I'm a Skincare Expert—These Are the Product Swaps I Always Recommend Making Ahead of Autumn

Everyone's favourite season is fast approaching and while it's serving as an unwelcome reminder of just how fast this year is going, there's some good news. It's time for autumn skincare (cue applause), and no this isn't a ploy to get you to spend more money on your face...

I've always swapped out my skincare whenever the seasons begin to change. In the summer, my skin leans oilier and so I turn to lighter moisturisers and cleansers that I know will prove effective when it comes to removing oil, sweat, and sunscreen from my skin. In the winter, my skin is much more prone to dryness and dehydration so requires thicker creams, gentle cleansers, and tactical layering of hydrating products to support my skin barrier.

autumn skincare routine

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

It's not just a personal preference either—as an esthetician, I always remind my clients that the environment is one of the biggest factors impacting their skin. Taking a seasonal approach to your skincare routine is the best way to keep your skin balanced, healthy, and happy all year round.

Now don't worry, this doesn't mean you need a totally new skincare routine four times a year, but a few select swaps as the season changes can make all the difference. Keep on reading for the best products to add to your autumn skincare routine.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO SWAP IN FOR AUTUMN:

1. Nourishing Cleansers

A gel cleanser in the summer gave us the refreshing wash and deep cleanse that our skin needed. But, as we shift seasons, it's time to put the foaming cleansers to the side and opt for something richer. Thick cream cleansers, oils, and balms will still make light work of makeup removal, but will melt away impurities (no scrubbing required) so skin feels soothed and nourished after cleansing.

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2. Gentle Exfoliation

Speaking of exfoliation, you're going to want to incorporate some gentle exfoliation into your routine on a regular basis. For most people, a once-weekly exfoliation will suffice in removing stubborn build up, smoothing rough texture, and brightening uneven skin tone, without stripping the skin barrier.

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3. Serum Upgrades

Serums are potent blends of active ingredinets designed to target your specific skin concerns. When choosing one, consider what your main skincare goal is. Need a boost in the glow department? Look for brightening ingredients. Same goes for if you've noticed more pigmentation after a few months in the sun, look out for a serum that will target that. Or if you know your skin always becomes more dry and sensitive in the colder months, reach for something to support your skin barrier.

Only you (and if you see a dermatologist or aesthetician) know your skin best, so always use serums that work with your individual skin's needs, rather than Wholesale Replica Bag buzzy ingredient.

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4. Thick Moisturisers

As autumn weather can take its toll, repairing the skin's barrier is the name of the game. Switching your moisturisers from light gels to thicker creams will give your skin the chance to repair and restore post-summer, but will also work with the cold weather symptoms of irritation and dryness too.

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5. SPF

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you should be setting aside your sunscreen. UV rays are present even on cloudy days so while you may not see or feel the effects of them, they're still causing inflammation and cell damage. Whether you opt for a gel, cream, or serum solution, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all. Apply it liberally and remember to top up.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.