Blog

As the weather turns cooler, your skincare routine for autumn needs a seasonal shift. Autumn skincare brings its own skincare challenges with fluctuating temperatures and cold, bitter winds, all of which can leave your skin looking dull, dry and irritated if you’re not prepared. In this guide, our award-winning aesthetics and skincare expert, Amish Patel, BEM, shares his expert-approved autumn skin prep, from in-clinic treatments to easy DIY remedies you can do at home.

Why You Need to Transition Your Skincare for Autumn

Just like you switch your wardrobe from summer to autumn, so, your autumn skincare routine also needs different attention. In the autumn months, the air not only becomes cooler and drier, but this combination with indoor heating can further strip moisture from the skin and cause issues. This can lead to:

• Dehydrated, flaky skin
• Increased sensitivity and redness
• Blemish outbreaks

My Expert Tip: Start transitioning your skincare in early autumn to prevent damage before it becomes visually apparent. You can’t see the early signs of inflammation deep in the dermis layer, so start now so that you can be proactive in your skincare routine, rather than reactive.

Hydration Is Key: Moisturising for Fall Skin

Swap out lightweight summer lotions for richer, more hydrating creams to support skin moisture and help with skin barrier repair. Look for ingredients like:

• The best hydrating creams include hyaluronic acid to attract moisture
• Ceramides will strengthen the skin barrier
• Glycerin and squalane offer deep hydration

My Pro Tip: Apply your lightweight serum first onto slightly damp, warm skin to lock in hydration more effectively, then follow with your moisturising cream.

Exfoliate (but Gently)

If your skin starts to become dry and flaky, it’s tempting to over-exfoliate in an attempt to remove it, but this will only exacerbate the condition. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, helping your other products absorb more effectively into the skin. Follow these autumn skincare rules on exfoliating;

• Use PHA or lactic acid instead of strong AHAs or scrubs
• Limit your exfoliation to 1–2 times per week
• Avoid over-exfoliating sensitive skin. Stop if you notice any redness or sensitivity.

My DIY Tip: Mix plain Greek yoghurt with a teaspoon of honey for a natural and mild enzyme exfoliant at home.

Professional Treatments to Boost Your Autumn Glow

Autumn is the perfect time to book professional treatments, such as chemical peels and other invasive skin rejuvenation treatments that we wouldn’t generally recommend during the summer months due to increased skin sun sensitivity:

• Skincare treatments , including Chemical peels, to fade sun damage and boost cell turnover.
• PRP facials can be undertaken all year round, but are especially effective for preparing the skin for the harsher winter months ahead.
• Dermal fillers, again, are non-seasonal and are superb for plumping and hydrating the skin, while encouraging further collagen stimulation to restore lost volume.
• Autumn is generally considered the better time for laser skin treatments compared to summer. Reduced sun exposure in the autumn minimises the risk of hyperpigmentation and other sun-related complications after treatment.
• Autumn can be an ideal time for anti-wrinkle treatments for several reasons; With less sun exposure and more comfortable temperatures, the cooler weather can help manage any potential swelling or irritation from the injections.

My Pro-Tip: Always consult a medical professional to help you navigate the right treatment for your skin type. Book a consultation with me HERE.

DIY At-Home Skincare for Autumn

Alongside your home beauty skincare, a combination of home beauty tech and natural autumn skincare is essential for actively improving your skin as the seasons change.

Here are my easy ‘at-home’ beauty remedies which keep your skin glowing:

Hydrating Oatmeal & Honey Mask

• Mix 2 tbsp oats, 1 tbsp honey, and a splash of milk
• Apply for 10–15 minutes and rinse with warm water
• Great for soothing irritated, dry skin

Avocado & Yoghurt Nourishing Mask

• Mash ½ avocado and mix with 2 tbsp plain yoghurt
• Rich in fats and probiotics to repair and moisturise

Bonus Tip: Add a drop of vitamin E oil or rosehip oil for extra nourishment.

DIY At-Home Skin Treatments for Autumn

Microneedling

I’m a huge fan of home microneedling for boosting your skincare results and improving skin tone and texture. Microneedling is a non-seasonal treatment, but due to the risk of increased sun sensitivity, it’s the perfect treatment for autumn.

My Expert Tip: Use professional skincare in conjunction with microneedling to maximise the full benefits of this treatment.

Micro-Current Technology

Plump up your skin by investing in some micro-current technology. Not all microcurrent technology is the same, so do your research and use it daily for best results.

My Pro Tip: Consider the NuSkin ageLOC Boost System, an award-winning beauty device system that delivers brighter, plumper, and firmer skin in just 2 minutes a day. This system combines the Variable Pulse Microcurrent Technology of the ageLOC Boost device with the potent ingredients of its Activating Serum to bring out your skin’s brilliant best, leaving it visibly brighter, plumper, and bouncier, illuminating your complexion with a youthful radiance and even tone – all in just two minutes, once per day!

