream', a vegan, fragrance-free product that leaves her skin feeling cushioned and soft. This cream is packed with ceramides, organic oat extract, and magnesium, strengthening the skin's natural defenses and providing intense nourishment.
Hydrating SPF: Protection with a Dewy Finish
Donna, our beauty enthusiast, shares her experience living in sunny Florida and the importance of SPF all year round. During the summer, she relied on Beauty Pie's 'Traceless UVA/UVB SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen + Primer', which provided excellent protection without feeling greasy in the humidity. However, as the weather cools down, she switches to Elemis' 'Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30', offering a richer, more hydrating formula without the heaviness. This cream gives her skin a healthy, dewy finish while still providing daily protection.
There you have it! These expert tips and product recommendations will have your skin looking and feeling its best this autumn. Remember, it's all about listening to your skin and making those seasonal adjustments to keep it happy and healthy. Now, go forth and embrace the cooler weather with glowing, hydrated skin!
