Where did summer go? Just as we were getting used to bare legs, open windows and late sunsets, it’s over for another year. Luckily, saying goodbye to summer is made much easier by indulging in our favourite autumn rituals. It’s time to embrace the cosy season with knitted throws, pumpkin spice candles, warm drinks and some nourishing autumn skincare.
While we’re preparing for a wholesome seasonal transition, it’s important to do the same for our skin. The change from summer sun to autumn chill can affect the skin in many ways. Temperatures drop, central heating cranks up and your complexion faces a whole new set of environmental stressors that can lead to dehydration, dullness, flaking and sensitivity. It’s important that we adapt our skincare rituals to reflect these new conditions, rather than simply carry on with summer habits.
At Ella & Jo, we see this annual transition as a moment of reflection and renewal rather than a chore. A few simple switches or additions to your skincare routine for autumn will transform your complexion – think hydrating skincare for dry skin, packed with barrier-repairing ingredients that keep your skin calm and deeply nourished.
In this Skinschool blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to choosing the right autumn skincare products, ensuring your skin stays nourished and radiant all season long. You’ll also find expert-approved Skinschool tips to keep your skin glowing throughout autumn.
Why Your Skin Needs Special Care During Autumn
As the weather cools, the environment changes, giving your skin a new set of challenges to overcome:
Lower humidity
Dry autumn air holds less moisture, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss. This can lead to a dehydrated, tight and dry complexion if your skincare routine isn’t adjusted.
Less sebum
Sebaceous glands naturally produce less oil when it’s cold. While this may sound ideal for oily skin types, reduced sebum can disrupt the skin barrier, leaving it prone to irritation, redness and sensitivity.
Dry central heating
As your radiators clank into action, they pull moisture from indoor air and create a dry environment for your skin. This dry, warm air can damage the lipid barrier, making skin more prone to redness, itchiness and flare-ups of conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Slower skin cell turnover
Cooler weather can slow your circulation, and in turn, your skin cell turnover. You may notice your skin losing its radiance, as dead cells linger on the surface, leading to dullness and uneven texture.
So autumn is a time of transition – both for your skin and your wardrobe. As you select your cashmere sweaters and jackets, you should also pick up some key products to create an enhanced fall skincare routine. With the right autumn skincare, you can maintain your summer radiance right through to the festive season.
Step-by-Step Autumn Skincare Routine
Ready to switch up your skincare? Here’s a simple guide to building a tailor-made skincare ritual that will nourish your complexion as the seasons change.
Step 1 – Start with a Cleansing Balm
Every fall skincare routine should start with a gentle cleanser, and you might find that your summer favourite isn’t nourishing enough now that autumn is here. Foam-based formulas with surfactants can be too drying for colder weather, so we recommend switching to a rich, oil-based balm.
Melt The Day Away is the perfect cleansing balm for autumn; the luxurious formula transforms into a silky oil on the skin, removing all traces of makeup and debris to leave your skin fresh, radiant and hydrated, never stripped.
Step 2 – Prep Skin with a Skin Mist
Adding a hydrating skin mist into your routine is a quick and easy way to give your complexion an extra boost of moisture. Look out for formulas that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or glycerin, which draw water into the skin to help maintain hydration levels throughout the day.
Try spritzing Hydrate & Plump Skin Mist in between skincare steps to layer in moisture, restore balance and prep skin for subsequent products. It’s also perfect for misting over makeup whenever you need a refreshing burst of hydration.
Step 3 – Apply Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum
Next, apply a hydrating hyaluronic serum for dry skin. This lightweight layer is one of our best seasonal skincare tips for locking in moisture without leaving your skin feeling heavy or greasy.
Our Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum is packed with hyaluronic acid and supercharged with vitamin B3 and Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex to help support skin repair and plump the skin. Add it into your morning and evening rituals to see and feel the difference.
Step 4 – Sculpt with a Face Roller & Gua Sha
Facial massage is a great idea all year round, but especially in autumn when cooler weather can slow down your circulation, leaving the skin dull and uneven. There are so many face roller benefits; not only will you see an instant reduction in puffiness, but over time your skin will look plump, lifted and radiant.
How do you use gua sha for glowing skin? With just a gua sha tool and a light facial oil, use gentle outward strokes from the centre of the face for a soothing lymphatic drainage massage. This technique highlights the key benefits of gua sha for healthy, glowing skin.
Step 5 – Protect with Invisible SPF Mist - SPF 30
Yes, this skincare step is still essential, even on gloomy autumnal days. UVA rays are present all year round and can penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term skin damage such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. For full anti-ageing protection, sunscreen is a daily essential throughout autumn and beyond.
Try an SPF mist for cooler months; it’s easy to apply, lightweight and leaves skin with a bare-faced feeling. Our Invisible SPF Mist – SPF 30 provides advanced protection and absorbs instantly without leaving a white cast. Spritz on your skin before or after makeup as a final step in your autumn skincare ritual.
Key Ingredients to Focus on During Fall
Lightweight, comfortable hydration is what we all want in autumn, and there are a few key ingredients that can deliver this. When you’re shopping for your trantrans seasonal products, look out for these hydration heroes on the INCI list:
Hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring molecule acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water. It draws moisture from the environment or deep layers of skin to keep the surface hydrated. Soothing and non-irritating, this super ingredient is perfect for all skin types and helps keep skin soft, smooth and plump, while supporting firmness and elasticity.
Ceramides: These natural lipids make up over 50% of your skin’s composition and play a key role in holding skin together to create a protective barrier. Cold weather and indoor heating can strip skin of its natural ceramides, leaving it dry and irritated. That’s why using ceramide-rich products is especially important during autumn. Look out for this ingredient in moisturisers to help keep your skin soft and prevent moisture loss.
Occlusives: The term “occlusives” refers to waxy or oily ingredients that sit on top of the skin to lock in moisture – think thick natural butters like shea and cocoa, or rich oils like jojoba, coconut and squalane. While they don’t add moisture themselves, they’re fabulous at sealing in hydration, especially when layered over humectants like hyaluronic acid and emollients like ceramides.
FAQs – Autumn Skincare Routine Questions Answered
Do I need to change everything in my routine?
No, not at all. With a few clever switches or a couple of additional products, you can enhance your current ritual so it’s just as effective for autumn. Just remember, hydration is key at this time of year.
Can I use oils with hyaluronic serum?
Yes, oils and hyaluronic acid can work very well together when applied in the correct order: hyaluronic serum first to deliver hydration, then oil to seal in moisture and add extra nourishment.
Why is my skin suddenly more sensitive?
The combination of dry air, cooler temperatures and indoor heating can weaken your skin barrier, leaving it irritated and sensitive. This can be resolved by adding more hydration to your skincare ritual.
Should I still wear SPF in autumn?
Yes, you should wear sunscreen all year round! UVA rays can pass through cloudy skies and cause skin damage. For maximum anti-ageing benefits, wear a lightweight SPF mist daily to protect against fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
How do I layer skincare in cooler months?
As a general rule, start with the most lightweight formula first – this is usually a skin mist or lightweight serum. Add moisturiser on top and finish with a few drops of oil to lock in hydration.
Are facial tools like gua sha or face rollers useful in autumn?
Yes, facial massage promotes lymphatic drainage and will help to depuff, sculpt and boost circulation. This is especially beneficial in autumn when cooler temperatures can slow down blood flow near the skin’s surface.
Ready to embrace autumn? Now you’re all set for the season ahead.
Shop all your autumn skincare essentials right here at Ella & Jo and get ready to glow as the leaves begin to fall.
