How to build the perfect Autumn skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin
How to build the perfect Autumn skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin
As the seasons change and we head into autumn, now is the perfect time to focus on our skin health, hydration and rejuvenation. After months of sunshine, heat and increased UV exposure, our skin may need a little extra care. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and central heating can all contribute to dryness, sensitivity and dehydration, while the effects of summer sun exposure can become more noticeable, including pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
In this blog, award-winning Aesthetic Doctor and skin health specialist, Dr Christine Or shares her expert advice on the simple changes you can make to your skincare routine to help restore your skin barrier, boost hydration and prepare your complexion for the colder months ahead.
Why does our skin change in autumn?
Our skin is constantly responding to changes in its environment, which means the transition into autumn can have a noticeable impact on how it looks and feels. As temperatures drop and the air becomes cooler and drier, our skin can lose moisture more easily. Indoor heating can exacerbate this by reducing humidity in the air, while months of summer sun exposure, travel and changes to our usual routines can also leave the skin in need of some extra care.
As a result, many of my patients notice changes such as:
Increased dryness or tightness
Flaky or rough patches
Greater skin sensitivity
A dull or tired-looking complexion
Increased dehydration
Fine lines appearing more noticeable
Changes in pigmentation
Step 1: Start with a gentle cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine, and during the autumn it is important not to strip your skin of its natural oils. I advise my patients to use a gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup, SPF, pollution and daily impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or uncomfortable. One of my favourites is the Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser which gently removes impurities, oil, and makeup to leave skin clean and fresh.
Step 2: Prioritise hydration
One of the most important steps I advise my patients during the colder months is to prioritise hydration. Look for products which contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, to help attract and retain moisture while supporting the skin barrier.
Applying a hydrating serum or moisturiser in the morning after cleansing will help to nourish the skin. One of my favourites is the Alumier MD HydraRich, a luxurious moisturiser formulated to draw moisture into the skin, leaving it nourished and balanced.
If your skin is particularly dry, you may find that switching to a richer moisturiser in the evening is beneficial. I recommend the Obagi Hydrate Luxe, an ultra-rich hydrating formula specifically engineered with key Biomimetic Peptides and Tara Seed Extract that both immediately and over time moisturise skin.
Step 3: Continue using SPF daily
Even during the autumn months, daily sun protection should be one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. UV exposure can contribute to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and collagen breakdown, and UVA rays can pass through clouds and windows.
I recommend choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, such as the Alumier MD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 30, and apply it every morning as the final step in your skincare routine.
Step 4: Consider introducing or restarting retinoids
Autumn can be a good time to introduce a retinoid into your skincare routine, particularly if your concerns include fine lines, uneven texture, pigmentation or breakouts. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can support cell turnover and collagen production, helping improve the appearance of skin texture and tone over time.
However, it is important to have a consultation with an Aesthetic Doctor or skin specialist, especially if you haven't used retinoids before, as they can initially cause dryness, irritation or sensitivity if introduced too quickly. It is important to start gradually and allow your skin time to adjust.
Step 5: Don't forget antioxidants
After the summer months your skin may have been more exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution.
A product containing antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C plays an important role in your morning skincare routine, helping to support the skin against oxidative stress while also contributing to a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Vitamin C is also particularly useful if pigmentation or dullness is one of your post-summer concerns, and I would recommend the Obagi Professional-C 15% Serum which is formulated with L-Ascorbic Acid to help brighten and even skin tone, strengthen skin's antioxidant defences, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 6: Repair and protect your skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining comfortable and resilient skin. If your skin feels tight, irritated, unusually sensitive or flaky, prioritise restoring the barrier rather than adding more active ingredients. I would recommend the Obagi REBALANCE Skin Barrier Recovery Cream, which replenishes moisture, calms irritation and restores balance to help maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier.
Step 7: Consider professional skin treatments
If your skin is showing signs of sun damage, dehydration, pigmentation or loss of firmness, autumn can be a good opportunity to consider whether aesthetic treatments could complement your home skincare routine.
A consultation with an Aesthetic Doctor or skin specialist will provide a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual skin concerns and goals, but they may recommend treatment such as medical-grade skincare, skin boosters such as Profhilo, polynucleotides, or RF microneedling to help rejuvenate the skin and enhance the results of your home skincare routine.
Why choose Dr. Christine Medical Aesthetics?
If you are looking to improve skin hydration, pigmentation, texture or signs of ageing this autumn, book your consultation with Dr Christine Or to help you achieve healthy skin without compromising your natural appearance.
