Now that Summer has well and truly vanished and Autumn is in full swing, our skin begins to feel the shift in the air. The warm, humid summer days that left our skin feeling dewy have now given way to cooler, drier winds that can make it feel parched and dull. With this seasonal change, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to ensure your skin stays healthy, radiant, and nourished. What better way to do so than by using natural skincare and embracing ingredients that are in tune with the earth?
Here's a guide to transitioning from your summer skincare routine to an autumn-friendly routine, focusing on natural ingredients that protect, restore, and rejuvenate your skin.
Hydration is Key: Moisturise with Rich, Natural Oils
Summer often calls for lighter moisturisers as the heat and humidity allow our skin to retain moisture more easily. However, autumn brings drier air that strips moisture from the skin, making it crucial to switch to richer, more hydrating creams or oils.
Natural oils like jojoba, argan, and rosehip are perfect for this seasonal transition. These oils mimic the skin’s natural sebum, making them excellent choices to deeply moisturise without clogging pores. Jojoba oil, in particular, is great because it balances the skin’s oil production, while rosehip oil is packed with vitamins A and C, which help in cell regeneration and skin healing.
Pro Tip: Look for a moisturiser or face oil that combines these oils with other nourishing botanicals like aloe vera or shea butter for an extra hydration boost.
Gentle Cleansing: Keep It Mild and Nourishing
During summer, gel cleansers or foaming washes are great for removing excess oil and sweat. But come autumn, the air’s dryness can leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. Transition to a creamy, hydrating cleanser that gently removes impurities while nourishing the skin’s moisture barrier.
Oat milk, chamomile, and calundula are soothing, natural ingredients to look for in a cleanser. They are calming and can help reduce redness and irritation
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating oil cleansing into your nighttime routine, using a natural oil like almond oil or grapeseed oil to melt away impurities while nourishing your skin.
Exfoliate Mindfully with Natural Enzymes
In summer, you may have exfoliated more frequently to combat oily skin and clogged pores. As we move into autumn, it’s important to exfoliate, but not as aggressively. Over-exfoliating during this season can disrupt your skin’s barrier and cause irritation.
Switch to gentle, natural exfoliants like fruit enzymes from papaya or pineapple. These enzymes help to dissolve dead skin cells without the harshness of physical exfoliants.
Pro Tip: Exfoliate only once or twice a week to allow your skin time to repair and maintain its natural moisture levels.
Nourish with Antioxidants: Protect Against Environmental Stress
The cooler months can expose your skin to free radicals from pollution and environmental stressors, leading to dullness and premature aging. This is the perfect time to load up on natural antioxidants to protect your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Ingredients like green tea extract, vitamin E, and pomegranate seed oil are rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Rosehip oil, mentioned earlier, is also packed with vitamin C, which can brighten the skin and help repair damage caused by sun exposure during summer.
Pro Tip: Incorporate a natural antioxidant serum into your daily routine, applying it before your moisturiser to give your skin an extra layer of protection.
Face Masks: Replenish and Rejuvenate with Nature’s Best
As the weather cools, adding a nourishing face mask to your weekly routine can do wonders for your skin. Look for masks that are rich in hydrating and soothing ingredients like avocado, oats, cucumber and aloe vera. These ingredients help replenish moisture, calm inflammation, and give your skin a smooth, glowing appearance.
A DIY avocado mask made from mashed avocado and a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil is an easy, effective way to deeply nourish dry, dull skin. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, while the natural oils will add moisture and soften and smooth the skin. Apply the mixture evenly to clean slin, avoiding the eyes and leave on for around 15 mins to allow the ingredients to soak in. Rise off with warm water and gently pat dry.
Pro Tip: Apply your hydrating mask after exfoliating to maximize absorption and effectiveness.
Don’t Forget SPF
Even though summer is over, UV rays are still present, and protecting your skin from sun damage is essential all year round. Continue using a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide a physical barrier without harmful chemicals. Many natural sunscreens also contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, making them perfect for autumn.
Support from Within: Nourish Your Skin with Autumn Produce
Finally, don’t forget that what you eat also affects your skin. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal produce rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are packed with vitamins A and C, which support skin health and promote a radiant complexion. Nuts and seeds, like walnuts and flaxseeds, are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Embrace the Change with Nature's Power
Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to autumn doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on natural, nourishing ingredients, you can protect your skin against the season’s challenges while keeping it healthy and glowing. As the air becomes cooler and drier, make sure you’re hydrating, protecting, and gently exfoliating to maintain a radiant complexion. Nature provides us with everything we need – from rich oils to antioxidant-packed botanicals – to keep our skin balanced, vibrant, and resilient through the changing seasons.
This autumn, let your skincare be as harmonious with nature as the season itself.
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