As summer turns to autumn, your skin may start to feel tighter, drier or simply unsettled. Cooler air, wind, lower humidity and indoor heating can all make moisture feel harder to hold on to. The simplest autumn skincare routine is usually not a complete reset: cleanse gently, use a nourishing moisturiser consistently, pause anything that feels stripping and add a few drops of facial oil. 3 simple steps for a natural autumn glow!
The change from summer into autumn is different from caring for skin through a summer heatwave. In our summer skin guide, we looked at heat, sunshine and summer routines. This article is about the next shift: cooler mornings, breezier walks, central heating and skin that starts asking for a little more care.
Why does skin change in autumn?
Skin can feel different when the weather changes because it is exposed to a different mix of temperature, wind and indoor air. Cooler outdoor air and central heating can make the environment feel drier, while wind and frequent changes between outside and inside can leave skin feeling tight or uncomfortable.
That does not mean every person needs a completely new routine. It means your skin is giving you useful information. If your usual summer products still leave your face comfortable, there is no need to replace them simply because the calendar has changed. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull or flaky, or reacts to products that were previously fine, make one small change at a time.
What should you switch in your autumn skincare routine?
1. Make cleansing gentler if your skin feels tight
A cleanser that felt comfortable in warm weather may feel different once the air is colder or your skin is drier. If your face feels tight immediately after washing, reduce the amount you use, avoid very hot water and take a closer look at how often you are cleansing.
Love to b’s Face Cleanser | Jojoba & Oat is designed to gently remove make-up and everyday impurities without leaving skin feeling dry. Our guidance is to massage a small amount onto the face and neck, leave the natural goodness to sink in for a few minutes, then remove it with a warm damp cloth.
An autumn skincare routine does not need to begin with a stronger cleanser. In fact, if your skin feels stripped, stronger is usually the wrong direction. The aim is clean, comfortable skin, not a squeaky-clean feeling.
2. Move your moisturiser from an afterthought to the centre of your routine
Moisturiser is the key step for when the seasons change. If your summer routine relied on a very light layer, you may now prefer to apply your face moisturiser more consistently, or use a little more on the areas that feel dry.
Love to b’s Face Moisturiser | Rosehip & Argan Oil is packed with organic oat kernel extract, aloe vera, sunflower oil, argan oil, shea butter, rosehip oil, calendula and vitamin E. We reccomend massaging it onto cleansed face and neck morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a moisturising top-up. Apply it gently rather than rubbing hard at skin that already feels sensitive.
The autumn switch your skin needs may simply be using it more regularly, especially after cleansing and before heading into cold or windy weather.
3. Add an oil-based serum if your skin wants it
Some days, moisturiser might be all your skin needs. On others, particularly as the weather gets colder, you may find yourself craving a little more nourishment. A facial serum can be a useful autumn skincare addition when your skin feels dull and dry.
Love to b’s Face Serum | Rosehip & Argan Oil is an oil-based facial serum containing jojoba oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, vitamin E and sea buckthorn oil. This amazing blend of some of the finest ingredients in nature helps support collagen production, locks in moisture and leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and glowing.
Massage a few drops after cleansing and moisturising, or mix a couple drops into your moisturiser. Start with less rather than assuming more will work better.
One of the most common questions we often come across is:
Should facial oil go before or after moisturiser?
We recommend using your moisturiser first, followed by your face serum. Because our moisturiser is water-based and the serum is oil-based, applying the oil serum first can make it harder for the moisturiser to absorb. We layer hydration first, then finish with the serum.
It's particularly lovely in the evening, when you can take a little more time over your skincare rather than rushing out of the door.
4. Pause harsh exfoliation while skin settles
Autumn is not the time to scrub away every dry patch. If your skin feels tight, sore, flaky or more reactive, put physical scrubs and strong exfoliating products to one side while you simplify your routine.
Skin flakes are not a problem to attack at any cost. They can be a sign that skin needs gentler care and more consistent moisturising. Once your skin feels comfortable again, you can decide whether exfoliation has a useful place in your routine. It is not an essential step, and it should never be painful.
For more on the signs that your skin barrier may be under strain, read our guide to what the skin barrier does and how to support it. For a practical routine, our guide to dry or dehydrated skin takes the same less-is-more approach.
5. Keep suncream in your morning routine
The arrival of autumn doesn’t mean sun protection should disappear from your morning skincare routine. UV rays are present throughout the year, even on cooler, cloudier days, so suncream is still an important final step before heading out.
And remember, your face moisturiser and sunscream have different jobs. Your moisturiser helps keep your skin feeling hydrated and nourished, while sunscreen helps protect it from UV exposure. Make sure to treat them as separate steps for ultimate skin protection.
What should you not change when moving from summer to autumn?
Not every part of your routine needs replacing. Keep any product that your skin uses comfortably, especially if it is doing a useful job and your skin has no signs of irritation.
You do not need to:
- Replace every product at once.
- Add several new active ingredients together.
- Use a heavy product simply because it is autumn.
- Scrub harder because your skin looks flaky.
The best natural skincare routine is not the one with the longest list of products. It is the one that gives your skin what it needs, feels comfortable and is simple enough to follow consistently.
If you’re looking for an easy, dependable routine, our Love to b Face Skincare Starter Set is a lovely place to begin. With three simple steps, it’s an easy introduction to a natural skincare routine that feels manageable, nourishing and kind to your skin.
Already know and love the trio? Our Love to b Large Face Skincare Gift Set is perfect for stocking up on your favourites and keeping your routine going.
Is autumn skincare different for dry or sensitive skin?
It can be. Dry or sensitive-feeling skin may notice changes in temperature, wind, indoor heating and cleansing more quickly, but there is no single autumn routine that suits everyone.
Start with the basics: gentle cleansing, a face moisturiser your skin already tolerates, fewer changes and no harsh exfoliation while your skin feels unsettled.
Your simple summer-to-autumn skincare switch
If you want the short version, use this as your autumn skincare checklist:
- Keep your summer routine if your skin still feels comfortable.
- If cleansing leaves your face tight, use less product, cooler water and a gentler technique.
- Make moisturiser the dependable centre of your morning and evening routine.
- Add a few drops of facial serum to give your skin a little extra nourishment.
- Pause scrubs and strong exfoliants while skin feels dry, sore or reactive.
- Keep using sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Autumn skincare does not need to be a dramatic overhaul. Often, the kindest change is simply to slow the routine down, give your moisturiser a more regular place and listen carefully to what your skin is telling you.
Wishing you a wonderful cozy season ahead!
With love,
Julie xx
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/julieastleyweston