Sustainable Skincare Switches To Make For Autumn, According To Our Beauty Editor

Alice Hartwell

As with our wardrobes, skincare drawers will require a refresher moving into autumn. Different seasons present their own catalogue of unique skin stressors, and as we move through the colder months, a few product switch-ups are necessary to avoid the dryness and sensitivity concerns that become all too commonplace this time of year. One of my favourite skincare-isms is that it’s much easier to prevent a problem than to rectify it, so here are a few fundamental products that I’ll be tailoring my autumn routine around to keep my skin feeling happy and healthy as we shift seasons.

Hydrating Morning Serums

The health girlies always say that a big glass of water is the best way to start the day, well, in autumn, I like to do the same for my face. Layering a hydrating serum into my morning routine helps to nourish and bolster the skin barrier against boosted central heating and drops in temperature. You’ll find your skin a lot glowier and plump day-to-day as a result.

1 Biome One Serum – Cultured Biomecare

2 Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex – Niod

3 B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum – Drunk Elephant

Face Mists

I’m a big fan of face mists throughout the year, but especially in autumn. They are the perfect in-between product for the in-between part of the year. A few spritzes will give you a quick hit of hydration and, when used throughout your routine, keep your face hydrated and better able to absorb product.

1 Aloe Vera Hydrating Mist – Jurlique

2 Rain: Antioxidant & Hydrating Face Mist – NINI Organics

3 Century Flower Barrier Defence Mist – Pai Skincare

Gentle Retinol Products

For those who have avoided vitamin A over summer (because sun) or are new to, and perhaps slightly scared of, the ingredient – now is the time to introduce retinol into your life, but gently. I’m a big fan of vitamin A, because it essentially does all the jobs of other active ingredients rolled into one. It’s a great post-summer addition as it can tackle built-up sun damage and hyperpigmentation in a solo product.

To avoid irritation, add it into your routine slowly and at a low percentage to build up tolerance. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might want to try a less irritating oil formulation or cushioning with a hydrating moisturiser.

1 Super-R Retinoid Capsules – Oskia

2 Luna Sleeping Night Oil – Sunday Riley

3 Retinol Body Treatment – Paula’s Choice

Nourishing Cleansing Balms

Cleansing can become an area of concern as the weather gets colder, especially for those with particularly dry or sensitive skin. Now is the time to invest in a supportive cleansing balm that will effectively cleanse, but also hydrate and soothe, without stripping excess moisture. Cleansing milks and oils will also work a treat in this regard.

1 Living Cleansing Balm – Then I Met You

2 Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter – The Body Shop

3 Green Clean Balm – Farmacy

Thirst-Quenching Facial Oils

A product I like to add to my autumn skincare routine, which I typically keep absent over summer, is a face oil. It acts like another layer of protection and hydration, supporting my skin barrier while also giving me the excuse for a quick evening face massage.