Autumn skincare swaps to make now

Now is the time to tweak your skincare regime to prep it for the months ahead. Cooler temperatures, central heating, and spending more time indoors all take their toll on skin. By making a few simple product changes, such as phasing out lightweight summer staples for more cosseting formulas, you’ll give your complexion what it needs to stay protected and nourished. The only product exempt from a new-season switch up is SPF, which must be worn year round.

As the thermometer drops, sensitivity and dryness become common skin issues. Switch your cleanser from a foaming or gel texture to a gentler milk or balm version. This might not seem an important step, because cleanser gets washed off, but creamier formulas that don’t strip the skin can make a huge difference to your autumn complexion.

Skin craves hydration in the cooler months, so step up exfoliation in order to get rid of built-up sebum, grime and dead skin cells to help serums and moisturisers to absorb effectively. But be warned, over-exfoliation can cause irritation and flaking, so swap abrasive scrubs for gentler chemical formulas containing fruit enzymes or lactic acid which hydrates as it exfoliates.

If there was ever a time to get serious about serums, autumn is it. Vitamin C is your go-to for post-summer brightening, while hyaluronic acid brings hydration to restore bounce. If you have stressed, scorched skin, try Guerlain’s Bee Lab Shotᵀᴹ, a seven-day intensive treatment combining the power of actives with an intense moisturiser to leave skin fresher and brighter.

Combat dryness by embarking on a hydration crusade, swapping oil-free or gel moisturisers for creams and lotions. Even oilier skin types which may have only needed light serums in summer will benefit from something a touch more nourishing as central heating takes a toll. Lips can take a hammering too, Fenty’s Intensive Recovery Lip Mask will help lock in moisture.