Don’t Ditch the SPF

The arrival of cooler weather doesn’t mean that skin-damaging UV rays disappear. Your skin is still receiving UV exposure, and it continues to contribute to premature ageing and pigmentation. Here are my tips on autumn sun protection;

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. I recommend applying factor SPF 50 all year round.
• Apply your SPF even on cloudy days
• Choose a formula with added antioxidants for extra protection

Switch Up Your Skincare Ingredients

I recommend incorporating retinol into most of my clients’ skincare routines. However, in the summer months, it can create sun-sensitive skin, increasing the risk of sunburn and sun damage due to increased sun exposure. So, I always recommend diligence in the summer, and for some clients, this means decreasing their strength during the summer months. If you haven’t been using retinol, then the cooler months allow your skin to adjust to the retinol with less risk of sun-related complications.

Other ingredients I recommend for autumn include:

• Hyaluronic Acid – for ultra-hydration to lock in moisture.
• Niacinamide – to control oil production and calm redness.
• Salicylic Acid – To help unclog open pores and reduce inflammation, making it a beneficial skincare ingredient for acne-prone skin.

These combined ingredients help reduce redness, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s protective barrier.

Update Your Routine: Step-by-Step Autumn Skincare

Here’s a generalised autumn skincare routine to help you redesign your autumn beauty regimen with skincare steps in this order..

1. Gentle cleanser (cream or oil-based)
2. Hydrating toner
3. Light exfoliant (1–2x per week)
4. Nourishing serum (vitamin C or hyaluronic acid)
5. Rich moisturiser
6. Broad-spectrum SPF (AM only)
7. Facial oil (optional, PM only for dry skin)

My Pro Tip: Less is more. Avoid layering too many actives, which can overwhelm your skin. Leave at least 60 seconds between each step of the application to allow products to be absorbed into the skin.

Start A Collagen Supplement

Start taking a collagen supplement as part of your skincare routine. I’m a firm believer in collagen supplements, having seen the results in my own skin and clients. However do your research as not all are created equally.

Expert Advice: Read my blog on The Truth About Collagen for Skin: Benefits, Myths, and How to Boost Your Glow, packed full of my advice and tips for finding the best collagen drink for you.

FAQ: Autumn Skincare Questions Answered

Q1: Should I stop using retinol in autumn?

No. However, consider reducing frequency if your skin feels tight or looks dry. Retinol can cause some irritation when paired with cold, dry air. However, by monitoring your skin’s response and teaming with a barrier-repairing moisturiser, autumn is still the optimum time to use this ingredient in your skincare.

Q2: Why is my skin flaking in the fall?

This is often due to dehydration and a disrupted skin barrier. Apply your hydrating serum before your moisturiser. Avoid steamy environments, hot showers, and washing your face with hot water. Always wash your face with lukewarm water, never hot water.

Q3: Can I still use vitamin C in autumn?

Absolutely. Vitamin C helps brighten dull skin, protects against free radicals, and helps to fade pigmentation from summer sun exposure.

Q4: Why does my skin get drier in autumn?

As temperatures drop and humidity decreases, the air pulls moisture from your skin. Indoor heating also strips natural oils, leading to dryness, tightness, and flaking. Switching to richer moisturisers and incorporating hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps combat this seasonal change.

Q5: Do I still need sunscreen in the fall?

Yes! As mentioned earlier in this article, UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days. SPF protects your skin from premature ageing, sunspots, and UV damage, which continue to accumulate in autumn. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily as the final step in your morning skincare routine.

Q6: Should I change my cleanser in autumn?

It’s a good idea. If you use a gel or foaming cleanser in summer, switch to a cream or oil-based cleanser in autumn. These formulas help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent post-cleanse tightness or irritation.

Q7: How often should I exfoliate in the fall?

Limit exfoliation to a maximum of 1–2 times per week in autumn. Dry, sensitive skin is more prone to over-exfoliation. Choose more gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or PHA, and avoid harsh scrubs that can cause microtears or inflammation.

Q8: What’s the best moisturiser for autumn skin?

Look for thicker, nourishing creams that contain ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, or squalane. These super hydrating ingredients help lock in the moisture and go to work to help to repair your skin barrier. If your skin is dehydrated, consider adding a facial oil or using an occlusive at night to help replenish moisture.

Q9: Can I still use retinol in cooler months?

Absolutely, but go slow. Retinol can cause dryness and flaking, which is often worsened in autumn. Start with a lower concentration, apply only a few nights a week (as directed by your skincare expert) and follow with a rich moisturiser to minimise any irritation. Avoid using it with strong exfoliants on the same night.

Q10: Are there professional treatments recommended for autumn?

Yes. Autumn is the perfect time to consider chemical peels, microneedling, and other resurfacing treatments, because the sun exposure is lower. These treatments can all help to reverse summer sun damage, improve skin texture, and prep your skin for the long winter months ahead. Always consult your medical professional for tailored skincare advice.

Prep Now for Glowing Autumn Skin

Transitioning your skincare routine is essential to combat the effects of seasonal change. With the right balance of hydration, protection, and gentle exfoliation, you can enjoy smooth, radiant skin all autumn long, whether you’re heading to our award-winning aesthetics clinic in Kent for treatments or combining with DIY treatments at home. And don’t forget to include plenty of superfoods in your diet to boost your skincare results from inside, out.

Interested in Microneedling: Everything You Need To Know