When the seasons change and temperatures start to fall, people often experience a noticeable change in their skin. Depending on your skin type, it can affect your skin in a number of different ways – those who experience dryness might notice it get worse as autumn hits, while those with acne and sensitivity issues might notice more flare ups.
You don’t necessarily need to swap out your whole skincare routine, but you can make a few small tweaks to supplement it with products that will help your specific skin type adapt to the change in climate.
Scroll down for our top tips and product recommendations.
Oily Skin
Use a nourishing cleanser
Although it feels wrong to use an oil-based cleanser on oily skin, it’s one of the best things you can do – especially as winter kicks in. Your skin will naturally become drier in the colder months, a process which can trigger an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to make up for its dryness. To maintain balance and feed your skin with a steady supply of “good” oils, use an oil-based cleansing balm to perform your evening cleanse.
Our fave: Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
Combination Skin
Try probiotic skincare
The main issue for combination skin in the winter is a lack of moisture causing dehydration – this can easily trigger the imbalance to which combo skin is so easily prone. When the skin’s moisture barrier isn’t strong and healthy, essential water is lost – causing dehydration that can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, breakouts, and excess oil production. Look out for probiotic skincare (a rising trend in the beauty world) – probiotics help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and balancing skin to prevent it from leaning either too dry or too oily.
Our fave: Gallinee Prebiotic Face Cream
Acne-prone Skin
Exfoliate with salicylic acid
Treating acne can be tricky in the winter months – just because your skin is breakout prone, doesn’t mean it won’t experience dryness. At the same time, since skin produces more sebum in cold weather (and together dry skin and sebum will clog pores), you might notice an increase in breakouts. Exfoliating with a BHA like salicylic acid will help both to smooth and buff dry, rough skin, and keep pores clear of the congestion that triggers blemishes – without over-drying. Win, win.
Our fave: Revolution Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid
Dry Skin
Increase your use of oils
If you’re prone to dry skin, it’s likely to become even drier in the autumn/winter as a combo of cold weather and central heating wreaks havoc upon your skin. When skin is exposed to such a drastic flux in temperatures it quickly becomes dry and more sensitive. Boost your skin’s natural moisture balance by introducing a facial oil into your routine – a nightly massage with a rich oil blend will help to soothe and nourish stubborn dry and flaky patches.
Our fave: Neighbourhood Botanicals Dream Dream Dream Night Oil
Normal Skin
Add vitamin C to your routine
Even if your skin is balanced and “normal” it will still benefit from a few tweaks and changes when autumn hits. After months of increased sun exposure, any and every skin type will be in need of a little vitamin C TLC. The potent antioxidant helps to protect and regenerate skin that’s been damaged by free radicals (triggered by pollution and increased sun exposure), preventing loose skin, dark spots, and other visible lasting damage. Look for formulas with l-ascorbic acid listed in the ingredients (it’s the most powerful form of vitamin C).
Our fave: Alpha-H Vitamin C Paste
Sensitive Skin
Find products with ceramides
Contrasting temperatures (as you move between icy winds and central heating) can heighten sensitivity in any skin type, so if you’re already prone to irritation and redness, it’s important to be prepared. To prevent flare ups, look for ceramides in your skincare products – they help to strengthen skin and reinforce its moisture barrier, preventing aggressors, pollutants, and bacteria from getting in and causing irritation.
Our fave: Holika Holika Good Cera Super Ceramide Emulsion
